South Dakota Early Season Update

This is not necessarily a post about who has been scoring the most points in the early goings of the season. Simply here, I want to give an early season update on the major developments so far this season. And the teams and prospects I’ve seen so far.

Kris Meeter Kris Meeter 6'3" | PG Tiospaye Topa | 2024 State SD scored 54 points at the Lakota Nation Invitational, so that in itself will merit a mention and recognition. Though, I didn’t see the game quite yet, 54 points in a high school game means you’re scoring the ball early and often, to say the least. I did see he was 17-22 from the free throw line.

Another mention before we dive into some more names, is the career of Joe Sayler Joe Sayler 6'4" | SG White River | 2023 State #295 Nation SD of White River. 2,000 career points — that’s buckets, let’s move on.

JT Rock JT Rock 7'1" | C Sioux Falls Lincoln | 2024 State #37 Nation SD is dunking the ball a ton, from what I’ve seen.

JT is a major recruit that has been offered by Bill Self and the Kansas Jayhawks. Had 24 points and 10 boards in a loss up against Sioux Falls Jefferson.

Speaking of Sioux Falls Jefferson, they’re considered the #1 AA team in the state, according to seed points. With in-city victories, in wins over Sioux Falls Roosevelt and Sioux Falls Lincoln. Roosevelt is no joke and Lincoln has the #1 prospect in the state, with guard talent around him as well. Jefferson has a stud point guard in D2 commit, Taylen Ashley Taylen Ashley 6'0" | PG Sioux Falls Jefferson | 2023 State SD , athletic two-guards, a wing forward that is a top prospect in Kaden Year Kaden Year 6'6" | SF Sioux Falls Jefferson | 2023 State SD , and a 6’10 center and D2 commit, Ethan Koltz Ethan Koltz 6'11" | C Sioux Falls Jefferson | 2023 State SD . Depth all-around as well. Kaden Year Kaden Year 6'6" | SF Sioux Falls Jefferson | 2023 State SD put in 27 points against Lincoln.

For Lincoln, Elliot Whitney Elliot Whitney 6'0" Sioux Falls Lincoln | 2023 SD was getting talked about via social media a ton, in his 18-point effort in a 68-63 win over Harrisburg. Good player that has a recent offer from Dakota State.

Sioux Falls Christian is stacked with prospects that are listed and written about more below. They’re 4-0 and beat AA Sioux Falls O’Gorman.

Britton Mulder Britton Mulder 6'2" | SG Sioux Falls Christian | 2025 State SD , The 2025 prospect isn’t quite developed all the way physically but he has a big-time skill set. Possesses a filthy crossover where he can also gain some ground and get the defender on their heels. A lightning-quick crossover. A smooth three-point game and a textbook release and shooting form. The three-ball seems easy to him and looks natural. Great overall speed and movement, especially when he gets going in the open court. A true glider that can catch a good top speed.

Griffen Goodbary Griffen Goodbary 6'8" | PF Sioux Falls Christian | 2025 State SD has legitimate length as a young 6’7 prospect. The upside is clear to see with this prospect, with his exceptional length and room to fill out his frame with strength. Top 10 prospect in the 2025 class, with immense upside for un upward trajectory.

Ethan Bruns Ethan Bruns 6'6" | SF Sioux Falls Christian | 2023 State SD plays with intense physicality and a constant motor at 6’6, with a big and strong frame, and is functional. A top 20 prospect in the 2023 class.

Sioux Falls Christian has a plethora of talent and playmakers that can fill it up. Cole Snyder Cole Snyder 6'0" | CG Sioux Falls Christian | 2025 State SD is another guard that needs to develop his frame some, but one that has an impressive skill set, especially deadly from three.

Keep in mind, that there have been many game cancellations due to winter weather. At this point, a team is lucky to have played three games by now. Some teams have only played one game. I had plans of attending the Aberdeen Christian vs. Dell Rapids. That got postponed.

Isaac Bruns Isaac Bruns 6'5" | SG Dakota Valley | 2023 State SD did this:

6’0 Senior point guard, Rugby Ryken Rugby Ryken 6'0" | PG Yankton | 2023 State SD lived in the paint in Yankton’s big win against Harrisburg, scoring 33 points in the game. Ryken runs the point for Yankton and he does an admirable job doing so. An elite handle and control of the ball, with an overall great feel for the game and how to play the point guard position. An elite passer with impressive court vision and awareness. Against Harrisburg, Ryken took over late in the 4th quarter for Yankton to secure a 66-61 victory. He was seamlessly getting to the hoop with control and strength. One of the more polished point guard prospects and finishers in the state.

There will be another quick South Dakota update in the coming days. Stay tuned.