A Bit Too Early SD Class A Power Rankings

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's football season, but we talk hoops all year long! Let's look at the Power Rankings for the always tough Class A in South Dakota.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is our first sort-through of Class A basketball in SD for the 2022-23 season. We will have another Power Ranking update late in the fall before the season beings. See below for the Top 10 in A. Further below, we made a list of teams that are on the bubble from being in the Top 10.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1399487,"width":209,"height":130,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/03/SD-1.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/03/SD-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1399487" width="209" height="130"/></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">POWER RANKINGS</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>#1. Dakota Valley</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">2021-2022 Record</span>:</strong> 26-0 (State Champions)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Team Comments</span>: </strong>They will be coming off the perfect season w/ the majority of the team back. A very well-coached team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They have a D1 player with Bruns and one of the best PG's in SD with Rosenquist. Those two are as good as it gets.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wingert will be one of the toughest BIGs in Class A and Hennies is the BEST 4th option in Class A. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hennies and Faldmo are not the big names but they will be crucial to another deep playoff run for DV.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Panthers move the ball well, play smart defense, and execute on offense like neurosurgeons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Key Players</span>:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='963742' first='Isaac' last='Bruns'], [player_tooltip player_id='963787' first='Randy' last='Rosenquist'], [player_tooltip player_id='1270366' first='Jaxson' last='Wingert'], [player_tooltip player_id='1500252' first='Jaxon' last='Hennies'], [player_tooltip player_id='1511595' first='Sam' last='Faldmo'], [player_tooltip player_id='1406985' first='Logan' last='Collette'], [player_tooltip player_id='1263155' first='Luke' last='Bruns'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>#2. St. Thomas More</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">2021-2022 Record</span>:</strong> 23-3 (3rd place at State)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Team Comments</span>:</strong> They are led by one of the best coaches in SD, <em>David Hollenbeck</em>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Cavaliers are likely the most disciplined team in SD. When they win a 4pt game it is like a 10pt win for other teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>STM plays stout, stiff, and persistent defense. Easy buckets do not come very often against the resilient Cavs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> Hollenbeck is one of the top guards in SD regardless of class. Everything will run through him on the offensive end. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Key Players</span>: </strong>[player_tooltip player_id='963754' first='Caleb' last='Hollenbeck'], [player_tooltip player_id='963753' first='Will' last='Green'], [player_tooltip player_id='963802' first='Matt' last='Larson'], [player_tooltip player_id='1273153' first='Jordan' last='Uhlir'], [player_tooltip player_id='1407009' first='JD' last='Green']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">#<strong>3. Sioux Valley</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">2021-2022 Record</span>:</strong> 20-6 (2nd place at State)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Team Comments</span>:</strong> Led by the legendary <em>Bill Vincent</em> who has forgotten more about basketball than most hope to know. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Vincent is one of the elite PG's in the Dakotas, a tough shot maker, takes a ton of charges, an artist w/ the ball &amp; a winner.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Squires is likely the best 5-man in Class A and a potential D1 player. Carey is a lights-out shooter &amp; gamechanger from 3.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Cossacks lose a good amount of talent but Sioux Valley does not rebuild, they reload!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Key Players</span>:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='963744' first='Oliver' last='Vincent'], [player_tooltip player_id='1266223' first='Alec' last='Squires'], [player_tooltip player_id='1280262' first='Patrick' last='Carey'], [player_tooltip player_id='1263164' first='Maverick' last='Nelson'], [player_tooltip player_id='1266229' first='Hudsyn' last='Ruesink'], Connor Gross, Kyler Bezdichek, Brock Christopherson.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>4. Lennox</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">2021-2022 Record</span>:</strong> 16-6 (Lost in Region semi)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Team Comments</span>:</strong> Ihnen is obviously a special player, he has an offer on the table from SDSU for hoops.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ihnen will be one of the most dangerous offensive players in SD. He can flat-out score the rock, also a great rebounder.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Eich is an excellent 3pt shooter. Plank is a catalyst and a creative slasher. Diercks is a jack-of-all-trades. Scary team!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Key Players</span>:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1266222' first='Porter' last='Ihnen'], [player_tooltip player_id='1554419' first='Conner' last='Eich'], [player_tooltip player_id='1554420' first='Jaxon' last='Plank'], [player_tooltip player_id='1489685' first='Talan' last='Diercks']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">#<strong>5. Dell Rapids</strong> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">2021-2022 Record</span>:</strong> 15-8 (Lost in Region semi)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Team Comments</span></strong>: The Quarriers have a 1st-year head coach with Ty Hoglund.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pankonen is one of the most entertaining players to watch in SD. Sharp-shooting lefty spark plug, pesky defender, special!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kloth transferred in, he will be an X-factor. Rim-protector, rebounder, physical around the basket. Had a nice summer. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This squad is certainly one of the most talented in Class A!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Key Players</span>:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='963773' first='Brayden' last='Pankonen'], [player_tooltip player_id='1339596' first='Camden' last='Justice'], [player_tooltip player_id='1355453' first='Jack' last='Henry'], [player_tooltip player_id='1270336' first='Rhett' last='Kloth'], [player_tooltip player_id='1399817' first='Tad' last='Tjaden'] </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>#6. Sioux Falls Christian</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">2021-2022 Record</span>:</strong> 16-10 (5th place at State)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Team Comments</span>:</strong> They seem to be another team that does not rebuild, they just reload and do it all over again.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This program knows how to get to the State Tournamnet, they win in March when it really matters.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bruns is one of the more underrated players in SD. He is a long athlete that will do big things this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Snyder is a solid PG that will run the show. SFC has talented young shooters that will make some noise.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Key Players</span>:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='963777' first='Tate' last='Snyder'], [player_tooltip player_id='1390310' first='Ethan' last='Bruns'], [player_tooltip player_id='1390318' first='Cole' last='Snyder'], [player_tooltip player_id='1503883' first='Griffen' last='Goodbary'], [player_tooltip player_id='1390319' first='Britton' last='Mulder']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>#7. Winner</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">2021-2022 Record</span>:</strong> 23-3 (6th place at State)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Comments:</strong> They lost plenty of talent but they bring back a really nice core as well. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Volmer is going to be a complete stud again. He was First Team All-State last season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hammerbeck is a big strong athlete and he will be a man-child around the basket.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Warriors play team basketball, share the rock, and play a quality brand of basketball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They will have athletes, size, experience, and an unselfish group of players. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Key Players</span>: </strong>[player_tooltip player_id='963824' first='Blake' last='Volmer'], [player_tooltip player_id='1227967' first='Ethan' last='Bartels'], [player_tooltip player_id='1263163' first='Shawn' last='Hammerbeck'], Aiden Barfuss, Ryder Halligan, Chaz Blotsky, Pierce Nelson.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>#8. Lakota Tech</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">2021-2022 Record</span>:</strong> 15-9 (8th place at State)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Team Comments</span>:</strong> They bring back a nice group of ballers. The Tatanka will have size and shooters.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After last season, they know what it takes to get to the Big Dance. Get ready for a repeat!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Whirlwind Horse has good size &amp; he can score from all levels. Expect them to play a fast &amp; entertaining brand of hoops.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Tatanka will have a nice backcourt with skill all over the place. Means and Richard can really shoot it from deep.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Players:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='963816' first='Quincy' last='Means'], [player_tooltip player_id='963820' first='Jordan' last='Whirlwind Horse'], Jamiah Bianis, [player_tooltip player_id='1384718' first='Marvin' last='Richard III'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>#9. Hamlin</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">2021-2022 Record</span>:</strong> 15-7 (Lost in Region semi)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Team Comments</span>: </strong>They are led by one of the best in the business, <em>Todd Neuendorf.</em> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Chargers bring almost everyone back, they only lost 1 player from last year's squad. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They will still be a youthful team but these young bloods got plenty of experience last season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Neuendorf &amp; Stevenson will be a constant headache for opposing teams. It will be a daunting task to slow those 2. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Key Players</span>: </strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1331228' first='Tyson' last='Stevenson'], [player_tooltip player_id='1297808' first='Easton' last='Neuendorf'], [player_tooltip player_id='1414918' first='Brennan' last='Keszler'], [player_tooltip player_id='1414922' first='Evan' last='Stormo'], [player_tooltip player_id='1331227' first='Dawson' last='Noem'], Rylan Bawdon.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>#10. Groton Area</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">2021-2022 Record</span>:</strong> 21-5 (7th place at State)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Team Comments</span>:</strong> Lost a good amount of senior talent to graduation but will have young players ready to step up.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tietz and Zak will be a handful for opposing teams. They will be a fun backcourt to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tietz had an excellent summer in AAU ball. Is turning himself into a DUDE. Expect a monster junior season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Key Players</span>:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1270361' first='Lane' last='Tietz'], [player_tooltip player_id='1371416' first='Jacob' last='Zak'], [player_tooltip player_id='963792' first='Tate' last='Larson'], Cole Simon.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">On The Bubble</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"12px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:12px">(in no particular order)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Tea Area</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Mt. Vernon-Plankinton</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Hanson</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Waubay-Summit</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Canton</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Elk Point-Jefferson</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">West Central</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Beresford</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Vermillion</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Milbank</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Hot Springs</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Belle Fourche</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Madison</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Rapid City Christian</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Clark-Willow Lake</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->