26’s On The Rise

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Class of 2026 is a group of very talented players from West to East and the caliber of players on this class is something we all need to be aware of, and can all appreciate. We are all familiar with hands down 2 of the best players in North Dakota ([player_tooltip player_id='379041' first='Lee' last='Lee Bell'] &amp; [player_tooltip player_id='342164' first='Maggie' last='Fricke']), mainly because as Freshman, both are already veterans of the Varsity scene...we'll touch more on them later. But aside from them, with the training available in North Dakota for player development provided by companies like Inspiried Athletics, Mark Kinnebrew/IPT, Freddy Coleman &amp; Sanford Academy as well as Earnest Bell and his Earnest Elite Academy… much respect and appreciation to them all, the talent that is up and coming even in 2027's &amp; 2028's is exciting to say the least. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> Let's take a look at some players your going to want to keep an eye on. These are what I would consider Stock-Risers &amp; Players to Watch. Ready....let's roll!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='625625' first='Mady' last='Schwind']: Mandan 5'10 F- Schwind is all in all a quality player that is loaded with talent, ready to just bust out and come alive. As a Freshman she saw good minutes for the Mandan Braves and wasn't just a body, she also produced. Defensively she is as strong as they come, and has a good feel for getting into position, fighting for boards...but also has a nice touch for second chance points. In time her footwork will come, along with her mid-range jumpers, but she is off to a great start and will play an important role in the future as experience comes. She has a great drive, is eager to learn from experienced players and comes ready to work nightly.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='379035' first='Ella' last='Speidel']: Grand Forks Red River 5'11 F- Speidel is one of those players who is always improving. Every time you watch her she always seems to be getting better. As a Freshman she appeared in 27 games, averaged 4.5PPG but also shot 46% from the field. Needless to say, she can knock um' down, and rightfully so the confidence is there, but will only grow over time. Much like the others in this article, the sky is the limit and there is no doubt she is going to be a common name in the EDC before long. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='641196' first='Mataya' last='Messer']: St.Mary 5'11 F- Messer flat out impressed me this season. She is "young" in the Varsity scene but she proved how impactful she can be. Her motor doesn't stop, and get court IQ is well beyond her years. She is another one you can tell that has spent plenty of time in the gym or driveway working on her game. At 5'11 she has good speed, footwork and offensively is a sound shooter, but also has a nice floater in the lane. She is aggressive, and is eager to help her team anyway possible. All the skills are there, and with what she will pickup/learn down the road, is nothing short of exciting to think about. She is another fun one to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='245104' first='Haidyn' last='Crockett']: Northern Cass 5'8 G- Crockett is an all-around talented player that packs a ton of great qualities to her game. The definition of a hardworking gritty guard who flat out gets after it, but also understands the game is Haidyn. Offensively she has a great mid-range shot on the catch and shoot, but also can pull up in transition and hit the mark. Defensively she is hard-nosed, likes to pressure but also knows her angles and where to be. Haidyn has all the mechanics and IQ, again she is young and with time she will only get better. Her future is exciting to say the least, and with her skills...she could be a scary player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='517111' first='Laney' last='Will']: Minot 5'4 G- Will is LOADED with talent and has everything to be a big time player for Minot. She saw good minutes as a Freshman and when she was in, she proved she is a deadly shooter (especially from behind the arch) but also from 10-15'. At 5'4 she isn't the biggest on the floor but she makes every minute count, and contributes on both ends of the floor. She has solid handles on the ball, a great shot and can disrupt opposing guards defensively. Her overall play on both ends is solid for a Freshman, I have a good feeling she will be seeing a lot of minutes this coming year, and rightfully so. She is one you will want to keep an eye on, and not leave open....</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->