SD A: Players I Need To Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We are back for version 2 of "Players to Watch". In this article, we are checking out ballers from Class A. There is a ton of talent in Class A and we could never cover everyone in this article, it would go on for days. Some of the players on this list I have not watched and I plan on checking out a game very soon. Some of these guys I have watched in the past and want to see again. I want to see who has improved, who has grown, and/or improved their skill. Other players on the list, I have heard good things about and I need to make sure and check them out sooner rather than later. We have the lucky number 13 players in this article. We will give you an explanation of why we want to watch them play and a bit more information on them as a play and about their squad.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Happy Holidays to everyone in the Dakotas!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1399487,"width":280,"height":175,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/03/SD-1.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/03/SD-1.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-1399487" width="280" height="175" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Players to Watch</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size"><em>*Listed in no particular order</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["963744"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cemu003eu003cstrongu003eWHY? u003c/strongu003eu003c/emu003eHe is one of the most entertaining, skilled, and lethal backcourt players in South Dakota. Oli has elite court vision and he can deliver passes that most of us only dream about. At the same time, he can make the easy pass and set up shooters for good looks. Vincent is a tough shot maker and a creative scorer that can put up points from every level. He is an underrated defender and Vincent is a master at taking charges. Sioux Valley is ranked #2 and they are 2-0 on the year. In the 92-49 win over Beresford, Oli produced 22 points and 8 assists. Up next, the Cossacks play host to Baltic on 12/29 and on 12/31 they clash with De Smet at the Entringer Classic in Brookings. Everyone needs to get to Volga to watch Vincent this season!","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["1266223"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"u003cemu003eu003cstrongu003eWHY? u003c/strongu003eu003c/emu003eHe is the #2 ranked prospect in the 2024 class from SD. Squires committed to SDSU this fall and I am expecting him to be dominant all season long. He is super long, very mobile, runs like a deer, great fundamentals, a gritty worker, and is always improving. The #2 Cossacks are 2-0 on the year. Alec is averaging 18.5 ppg and 9 rpg. Squires has an upcoming matchup with [player_tooltip player_id='963766' first='Damon' last='Wilkinson'] that will feature two of the best BIGs in South Dakota. De Smet vs. Sioux Valley will be a Must Watch game. I have watched Squires play multiples in the past, but I have to see him live once again this season. This kid is a special player.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["1280262"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"u003cemu003eu003cstrongu003eWHY? u003c/strongu003eu003c/emu003eHe is back from an injury that forced him to miss time last season. The Cossacks must be very excited about having their sharpshooter back on the court. Carey is deadly from beyond the arc and he will help take some of the attention off Vincent and Squires as the season goes on. If defenses do not account for Patrick, they will learn their lesson 3-points at a time! In the Beresford win, Carey put up 22 points and was 6/10 from 3pt land. In the season opener, Carey went for 11 points and 5 assists. After not watching Patrick last season, I need to get to a Cossack game soon and check out the smooth shooting Carey.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["1273112"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"u003cemu003eu003cstrongu003eWHY? u003c/strongu003eu003c/emu003eHe is the 5th ranked prospect in the 2025 class from SD and he has the Fighting Cougars off to a 3-0 start. The Super Soph put up 30 points on Bon Homme earlier this season. Katzer was All-State in football, you have to be gifted athletically to do that as a soph. Boston is big, strong, skilled, and he makes plays inside and out. He is always working on his game and his ceiling is very high. Boston's next game is on 12/28 vs. Ethan, who is also undefeated. That game will be played at the Corn Palace. Make sure take the time to see Katzer, he is the real deal.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["1377249"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"u003cemu003eu003cstrongu003eWHY? u003c/strongu003eu003c/emu003eHe is an up-n-coming 10th grader that shoots it well, is a precision passer, and he has a high hoops IQ. This season, Jackson is playing fast and with no fear. He has proven his ability to come out of the locker room and hit shots early. Eisemann starts games quick and he makes smart plays. Jackson is young, but he is a leader. He and the Tigers are playing competitive and confident basketball. 5 days ago against #3 Aberdeen Christian, Jackson scored 20 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. Up next, the Tigers play Lakota Tech on December 30th in Aberdeen. Keep eyes on this soph from Mobridge-Pollock.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["1503881"],"_player_evaluations_5_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"u003cemu003eu003cstrongu003eWHY? u003c/strongu003eu003c/emu003eHe has the Comets playing hot with a 5-0 record and they won the LNI Championship in Rapid City. Kieffer hit a game winning jumper to beat #1 White River in the Championship. Benson was the in-bounder on a SLOB, he threw it in, took a handoff and attacked, 3 White River defenders were in his face, that didn't matter as Kieffer drilled the pull-up J. It was a difficult shot in a big moment. Kieffer seems to have taken the next step and is playing super confident right now. After a quality season as the QB in football, Benson seems to have brought that confidence and swagger into the hoops season. Kieffer is definitely a Stock Riser! When you watch Benson play, you should expect a quick, physical, skilled, and smart player. I am excited to see this young Comet hoop.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_player":["1270361"],"_player_evaluations_6_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"u003cemu003eu003cstrongu003eWHY? u003c/strongu003eu003c/emu003eHe is one of the best shooters in South Dakota and a top offensive weapon in Class A. Groton has only played 1 game so far this season and Lane had a splashy performance. His stat line was impressive with 31 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists. Expect Tietz to produce all season long and for him to put up gaudy numbers. The Tigers should pick up many wins this season and will be looking to return to the State Tourney. Groton plays their next game on 1/3 at home against Warner.","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_7_player":["963754"],"_player_evaluations_7_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"u003cemu003eu003cstrongu003eWHY? u003c/strongu003eu003c/emu003eHe was All-State last season, helped the Cavaliers finish 3rd at State, and he has STM off to a good start this year with a 4-0 record. Hollenbeck is regarded as one of the best guards in  South Dakota. Caleb is a very tough, disciplined, and a heady player. The Cavaliers are currently the #4 team in Class A. St. Thomas More plays their next game on 12/30 vs. Aberdeen Central at the Sanford Pentagon. Hollenbeck vs. [player_tooltip player_id='963750' first='Spencer' last='Barr'] will be a fun matchup to see! Hollenbeck and Barr are two of the elite backcourt players in the Dakotas.","_player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_8_player":["1266222"],"_player_evaluations_8_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"u003cemu003eu003cstrongu003eWHY?u003c/strongu003e u003c/emu003eHe is one of the top offensive players in all of SD and he is also a great rebounder. Last season, Porter was All-State and put up big numbers with 19.2 ppg, 9.6 rpg, 3.2 apg, shot 40% from 3, and he got to the line a ton. The last that I heard, Ihnen has an offer from USD. So far this season, Ihnen's high numbers are 27 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists. The Orioles are 2-1 on the year and they play next on the 29th vs. Waconia (MN) at the Pentagon.","_player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_9_player":["1238618"],"_player_evaluations_9_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"u003cemu003eu003cstrongu003eWHY? u003c/strongu003eu003c/emu003eI have watched him multiple times over the past 2 years and every time that I do, I am more impressed. Anderson has a rare combination of great size, strength, mobility, and agility. He can hit a pull-up jumper with fluidity and on the next possession he can explode with a rim-rocking SLAM. You will have a hard time finding a more versatile defender than Matt. I liked his versatility on the defensive end, by the end of the season, Anderson will considered one of the best lockdown defenders in the State. He plays with great NRG and effort. Matt is averaging 17 ppg, 10 rpg, 3 spg, and is shooting 60% from the field.  I can't wait to see Anderson play again, this kid has a very bright future! Canton is 1-1 on the year and their next game is @ Dell Rapids on 1/5.","_player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_10_player":["1297808"],"_player_evaluations_10_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_10_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_10_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_10_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_10_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_10_evaluation":"u003cemu003eu003cstrongu003eWHY? u003c/strongu003eu003c/emu003eHe is one of the top PG's in the state and he is only a 10th grader. Easton is the #3 ranked prospect in the 2025 Class from SD. Neuendorf is masterfully skilled and his IQ is through the roof. He knows when and where to get the ball and is an excellent game manager. The Chargers are a Top 10 team in my opinion. They are 1-0 with 69-57 win over a good Groton team. Easton scored 20 points, dished 5 assists, grabbed 5 rebounds, only turned the ball over once, and he took a charge. Coming up, Hamlin plays Howard on the 28th and Dell Rapids on the 31st. After those two games, we will have a better idea of how good the Chargers really are.","_player_evaluations_10_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_11_player":["963830"],"_player_evaluations_11_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_11_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_11_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_11_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_11_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_11_evaluation":"u003cemu003eu003cstrongu003eWHY? u003c/strongu003eu003c/emu003eHe had a quality junior season as he is a proven offensive threat. Anthony is known as a smart player with smooth ball skills and a nice jumper. Budmayr has been impactful this season for the Broncs. In the Wall win, Anthony knocked down the game winning 3-pointer with 30-seconds left in the game. Apparently Budmayr is a clutch performer! On 1/3 the Broncs host St. Thomas More, that will a game to watch. Budmayr vs. [player_tooltip player_id='963754' first='Caleb' last='Hollenbeck'] will be a prime time matchup to keep track of.","_player_evaluations_11_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_12_player":["1680249"],"_player_evaluations_12_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_12_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_12_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_12_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_12_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_12_evaluation":"u003cemu003eu003cstrongu003eWHY? u003c/strongu003eu003c/emu003eHe has god length, gets up and down the floor well, and can do damage in the heart of the defense. Staley competes on every possession and he hits the glass hard. The Broncs won their last game in a nail-bitter over Wall (49-47). Anthony gobbled up 11 rebounds in that game. Staley has played very well in the first 2 games, expect that level of play to continue and only improve. Next up, Belle Fourche hosts St. Thomas More on 1/3. That will a fun game to watch!","_player_evaluations_12_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":13,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63a899ab13f42"} /-->