A Bit Too Early SD Class B Power Rankings

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The AAU season has wrapped up and football practices have started! This means one thing, the basketball season will be here before we know it! Time to take a look at the best of the best in Class B. The De Smet Bulldogs are the reigning champs and they will be one of the best again in B. Who does PHD think should be in the preseason Top 10?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is our first sort-through of Class B 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 B.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1399487,"width":251,"height":157,"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="251" height="157"/></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. White River</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">2021-2022 Record</span>:</strong> 21-3 (3rd Place at State)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Team Comments</strong></span><strong>:</strong> Legendary coach, Eldon Marshall makes getting to the State Tournament his living!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Tigers have the best player in Class B w/ [player_tooltip player_id='963747' first='Joe' last='Sayler']. A scoring machine that can single-handedly win games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1266275' first='Nic' last='Marshall'] will have a huge season, a facilitator, creator, &amp; playmaker. Expect big things from the junior PG.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A nice supporting cast with skilled players that know how to win. They will be one of the most entertaining teams in SD.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Key Players</span>:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='963747' first='Joe' last='Sayler'], [player_tooltip player_id='1266275' first='Nic' last='Marshall'], [player_tooltip player_id='1420985' first='Gavin' last='Folkers'], [player_tooltip player_id='1421028' first='Kendrell' last='Cuevas'], <strong>TJ Beardt</strong>, [player_tooltip player_id='1407011' first='Mackenzie' last='Wike']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>#2. Aberdeen Christian</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2021-2022 Record:</strong> 21-5 (7th Place at State)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Team Comments</span>:</strong> A new coach this season for ACS w/ <em>Matt Rohrbach</em>. Expect a seamless transition for the Knights.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They bring back the entire starting lineup with experienced players, have been to the State Tournament multiple times. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='963783' first='Malek' last='Wieker'] &amp; [player_tooltip player_id='963765' first='Ethan' last='Russell'] w/ be a dynamic scoring threat on offense. Few teams can match that offensive firepower. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Isakson, Brennan, Clark are also talented pieces that know their role &amp; will give team problems. Likely the best start 5 in B. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Key Players:</span></strong> [player_tooltip player_id='963783' first='Malek' last='Wieker'], [player_tooltip player_id='963765' first='Ethan' last='Russell'], [player_tooltip player_id='963760' first='Jackson' last='Isakson'], [player_tooltip player_id='1288337' first='Andrew' last='Brennan'], <strong>Kaden Clark</strong>, <strong>Abe Holscher</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1303091' first='Konnar' last='Furman']</strong>, <strong>Joey Johnson</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>#3. De Smet</strong> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2021-2022 Record:</strong> 25-1 (State Champions)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Team Comments</span>:</strong> Another legendary coach,<em> Jeff Gruenhagen</em> is no stranger to winning Championships!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='963766' first='Damon' last='Wilkinson'] the best BIG in B. Will be an automatic double-double, a man amongst boys, a dominant force!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Teams will be forced to double Wilkinson, this will result in many open looks and great opportunities for the Bulldogs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Look for [player_tooltip player_id='1266225' first='Kadyn' last='Fast'] to have a breakout season and to be the lead guard. Plenty of other talent on the De Smet roster. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Key Players</span>:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='963766' first='Damon' last='Wilkinson'], [player_tooltip player_id='1266225' first='Kadyn' last='Fast'], <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1552588' first='Gannon' last='Gruenhagen']</strong>, <strong>George Jensen</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1552589' first='Kasen' last='Janssen']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1552592' first='Trace' last='Van Regenmorter']</strong>, <strong>Tom Aughenbaugh</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>#4. Castlewood</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2021-2022 Record:</strong> 18-8 (6th at State)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Team Comments</span>:</strong> They will be looking to make a follow-up to their great State Tournament run last season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='963785' first='Carson' last='Kirwan'] will be back from injury &amp; ready to take names! Going to be a STUD. Tough matchup &amp; star athlete.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1266269' first='Lane' last='Tvedt'] &amp; [player_tooltip player_id='1421603' first='Quincy' last='Thu'] will make a tough combo in the backcourt for the Warriors. Will provide a nice scoring punch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1327459' first='Bryon' last='Laue'], the best BIG in B not named Wilkinson. A force to be reckoned w/. Will get teammates many open looks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Key Players:</strong></span> [player_tooltip player_id='963785' first='Carson' last='Kirwan'], <strong>Booker Schooler</strong>, [player_tooltip player_id='1266269' first='Lane' last='Tvedt'], [player_tooltip player_id='1421603' first='Quincy' last='Thu'], <strong>Jackson Schofield</strong>, <strong>Bowen Ryan</strong>, [player_tooltip player_id='1327459' first='Bryon' last='Laue']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>#5. Bridgewater-Emery</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">2021-2022 Record</span>:</strong> 11-12 (Lost in Region semifinals)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Team Comments</span>:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='963780' first='Sutton' last='Arend'] averaged 18.3 ppg, 9 rpg, 2 apg, 2 spg, 45 FG% last year. He will be an elite player in B.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Huskies return all 5 starters and they will be ready to take the next step.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Key Players</span>:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='963780' first='Sutton' last='Arend'], [player_tooltip player_id='963818' first='Aguer' last='Van Sickle'], <strong>Jaxon Koch</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>#6. Lower Brule</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">2021-2022 Record</span>:</strong> 22-4 (2nd at State)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Team Comments</span>:</strong> An experienced team that is full of skilled players. Another excellent coach with <em>Brian LaRoche</em>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1227920' first='Gavin' last='Thigh'] is an exceptional shooter that can score in a hurry. Silky smooth with the rock. Lights out from deep.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='963762' first='Brian' last='LaRoche Jr'] is dynamic in the open court and a playmaker in transition. A lefty 3pt-bucket getter, a true baller.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Sioux will have a two-headed monster with LaRoche &amp; Thigh. Get ready for another trip to State.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Key Players</span>: </strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1227920' first='Gavin' last='Thigh'], [player_tooltip player_id='963762' first='Brian' last='LaRoche Jr']., <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1414361' first='Ellwyn' last='Langdeau']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>#7. Dell Rapids St. Mary</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2021-2022 Record:</strong> 15-6 (Lost in Region quarterfinals)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Team Comments</span>:</strong> When the Cardinals had their full squad together this summer they looked like a very tough team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They lost 1 starter and 1 contributor but bring everyone back. They are also a well-coached squad.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1266273' first='Nic' last='Gaspar'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1393219' first='Dylan' last='Mathis'] are primed for a big season. Both All-Conference last year, expect them to be impressive.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1263161' first='Maverick' last='LeBrun'] is a big addition to this team. Cards will be guard-heavy, play fast, and get up &amp; down in a hurry.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Key Players</span>:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1393219' first='Dylan' last='Mathis'], [player_tooltip player_id='1266273' first='Nic' last='Gaspar'], <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1539677' first='CJ' last='Smith']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1506292' first='Trevon' last='Beckman']</strong>, [player_tooltip player_id='1263161' first='Maverick' last='LeBrun'], <strong>Trimmier Hanson</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>#8. Gregory</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">2021-2022 Record</span>:</strong> 14-8 (Lost in Region semifinals)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Team Comments</span>:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1266237' first='Daniel' last='Mitchell'] is a top talent in South Dakota regardless of class. All-State multiple seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last season stats for Mitchell, 19.8 ppg, 9.4 rpg, 1 apg, 1.2 spg, 2.2 bpg, 51 FG%, 28 3FG%, 68-89 on FT's, 76 FT%.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mtichell will be on the top of every opposing teams scouting report. He will still produce!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Thomas, Kenzy, and Klundt are 3 youngsters to keep your eyes on for the Gorillas.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Key Players</span>:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1266237' first='Daniel' last='Mitchell'], <strong>Gannon Thomas</strong>, [player_tooltip player_id='1328222' first='Rane' last='Kenzy'], [player_tooltip player_id='1263160' first='Cruz' last='Klundt']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>#9. Canistota</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">2021-2022 Record</span>: </strong>13-8 (Lost in Region quarterfinals)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Team Comments</span>:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1415229' first='Tage' last='Ortman'] is coming off a very nice AAU season. He will be a DUDE. Exceptional athlete!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1479615' first='Brandon' last='Kjetland'] will provide the muscle and be an anchor on the inside. A horse on the glass and a very tough BIG. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Key Players</strong></span><strong>:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1415229' first='Tage' last='Ortman'], <strong>Tye Merril</strong>, [player_tooltip player_id='1479615' first='Brandon' last='Kjetland'], <strong>Trace Ortman</strong>, <strong>Will Ortman</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>#10. Harding County</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2021-2022 Record:</strong> 16-6 (Lost in SoDak 16)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Comments:</strong> The Ranchers had a very nice season in 2021-2022 but came up a game short of the State Tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='963799' first='Keegan' last='Hett'] was fantastic last season and put up good enough numbers to be an All-State Player. Expects big things!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1227932' first='Dawson' last='Kautzman'], [player_tooltip player_id='963800' first='Kelby' last='Hett'], and [player_tooltip player_id='963799' first='Keegan' last='Hett'] will make up a scary 3-headed monster for the Ranchers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Key Players</span>:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='963799' first='Keegan' last='Hett'], [player_tooltip player_id='963800' first='Kelby' last='Hett'], [player_tooltip player_id='1227932' first='Dawson' last='Kautzman'], <strong>Gage Gilbert</strong>, <strong>Braden Routier</strong>, <strong>Brennan Glines</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->