Matt Cartwright of SF O’Gorman. Class AA Player of the Year.
The Gatorade Player of the Year in South Dakota, the MVP of the Class AA State Champion Knights, and the overall best player in the state down the stretch. The future Augustana wing was an easy choice after the season he has had (cover photo from USA Today).
First Team
Matt Cartwright of SF O’Gorman (6-5 senior wing). Class AA MVP.
Mason Archambault of RC Stevens (6-2 senior guard). Mason is the state’s most explosive scorer going at the basket and that’s why he’s been one of the top names considered for the player of the year awards.
JP Costello of SF O’Gorman (6-6 senior power forward). The winner of the Spirit of Su winner is also a state champion, an all conference performer, and an all state tournament team member.
Brennan Carlson of Brookings (6-3 senior wing). Brookings won 20 games this year with Carlson leading the way as the lone all state tournament member and an all conference honored talent.
Cole Bergan of Aberdeen Central (6-7 junior power forward). Took his team to the state championship game after a fantastic four game playoff run where Bergan played at a very high level.
Second Team
Bradley Dean of Pierre TF Riggs (6-0 senior guard). The Governor leader was able to get his team on a late season run and he was honored by the conference and the state tournament for his accomplishments.
Tye Evers of Huron (6-5 senior power forward). The worker four man was named all league and then named all state tournament after leading his team to an 18-8 mark that included an 10 game winning streak.
Drew Jurgens of Brandon Valley (6-8 senior power forward). The top player on a very balanced team Jurgens was a top scorer and rebounder earning all league in both leagues (Metro and EDC).
Jacob Martin of RC Stevens (6-4 senior small forward). Martin put up big numbers playing along with Archambault as they led Stevens to a memorable season.
Diang Gatlauk of SF Lincoln (6-5 junior wing). Finished the year strong leading the Patriots to the semi-finals Diang earned all state tournament and all conference for the season he had.
Third Team
Matthew Mors of Yankton (6-6 8th grade power forward). At times the numbers were ridiculous and the Mors era of being the state’s best will come sooner than later.
Josh Mohs of Brookings (6-1 senior guard). Heady leader earned all conference honors.
Jack Talley of SF Washington (6-4 senior small forward). Jamestown signed Talley was the best all around contributor for his team.
Peyton Zabel of Pierre TF Riggs (6-6 junior power forward). Had an outstanding junior year that has many excited for what he can do around the basket as a senior.
Spencer Grage of Brandon Valley (6-6 senior power forward). Spencer was named all league in both EDC and the Metro.
Fourth Team
Joey Messler of SF O’Gorman (6-4 senior power forward).
Wil Johnson of Harrisburg (5-11 senior point guard).
Connor Crane of Strugis Brown (6-5 junior forward).
Devin Coughlin of Brookings (6-2 senior guard).
Carson Coulter of SF Lincoln (6-2 senior guard).