Four South Dakota Elite Prospects
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There’s many great prospects in South Dakota that could fit into an article like this. Here, I mention four elite prospects that I’ve seen on tape recently. They come from Lennox, Huron, and Beresford high schools. Porter Ihnen Porter Ihnen…
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Continue ReadingThere’s many great prospects in South Dakota that could fit into an article like this. Here, I mention four elite prospects that I’ve seen on tape recently. They come from Lennox, Huron, and Beresford high schools.
Porter Ihnen Porter Ihnen 6'5" | CG Lennox | 2024 State #318 Nation SD – 6’5” G 2024 – Lennox – Sanford Sports Academy 17U Black – Ihnen is the #3 ranked 2024 in South Dakota. An elite size and skill combination at the guard position. He’s a left-handed prospect that is skilled enough with the ball to be the primary ball-handler for Lennox. A 1,000 point scorer that can get to the hoop and finish when he gets there. I believe he translates to a 6’5” 2-guard at the next level. He’s a D1 guy who already has those offers.
Tate Gerdes
Tate
Gerdes
6'3" | SF
Lennox | 2026
State
SD
– 6’2” G 2026 – Lennox – Team Warwick 15U – Lennox happens to have another elite left-handed guard. The #2 ranked 2026 prospect is a playmaker. Came off the bench on a very talented Lennox team. Scores by being assertive and making the defense stop him. Gerdes and Ihnen should make for a legit scoring duo (“The Lennox Lefties”) next season. Gerdes is a guy that will be making some noise with Team Warwick this offseason.
Blake Ellwein Blake Ellwein 6'8" | SF Huron | 2026 State SD – 6’6” G/Wing 2026 – Huron – Team Warwick 15U – If you fundamentally covet length, youth, and upside, Ellwein is your guy. What college coaches dream of, as a 6’6” young wing prospect. Can put the ball on the floor and shoot the three. His length absolutely helps him as an individual defender. He always makes it tough for his matchups. Catch and shoot three-point ability from the perimeter at 6’6”. Has already proven himself at the AA level.
Malachi James Malachi James 6'2" | SG Beresford | 2026 State SD – 6’2” SG 2026 – Beresford – Sanford Sports Academy 15U Black – James was the sixth man for Beresford. An elite mover and athlete on the court, Malachi can really defend. He’s considered a top 5 2026 prospect in the state. What stands out about James is his ability on the defensive end. Length, lateral movement, overall agility, and defensive positioning allow him to be elite on D. James’ offensive growth will be closely monitored and if he continually improves throughout the years, he’ll be a two-way stud. One of those guys that won’t reach his full potential until he’s in his 20’s.