5 Juniors Ready to Make a Big Leap

<p style="font-weight: 400;">Throughout the state, we have loads of talent each year. Typically, the sophomore to junior year jump is when we see some players make a name for themselves. Here are five players throughout the state who might catch your attention this year.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;"> </p> <p style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1348899" first="Camden" last="Phipps"] 6’6’’ Harrisburg High School</strong></span></p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Camden is the younger brother of Brayden, who also played for Harrisburg and played in the Prep Hoops Circuit. Any team who wants to compete in AA needs to have an enforcer in the paint. Camden will be that for the Tigers, who will be one of the top teams in South Dakota. Camden has the ability to hit open shots and is very athletic for his size. He is a player to watch who continues to get better and will benefit from playing on a team with great guards. </p> <p style="font-weight: 400;"> </p> <p style="font-weight: 400;"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">[player_tooltip player_id="1489682" first="Hayden" last="Goff"] 6’0’’ Roosevelt High School</span></strong></p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Roosevelt was completely stacked with a heavy senior class last season. Because of that, not many lower-classmen saw the floor. Hayden is a gym rat who has a chance to be one of the best players for the Riders. As a true combo guard, Hayden can score from the wing and also be a floor general at the point guard position. </p> <p style="font-weight: 400;"> </p> <p style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1278718" first="Sam" last="Almas"] 6’2’’ Tea Area High School</strong></span></p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Sam is a wing for the Titans and had multiple games last season when he played well. His best tool is being able to hit open three-pointers. Sam could have a big season with a simple game. Hitting open threes and attacking aggressive closeouts. Almas will be a fun player to watch this upcoming season as he steps into a new role.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1489685" first="Talan" last="Diercks"] 5’10’’ Lennox High School</strong></span></p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">As a sophomore last season, Talan grew into a vital role for the Orioles. This season, his role will continue to grow with his team. He has a well-rounded game where there isn’t a weakness to his game. Diercks can hit open shots, finish at the rim, and is a great passer. If he becomes elite in one of those areas, he will be a scary matchup for opponents.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1489687" first="Zoan" last="Robinson"] 6’0’’ Vermillion High School</strong></span></p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Vermillion graduated a very good senior class last season. Zeon is going to be one of the players Coach Drake looks to take a big jump for the Tanagers. Last season, Zeon was one of the key players who came off of the bench. He can do a little bit of everything but I especially like his ability to hit open shots.</p>