29 South Dakota Spring Stars

Summer officially begins June 21st but for those of us in the Dakotas, it seems to begin around Memorial Day. With that being said, this is the perfect time to take a look back at the Spring Stars and see who has been playing well for the Sodak AAU squads. <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/03/SD-1.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1399487" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/03/SD-1-300x187.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="187" /></a> <h4>SPRING STARS</h4> [player_tooltip player_id="1270361" first="Lane" last="Tietz"] |6’1 CG| Sacred Hoops 16U Kahler/Groton Area He has had a great spring. Lane averaged 20 ppg at Battle of the Lakes. Lane has proven he’s one of the top point guards in his class. He really showed he’s an elite playmaker from all 3 levels on the court. Most know he’s effective and efficient from deep, but he’s proven he has nice touch around the rim and a really nice floater. What makes Lane such a great player is his overall competitiveness. He’s always looking to take the next step up. His mentality is second to none. He’s the true definition of a gym rat. Tate lives in the gym. His development is only going to increase as the summer goes on. Team will not want to leave this hot hand alone. [player_tooltip player_id="1266275" first="Nic" last="Marshall"] |6’1 G| Sacred Hoops 16U Kahler/Groton Area In the winter season, we did not get to see a whole lot from Nic playing alongside [player_tooltip player_id="963747" first="Joe" last="Sayler"] and brother [player_tooltip player_id="968165" first="Dylan" last="Marshall"]. However, Nic is a baller. Now is AAU, the young Marshall is putting on a show with Tietz at his side. So far this spring he’s shown his wide array of skills along with his incredible playmaking ability. Nic’s fadeaway game in the paint is tough to handle and his crossover is very hard to stay in front of. Nic is a winner. The White River Tigers have winning habits and that’s what makes him a special player. Nic’s only scratching the surface of his potential. I saw him at Battle at the Lakes and this kid is a STAR in the making. [player_tooltip player_id="1297808" first="Easton" last="Neuendorf"] |5’10 PG| Team Warwick 15U/Hamlin He has had a very good spring season for Team Warwick. He has led his squad from the point guard position in scoring and assists. Neuendorf is a playmaker as he puts up points, creates for others, and takes care of the ball. He sets the pace for Team Warwick’s up-tempo style of offense. Neuendorf is super skilled and he is wise beyond his years. Easton is the #2 Ranked player in PHD’s SD Prospect Rankings in his class. [player_tooltip player_id="1297809" first="Markus" last="Talley"] |6’0 SG| Team Warwick 15U/Mitchell This Kernel has been really good this spring for this tough & talented Team Warwick 15U squad. Talley is a smart wing and an impressive athlete. Markus is speedy and very fast in transition. Talley is a big-time shooter that can fill it up from deep. He produces from behind the arc and he also attacks the rim for buckets. Markus is the #3 Ranked player in PHD’s SD Prospect Rankings. [player_tooltip player_id="1466940" first="Colton" last="Smith"] Team Warwick 15U/Mitchell He is a youngster that is playing up an age group for Warwick. Colton is definitely worthy of playing up with this talented squad. Smith has provided a huge presence on the defensive end with his ability to control the paint and rebound the basketball. He is also scoring with his back to the basket from the post position. He has shown great aggressiveness for being a year younger compared to most of the players he is competing against. Smith’s future looks very bright. [player_tooltip player_id="1467165" first="Tate" last="Gerdes"] |6’2 F| Team Warwick 14U/Lennox He has helped his team get to a 28-4 record so far in the AAU season. Tate has been the leading scorer for Team Warwick and he also leads them in rebounds. Gerdes will typically match up with the opposing team’s best player. He is a very unselfish player and Tate always makes the correct play in a timely manner. Gerdes is always ready to play and he is the ultimate competitor. Tate is a great teammate! Keep your eyes on this up-and-comer that knows how to win. [player_tooltip player_id="1467166" first="Blake" last="Ellwein"] |6’4 F| Team Warwick 14U/Huron He has helped his team get to a 28-4 record so far in the AAU season. At 6’4", Blake does a little of everything for Team Warwick. Ellwein is a productive scorer and he rebounds on both ends of the floor. He has been great at blocking shots and defending the rim. Having a player that can protect the rim at the 14U level can be a game-changer. Ellwein shoots it from beyond the arc with accuracy and this helps stretch the defense. Blake is a big reason why his team has had so much success. [player_tooltip player_id="1467167" first="Carson" last="Nickles"] |5’11 G| Team Warwick 14U/Sioux Falls Christian He has helped his team get to a 28-4 record so far in the AAU season. This kid is a gym rat that loves to play the game of basketball. Nickels knocks down shots from 3-point land on a regular basis. Nickels does a nice job of distributing and facilitating as well. The SFC kid is never afraid of the big moment. Carson’s skill set is always improving. Keep eyes on this up-and-coming backcourt player. [player_tooltip player_id="1421530" first="Layke" last="Wold"] |5’10 G| Sacred Hoops 2025 Edman/Chester Area He had a phenomenal showing at Battle At The Lakes a few weeks ago! Wold scored in the 20’s multiple times and he was knocking down triples like they were layups. Layke also rebounded the ball well and set up teammates for open looks. He is deadly from deep, but do not forget that Wold can do it all on the hardwood! [player_tooltip player_id="963775" first="Jackson" last="Edman"] |6’7 G| Sacred Hoops 2023 Bertram/Pierre The athletic and powerful 6’7" forward had a tremendous tournament at the Battle at the Lakes in Minneapolis. Edman has the ability to score at all three levels. Jackson was attacking the rim hard and he controlled the paint while several college coaches watched every one of his games. Edman is a player that can dominate at both ends of the floor. He is a rim-rocking dunker and a special shot blocker. [player_tooltip player_id="1391635" first="Connor" last="Epp"] |6’1 G| Sacred Hoops 2023 Bertram/Freeman Academy-Marion The 6’1" left-handed point guard has had a great spring. Epp has the ability to break down defenses off the dribble, get to the paint, and finish in a variety of ways. Connor has helped Sacred Hoops be successful early in the AAU season. Epp is a winner, he led his team to the State Tournament this past HS season. He is a gifted athlete and an exciting backcourt player. Expect Epp to be impressive all summer long. [player_tooltip player_id="963780" first="Sutton" last="Arend"] |6’3 SG| Sacred Hoops 2023 Bertram/Bridgewater-Emery At times this 6’3" shooting guard has been the most explosive player on the offensive end for Sacred Hoops. Arend has a buttery smooth stroke from the perimeter. He also gets downhill and makes plays with ease. Sutton is one of the toughest players that Sacred Hoops has on the defensive end of the floor. Arend is able to get most of the 50/50 balls, which is a huge boost to his team. [player_tooltip player_id="963813" first="Damon" last="Opdahl"] |6’0 PG| Sacred Hoops 2023 Branco/Waubay/Summit He is playing like an elite guard, Damon brings many great things to the game of basketball. Opdahl is a leader that plays with intensity & grit. Damon plays with great control and he knows when to go fast and when to slow down. He has a tireless work ethic. On the defensive end, Damon is an elite defender both on and off the ball. On offense, Opdahl is a 3-level scorer that also creates shots for his team. Opdahl is an absolute winner that will get things done for you. College coaches, take notice! [player_tooltip player_id="963742" first="Isaac" last="Bruns"] |6’5 SG| SD Attack 17U/Dakota Valley He will be attending the MBCA Showcase on June 17-18. Bruns already has a Division 1 offer from South Dakota. Isaac is one of the top shooters in the Midwest and he will surely draw attention at East Ridge in June. In the high school season, Bruns led his Dakota Valley team to a perfect season and a State Championship. Bruns is a master at using screens and finding ways to get open. His jumper is perfect and he is always on his game. When playing at Battle at the Lakes, Isaac turned heads and proved that he can produce against top-notch athletes. [player_tooltip player_id="963748" first="Kaden" last="Year"] |6’6 SF| SD Attack 17U/Sioux Falls Jefferson In the high school season, Kaden helped Jefferson get to its first-ever State Tournament. Kaden was also selected as an All-State player. He will be attending the MBCA Showcase on June 17-18. Year has been grabbing interest from college coaches this spring. His length, skills, and versatility have many people intrigued. I like his stroke from deep and his rim-protecting. Year is an intriguing player. [player_tooltip player_id="1265221" first="JT" last="Rock"] |7’0 C| SD Attack 16U/Sioux Falls Lincoln He is the #1 Ranked 2024 player in PHD’s Prospect Rankings. Rock is the top prospect in all of the Dakotas regardless of class. JT has many offers from major programs and it seems like the offers have continued to roll in. JT played at Battle at the Lakes and everyone that watched him play live can understand why he is a major D1 basketball prospect. Rock will also be attending the MBCA Showcase in June. Everyone should know the name [player_tooltip player_id="1265221" first="JT" last="Rock"]! [player_tooltip player_id="1266222" first="Porter" last="Ihnen"] |6’5 SF| SD Attack 16U/Lennox He is currently the #2 Ranked Prospect in the 2024 Class. Porter will be heading to the MBCA Showcase next month where he will be looked upon by a sea of college coaches. Ihnen has been gaining interest from the Summit League and Mid Major colleges. The MBCA Showcase will be a great event for Porter. He is a versatile player that can play 1-4. When I watched him this spring, Ihnen was running the PG mainly. He is a scary matchup with his size and skill. Porter is an impressive athlete and an above-the-rim finisher. You are missing out if you have not watch Ihnen play. [player_tooltip player_id="1270335" first="Jacoby" last="Mehrman"] |6’4 PG| SD Attack 16U/Harrisburg He is currently the #3 Ranked Prospect in the 2024 Class. Jacoby was one of the top PG’s in AA last season and he helped lead Tigers to the State Tournament. Jacoby is a big & strong lefty with a great feel for the game. He has been playing more off the ball in AAU and Mehrman has had some huge games shooting the ball from beyond the arc. Jacoby has also been slashing, scoring, and creating all spring. Mehrman is an impressive rebounder and an all-around solid defender. [player_tooltip player_id="1263162" first="Ben" last="Brooks"] |6’7 PF| SD Attack 15U/Madison In the 2025 Class, Brooks is the #1 Ranked player in PHD’s SD Prospect Rankings. He is off to a great start this spring for SD Attack 15U. Ben obviously has great size for such a young player and he also is an excellent athlete. Brooks can play on the wing and inside. He is a three-level scorer that can get it done all over the court. It is really tough on opposing BIGs when Ben steps out and drains a triple and this opens up the floor for his teammates. Brooks has been excellent and he has a bright future. [player_tooltip player_id="1266223" first="Alec" last="Squires"] |6’10 C| Pentagon Schoolers 16U Vincent/Sioux Valley The rising star from Sioux Valley has had a spectacular spring. Squires has been gaining interest from college coaches and he will be headed to the MBCA Showcase in Minnesota. Alec has been impressive everywhere that he has played this spring. His athleticism has been on display with above-the-rim finishes and hammer slam dunks. His feet have really impressed me and his finishing touch around the basket is outstanding. His rim-protecting has also been noteworthy. Squires moves his feet excellent on defense and he reads and reacts well on offense. This kid is the real deal and the sky is the limit! [player_tooltip player_id="1270366" first="Jaxson" last="Wingert"] |6’7 PF| Pentagon Schoolers 16U Vincent/Dakota Valley He had a standout sophomore season for the undefeated State Champion Panthers. Jaxson "Tish" Wingert has also been having a standout spring AAU season. Tish played very well at SPTS #2 in St. Cloud. He showed off his physicality and his ability to finish after contact. I like the passion and NRG that Jaxson plays with. Wingert is an aggressive rebounder that will continue to improve his overall game. Make sure you get this PF from DV on your watchlist for later this summer. [player_tooltip player_id="963744" first="Oliver" last="Vincent"] |6’1 PG| Pentagon Schoolers 17U Vincent/Sioux Valley He has been an impact player for this Schoolers squad. Oliver has been selected for the prestigious MBCA Showcase. The talented Mr. Vincent has been stuffing the stat sheet and making plays all over the court for the Schoolers. At SPTS #2 Oli averaged 2 chargers per game! Vincent is a high assist man and he can also put up big points. When I watched this spring, I have been impressed with his ball skills and court awareness. On defense, he is a hardworking and smart defender. Expect a big summer for the Cossack from Sioux Valley. [player_tooltip player_id="963747" first="Joe" last="Sayler"] |6’3 SG| Pentagon Schoolers 17U Vincent/White River The All-State star from White River is committed to playing Hoops at South Dakota State. Like a couple of his teammates, Sayler will be attending the MBCA Showcase. Sayler is one of the top athletes in South Dakota and he is an elite scorer. Joe can get his shot off anytime that he pleases. He is also an insane dunker that can throw it down in any way that you can imagine. [player_tooltip player_id="963747" first="Joe" last="Sayler"] is a household name in South Dakota for a good reason. [player_tooltip player_id="963766" first="Damon" last="Wilkinson"] |6’9 C| Pentagon Schoolers 17U Vincent/De Smet He is no stranger to success, Wilkinson won a State Championship in the high school hoops season and now he is receiving scholarship offers from Division 1 football teams. Just like his Schooler teammates, the big Bulldog will be attending the MBCA Showcase in Woodbury in June. Wilkinson is a powerful post player that owns the boards and protects the rim. Damon is a physical player in the paint with good feet around the basket. You can expect a double-double from this Big in most games. [player_tooltip player_id="963746" first="Matt" last="Eng"] |6’2 PG| Pentagon Schoolers 17U Walker/O’Gorman He is the best lob/alley-oop passer that I have watched this spring. [player_tooltip player_id="1295267" first="Gavin" last="Muirhead"] does the scoring on the alley-oops and Eng delivers the dime. It might help a little that they play high school ball together. Either way, these two can read each other’s minds and they make showtime plays! The Eng & Muirhead connection has happened many times this spring on the Prep Hoops Circuit. Eng also made the All-Tournament team at Prep Hoops Live. Matt is a lead guard for his team and he handles the pressure nicely. Let’s not forget about Eng’s shooting! He is easily one of the top 3-point shooters in the Hard Work Region. Eng cashes in triples off the dribble and catch-n-shoot. His range extends beyond college depth. The OG kid is a must-see player! [player_tooltip player_id="1295267" first="Gavin" last="Muirhead"] |6’7 PF| Pentagon Schoolers 17U Walker/O’Gorman At Prep Hoops Live, Muirhead was named to the All-Tournament First Team. Gavin has been throwing it down, slamming, flushing, and dunking all over the competition. Him and [player_tooltip player_id="963746" first="Matt" last="Eng"] make a scary combo in transition. Eng throws a beautiful lob pass and Muirhead does the SLAMMING and finishing. Gavin has also impressed me with his flexibility and creativeness when scoring around the basket. Muirhead has also stretched the floor by knocking down threes. Gavin has stood out as a rim protector, he has had some splashy plays when blocking shots. Muirhead is a gamer and a momentum changer with his big play ability. College coaches have started to take notice! [player_tooltip player_id="963787" first="Randy" last="Rosenquist"] |5’11 PG| Pentagon Schoolers 17U Maschino/Dakota Valley At Prep Hoops Live, Rosenquist made the All-Tournament Team as he was a big producer and playmaker. So far this spring, Rosenquist is 2nd in scoring, 1st in steals, and 2nd in assists on the team. He has been putting up impressive numbers on a consistent basis. This Schoolers team is at its best when Rosenquist is pushing the pace offensively on the break. Randy has also become a vocal leader. Expect big things from this State Champion in the remainder of the AAU season. [player_tooltip player_id="963773" first="Brayden" last="Pankonen"] |5’11 SG| Pentagon Schoolers 17U Maschino/Dell Rapids He is a sniper from beyond the 3pt-line and Brayden change this game with his accurate deep shot. However, Pankonen has been playing more of a point guard role for the Schoolers and he has been shining. Brayden has been a standout on defense and his overall leadership has been great for his team. Pankonen is an unselfish player, he doesn’t care if he scores 20 or scores 5, just that his team wins. Pankonen had a great showing at Prep Hoops Live and was selected to the All-Tournament Team. [player_tooltip player_id="963803" first="Ethan" last="Determan"] |6’2 SG| Pentagon Schoolers 17U Maschino/Harrisburg He averaged 19 ppg in Class AA, he helped his team get to State, and Ethan was an All-State selection. Determan has built off that strong school season and has carried the momentum in spring AAU hoops. At Prep Hoops Live, Determan was named to the All-Tournament Team. He is a natural scorer. One minute you may think Ethan has not done much and then you look at the box score and he has scored in double digits on super-efficient shooting. Most people know that Determan is a shooter, but he has been attacking the rim very nicely this spring. He is tough to handle now with this added dimension to his game. Ethan is one of the most effective and efficient scorers in South Dakota.