Radiant Role Players in SD

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Role Players are crucial for any team's success! PHD feels that Role Players are so important, we decided to do another article. We have 10 more players from South Dakota to look at. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size">These guys need your attention! Role Players are vital to every successful team in basketball. An important role player might be the hardest worker, a great defensive player, a 3-point shooter, a hard-nosed rebounder, a sure-handed PG, a precision passer, a guy that does the little things, a selfless teammate, a top-notch practice player, and many other things depending on the team. Role Players might not get a ton of playing time, but when they are in the game, they make the most of it! With that said, let's check out the ballers….<a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/03/SD-1.jpg"></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1399487,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><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" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Radiant Role Players </span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1753099' first='Ben' last='Heisler'] (2023) |6'3 F| Pierre</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8-6 record on the year. He does everything that you want from a role player. Heisler rebounds extremely well, is fantastic on the O-glass, has good touch around the rim, and is a freak jumper/leaper. He is also shooting surprisingly well from beyond the arc. Heisler moves well without the ball and he has been dunking at a crazy clip. If the Govs are going to make a run at tourney time....Heisler will be a major factor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Carter Leddy (2023) |6'4 C| Deuel</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He has a lot of potential and this positively impacts the team on both sides of the court. Leddy can finish the basketball inside at a high percentage and has good footwork to go with his post moves. The Cards are having a great season and Carter has played a big part in that impressive record. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Dravyn&nbsp;Carlson (2023) |6'1 G| Deuel</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Cards are coming off a nice win over Groton and they have a 9-3 record. Dravyn is an important role player for the Cards. Carlson is a very good shooter and is becoming a complete player. His ability to rebound on both sides of the ball helps give the Cards the rebounding edge in most games. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jackson Hoffmann (2023) |6'3 F| Brookings</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He is a senior and the Bobcats 6^th&nbsp;man.&nbsp;Hoffmann is the ideal role player who always comes in willing to do whatever is needed.&nbsp;He plays with great energy, defends posts well, and is active on both ends of the floor.&nbsp;He has the ability to score the ball as well.&nbsp;Hoffmann takes charges whenever he gets the opportunity, he puts his body on the line for his team.&nbsp;He is constantly hustling after every rebound he can, and is the loudest one on the bench, he is always talking and communicating!&nbsp;Jackson is one of the best teammates, he is always supporting the team and his teammates regardless of the type of game he has played or how many minutes he got that game. Whether he was needed for a large role or a slightly diminished role that game he is the same teammate.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='963800' first='Kelby' last='Hett'] (2023) |6'1 G| Harding County</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Ranchers are playing well this season (11-3) and a big reason for that is Mr. Hett! Kelby always does what is necessary to help the Ranchers win. Every night he defends the opposing team's point guard and makes life difficult for them with his quick hands and speed. Hett also runs the PG spot for Harding County and he makes sure everyone is contributing. Kelby brings high energy and is one of the hardest workers on the Ranchers team. He takes charges, gives crazy effort, and he does the little things to help the team. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1407011' first='Mackenzie' last='Wike'] (2025) |5'8 G| White River</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Tigers are 12-2 and #2 in State! Mack is not the tallest or strongest person on the court but he is very quick, very fast, and one of the Tigers hardest workers.&nbsp;He is one of White Rivers best on-ball defenders and he will usually guard the other team's quickest guard. Wike will sacrifice his body to dive on a loose ball and will take a charge.&nbsp;When he comes out of the game he is always so very tired from working so hard.&nbsp;Wike is a great kid off the court and is respected by his teammates because of the effort he puts forth and how he would do anything to help his team succeed.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1763076' first='Max' last='Engebretson'] (2024) |6'2 G| Sioux Valley</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>12-1 record and ranked #2 in class A. New to the Cossacks this year and he has been an impactful role player for coach Vincent's team. A 2-way player that gets it done on both ends. A coaches kid, smart, and has good instincts. He is an excellent communicator. Max has the skills and ability to score the ball when given the opportunity. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Owen Quail (2023) |5'11 F| Deuel</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He is a glue guy that makes the team go with his communication and his ability to defend.&nbsp;Owen is a multi-sport athlete who brings toughness to the Cardinals. Deuel is 9-3 this season and they have a big matchup on Tuesday vs. Sioux Valley. Quail could be an X-factor in that game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ricky Berndt (2023) |6'0 G| Deuel</strong> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Cards are 9-3 and Berndt is a vital piece of the puzzle. Ricky brings quickness to the team both offensively and defensively.&nbsp;He plays the game with a high IQ and with great endurance. Look for Berndt to play an important role as the season moves on. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ronnie Begalka (2023) |6'4 C| Deuel</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Cards are off to a great start this season (9-3) and Begalka has been a key factor. Ronnie is a great rebounder who never gives up on a play. His motor is one of the best in the Deuel program. Begalka is making his impact on both ends of the court this season, this gives the Cardinals an edge on the interior. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1487735,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/06/ImpressivePlayers.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/06/ImpressivePlayers.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-1487735" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->