A Bit Too Early SD B Power Rankings

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>PHD knows that we are in the month of June. However, the summer always goes by way too fast. Football season will be here in the blink of an eye and basketball will come quickly after. While we are waiting for the hoops season, we thought it would be fun to put out some Power Rankings for Class B.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size">See below for PHD's initial Top 10 Power Rankings, we included 4 Contenders. Those four Contenders could easily be in the Top 10.</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":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong>#1 Castlewood</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">2022-23 Record: </span></strong>20-6 (5th at State)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Team comments:</span></strong> The Warriors have went to State the last two years and they return a ton of talent. [player_tooltip player_id='1327459' first='Bryon' last='Laue'] will be one of the best BIGs in SD and [player_tooltip player_id='1625205' first='Lane' last='Tvedt'] is a talented/special lead guard. [player_tooltip player_id='1421603' first='Quincy' last='Thu'], [player_tooltip player_id='1638961' first='Jackson' last='Schofield'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1558248' first='Jamison' last='Keszler'] are also skilled playmakers. Laue will be dominant down low and their talented group of guards will make winning/successful plays. This veteran crew knows what it takes to be successful and they will rack up the wins next season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong>#2 Viborg-Hurley </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">2022-23 Record: </span></strong>21-5 (6th at State)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Team comments:</span></strong> The Cougars know what type of effort and work it takes to reach the State Tournament. They also return a large amount of talent &amp; experience. [player_tooltip player_id='1535886' first='Nick' last='Hanson'] is a top BIG in South Dakota and he will be a matchup problem for every team. The 6'7" PF was All-State and he is playing great in AAU ball. Outside of Hanson, the Cougars return [player_tooltip player_id='1832812' first='Brady' last='Schroedermeier'] who was an All-Conference player last season. [player_tooltip player_id='1535887' first='Rafe' last='Goettertz'] is an up-n-comer to keep eyes on. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong>#3 De Smet</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">2022-23 Record: </span></strong>23-3 (State Champions)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Team comments:</span></strong> All hail the champions! This program breeds success and the Bulldogs have a program that is rich in history. How can you bet against De Smet? They do lose their All-State &amp; D1 BIG <strong>Damon Wilkinson</strong>. However, the Bulldogs have many more talent players to worry about. [player_tooltip player_id='1725470' first='George' last='Jensen'] is a name to know for De Smet. Jensen is a special athlete and he will be one of the top defenders in all of SD. He will also dominate on the glass and finish above the rim. [player_tooltip player_id='1625203' first='Kadyn' last='Fast'] is a mobile athlete and a dude on defense. [player_tooltip player_id='1764168' first='Tom' last='Aughenbaugh'], [player_tooltip player_id='1552592' first='Trace' last='Van Regenmorter'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1966052' first='Britt' last='Carlson'] are also talented Bulldogs to tabs on. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong>#4 Faith</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">2022-23 Record: </span></strong>23-3 (7th at State)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Team comments:</span></strong> The Longhorns had a fantastic season that ended with 23 wins, very few teams in SD can say they picked up 23 W's. The Longhorns return two complete studs and everyone will struggle to slow them down. [player_tooltip player_id='1819685' first='Jackson' last='Schauer'] is the splashy name for Faith, he was All-State and averaged 20.4 ppg. Schauer is a southpaw SNIPER. [player_tooltip player_id='1819752' first='Caden' last='Selby'] is another stud for the Longhorns. At 6'7 with athleticism and shooting ability, Selby is a difficult matchup. Look out for the two-headed monster from Faith next season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong>#5 White River</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">2022-23 Record:</span></strong> 20-6 (4th at State)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Team comments:</span></strong> Is the big dance in Aberdeen called the "State Tournament" or the "<em>Eldon Marshall</em> Invite"? The Tigers are regulars visitors to the Barnett Center in March, why? A huge part of that is because of legend head coach <em>Eldon Marshall</em>. The Tigers also have talent! [player_tooltip player_id='1266275' first='Nic' last='Marshall'] will be the lead guard who was All-State last season. Nic averaged 17.8 ppg, 4 rpg, and 5.3 apg. Expect those numbers to shoot up next season. [player_tooltip player_id='1407011' first='Mackenzie' last='Wike'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1532308' first='Logan' last='Wright'] are a couple other Tigers that will impact the game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong>#6 Dell Rapids St. Mary</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">2022-23 Record: </span></strong>15-6 (lost in SoDak 16 Qualifier)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Team comments:</span></strong> Like many of the programs in this article, the Cardinals have a passionate community for basketball. DRSM is striving for another trip to State and they have put together a tough schedule that will get them ready for post-season play. The top 4 players and returning starters for the Cardinals are [player_tooltip player_id='1266273' first='Nic' last='Gaspar'], [player_tooltip player_id='1625214' first='Trevon' last='Beckman'], [player_tooltip player_id='1263161' first='Maverick' last='LeBrun'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1559131' first='Trimmier' last='Hanson']. This is an athletic group that shoots it well, defends hard, is very quick, and they have a intriguing potential. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong>#7 Gregory</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">2022-23 Record:</span></strong> 16-7 (lost in SoDak 16)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Team comments:</span></strong> They are a well coached team with experienced players. The Gorillas have a special player with [player_tooltip player_id='1625188' first='Daniel' last='Mitchell'] who has been All-State for multiple years. It is rare to find the combination of length, athleticism, and skill that Mitchell has. Gregory also has [player_tooltip player_id='1263160' first='Cruz' last='Klundt'] at the PG spot, he is a talented and bright individual. Mitchell and Klundt make up a dynamic duo. [player_tooltip player_id='1328222' first='Rane' last='Kenzy'] is another Gorilla that will make some noise. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong>#8 Canistota</strong> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">2022-23 Record: </span></strong>11-10 (lost in Region Quarter Finals)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Team comments:</span></strong> The Hawks won 11 games last season but they bring back a couple of nice pieces. [player_tooltip player_id='1415229' first='Tage' last='Ortman'] will likely be an All-State player next season. The multi-sport athlete averaged 18.5 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 4.5 apg, 2.4 spg, and shot 30% from beyond the arc. Ortman is a lockdown defender and a stat stuffer. [player_tooltip player_id='1479615' first='Brandon' last='Kjetland'] will be the muscle and enforcer for the Hawks around the basket. Kjetland looks like a well sought after football recruit and he will also be an impact player in hoops. Look out for the Hawks! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong>#9 Howard</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">2022-23 Record:</span></strong> 16-7 (lost in SoDak 16)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Team comments:</span></strong> The Tigers bring back a boatload of talent, size and athleticism. [player_tooltip player_id='1318807' first='Kolt' last='Koepsell'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1503843' first='Luke' last='Koepsell'] are a huge reason for that! Few teams in South Dakota can match the Koepsell's size and athleticism. It will be a daunting task to slow down these two! Also, look for <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2257316' first='Taiden' last='Hoyer']</strong>, <strong>Colby Claussen</strong>, <strong>Will Maier</strong>, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2338436' first='Logan' last='Mentele']</strong> to be quality contributors for the Tigers. Howard was one game away from State last season, expect the Tigers to have Aberdeen in their sights this next season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong>#10 Wessington Springs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">2022-23 Record: </span></strong>16-7 (lost in SoDak 16)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Team comments:</span></strong> The Spartans return some quality players after making it to the SoDak 16 this past spring. [player_tooltip player_id='1641210' first='Parker' last='Graff'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1651329' first='Colby' last='Flowers'] are two youngster for the Spartans and they will give opposing teams fits. They got their feet wet this past year and they are having a productive AAU season. Graff and Flowers will be two of the top sophomores in Class B next year. [player_tooltip player_id='1356552' first='Blake' last='Larson'] is another nice player for Wessington Springs. Can 2023 be the year of the Spartans? </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"x-large"} --> <p class="has-x-large-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Contenders</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong>Crazy Horse</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">2022-23 Record: </span></strong>17-5 (lost in SoDak 16)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong>Deubrook Area</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">2022-23 Record: </span></strong>7-13 (lost in Region Quarter Finals)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong>Leola-Frederick Area</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">2022-23 Record:</span></strong> 11-10 (lost in Region Quarter Finals)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong>Lower Brule</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">2022-23 Record:</span></strong> 22-4 (2nd at State)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1676515,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/PowerRankings.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/PowerRankings.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1676515" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->