A Bit Too Early SD A Power Rankings

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>PHD knows that we are in the month of July. However, the summer always goes by way too fast and football season will be here before we know it. The AAU basketball season is nearing its end already! The fall sports season always zooms by, high school hoops will get here before we know it. While we are waiting for the season to arrive, PHD thought it would be fun to put out some Power Rankings for Class A.</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 7 teams that should be "In The Hunt" for Top 10 consideration. These six teams have the talent to be serious contenders.<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":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong>#1 Sioux Falls Christian</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">2022-23</span>:</strong> 21-5 (2nd Place at State)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Comments</span>:</strong> This program always has success so it should be no surprise that SFC is at the top. The Chargers will have a scary 3-headed monster with [player_tooltip player_id='1503883' first='Griffen' last='Goodbary'], [player_tooltip player_id='1390318' first='Cole' last='Snyder'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1390319' first='Britton' last='Mulder']. SFC also has some talented up-and-coming players to watch out for. The Chargers are a well-coached team and their "Big 3" knows what it takes to get to the State Championship. SFC will play a tough regular season schedule and they will be a seasoned team come playoff time. SFC has looked unstoppable this summer. It could very well be the year of the Chargers in 2023-24!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong>#2 Hamlin</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">2022-23</span>:</strong> 21-4 (3rd Place at State)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Comments</span>:</strong> The Hamlin Chargers bring back loads of talent and experience to make another deep run in the playoffs. Hamlin was a game away from the State Championship game last spring and I imagine that they will have their eyes on getting there next March. The Chargers have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to talent, they also have one of the best coaches in SD, <em>Todd Neuendorf</em>. Hamlin returns two All-State players with [player_tooltip player_id='1331228' first='Tyson' last='Stevenson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1625191' first='Easton' last='Neuendorf']. Some of the other talented Chargers are [player_tooltip player_id='1558204' first='Zac' last='Van Meeteren',], [player_tooltip player_id='1331227' first='Dawson' last='Noem'], [player_tooltip player_id='1414922' first='Evan' last='Stormo'], [player_tooltip player_id='1545637' first='Jackson' last='Wadsworth'], [player_tooltip player_id='2059573' first='Aiden' last='Abraham'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2059565' first='Boden' last='Stevenson']. Hamlin should also be playing a difficult schedule and they will be battle-tested by the post-season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong>#3 Lennox</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">2022-23</span>:</strong> 17-4 (Lost in Region Quarterfinals)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Comments</span>:</strong> The Orioles are led by [player_tooltip player_id='1266222' first='Porter' last='Ihnen'] who is a complete baller, an All-State player, and a USD commit. I will not be surprised if Ihnen leads the state in scoring. Porter is also a high-yielding rebounder and an all-around playmaker. Lennox will have a new high-level talent on campus this year with [player_tooltip player_id='1625181' first='Boston' last='Katzer']. The Orioles will have one of the best 1-2 punches in SD with Ihnen and Katzer. Lennox has many other quality players with [player_tooltip player_id='1987578' first='Braxton' last='Musser'], [player_tooltip player_id='1489685' first='Talan' last='Diercks'], [player_tooltip player_id='1503879' first='Layton' last='Smith'], [player_tooltip player_id='1467165' first='Tate' last='Gerdes'], [player_tooltip player_id='1641162' first='Cloy' last='McVey'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2054983' first='Drake' last='Mikkelsen']. The Orioles had an early exit last season, I do not see that happening this coming year. Look for Lennox to make a major post-season run in the 2023-24 season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong># 4 Sioux Valley</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">2022-23</span>:</strong> 23-3 (5th Place at State)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Comments</span>:</strong> The Cossacks lose one of the top players in South Dakota, <strong>Oliver Vincent</strong>. However, SV has plenty of talent returning and they have legendary head coach, <em>Bill Vincent</em>. SV has the best low post in class A, [player_tooltip player_id='1266223' first='Alec' last='Squires']. The BIG man is committed to SDSU. Squires is an elite defender, rebounder, and the leading Dunker in Sioux Valley's history. The Cossacks will also have a talented backcourt. [player_tooltip player_id='1496797' first='Jace' last='Christensen'] will run the show at point, take care of the ball, and stir the drink for coach <em>Vincen'ts</em> squad. [player_tooltip player_id='1763076' first='Max' last='Engebretson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1263164' first='Maverick' last='Nelson'] will be the shooters and scorers on the wing. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2075251' first='Boden' last='Schiller']</strong> will also be a huge part of the Cossack success. Schiller is crazy athletic, a dunking fool, a shot blocker, and a lockdown defender. [player_tooltip player_id='1625197' first='Hudsyn' last='Ruesink'] will provide grittiness and depth at the forward position. Will the Cossacks be tough once again? YES!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong>#5 West Central</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">2022-23</span>:</strong> 11-11 (Lost in SoDak 16 Qualifier game)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Comments</span>:</strong> The Trojans will be one of the biggest teams in South Dakota, and coach Sittig's squads are always tough, stingy, and gritty. [player_tooltip player_id='1415234' first='Jake' last='Kuhl'] will be new to the Trojans and he could be a game changer with his 7-foot height and special athleticism. WC has another Kuhl to worry about. Will, who is a 6'8 low post player with sharp ball skills, athletic finishes, and tough post moves. The Trojans have other impressive talent with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2268874' first='Trevin' last='Price']</strong>, [player_tooltip player_id='1688743' first='Brodie' last='Herr'], [player_tooltip player_id='1688734' first='Crew' last='Heier'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2076018' first='Connor' last='Mebius']. Mr. Mebius is a player of the future for WC and a top talent in the '27 class. As always, Region 3 will be tough. The Trojans will certainly have their work cut out for them but they have all the pieces to be one of the best in A. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong>#6 St. Thomas More</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">2022-23</span>:</strong> 21-4 (6th Place at State)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Comments</span>:</strong> The Cavaliers lose their top player <strong>Caleb Hollenebck</strong> to graduation but they have plenty of talent coming up the ranks. The cabinet is never bare at STM! <em>Dave Hollenbeck</em> is the head coach and he is a legend in his own right. Coach <em>Hollenbeck</em> teaches the game the right way, his teams are always tough and disciplined. Some of the top Cavs to watch are [player_tooltip player_id='1273153' first='Jordan' last='Uhlir'], [player_tooltip player_id='1843051' first='Turner' last='Thompson'], [player_tooltip player_id='1843052' first='Lee' last='Neugebauer'], <strong>Peyton Young</strong>, <strong>Holden Grizwold</strong>, <strong>Chase Donnelly</strong>, [player_tooltip player_id='1407009' first='JD' last='Green'], and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2250297' first='Baron' last='Slusarski']</strong>. [player_tooltip player_id='1641568' first='Wyatt' last='Gylten'] aka "Buzzy" is a dude to watch as well. In the 2026 class, Buzzy is a Top 10 player and the top dawg out West. It will be fun to see how this STM team shakes out, they will be good, but the question is...How good?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong>#7 Rapid City Christian</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">2022-23</span>:</strong> 20-2 (Lost in Sodak 16 Qualifer)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Comments</span>:</strong> They only lost two games last season and they bring back a boatload of talent. [player_tooltip player_id='1503881' first='Benson' last='Kieffer'] is the big name for the Comets. Benson had a phenomenal soph season and he is standing out in AAU hoops this spring/summer. He is a dynamic playmaker all over the court. [player_tooltip player_id='1761812' first='Julius' last='Frog'] is a talented forward for the Comets that will give opponents problems in the paint, Frog is also productive from 15-feet. The Comets have some other noteworthy players, [player_tooltip player_id='1394430' first='Wilson' last='Kieffer'], [player_tooltip player_id='2075359' first='Simon' last='Kieffer'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2075355' first='Lars' last='Kieffer']. Apparently, we need to look out for the Kieffer's!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong>#8 Groton Area</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">2022-23</span>:</strong> 16-6 (Lost in SoDak 16)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Comments</span>:</strong> The Tigers were a game away from State last season and they went the year before. I think we can all agree that Groton will have their sights set on State this upcoming season! [player_tooltip player_id='1270361' first='Lane' last='Tietz'] is the top Tiger, he is a lights-out shooter and an all-around stud. [player_tooltip player_id='1371416' first='Jacob' last='Zak'] is another Tiger to watch. Zak is a sleeper that will grab your attention this winter. He is tough as nails and can finish through contact as good as anyone. Other Tigers to watch are [player_tooltip player_id='1548634' first='Ryder' last='Johnson'], <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1548633' first='Keegen' last='Tracy']</strong>, <strong>Treylor Diegel</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1548641' first='Gage' last='Sippel']</strong>, and <strong>Logan Ringgenberg</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong>#9 Dakota Valley</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">2022-23</span>: </strong>26-0 (State Champions)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Comments</span>:</strong> How can the Panthers not be in the Top 10? DV has not lost a game in 2 years! Dakota Valley did lose a super-talented senior class but they are still going to win many games. [player_tooltip player_id='1625200' first='Jaxson' last='Wingert'] will be the MAN for DV. Tish is a top forward in SD and he will put up heavy numbers. He will gather double teams and the shooters from DV will thrive off of that. [player_tooltip player_id='1625208' first='Luke' last='Bruns'] is going to surprise some people this year, he is turning into a dude and will be a star in no time. [player_tooltip player_id='1406985' first='Logan' last='Collette'] is another shooter to worry about. Look for <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2272090' first='Charlie' last='Margeas']</strong> to be the new PG for DV. Coach <em>Kleis</em> knows a thing or two about winning games, I imagine that he will have the Panthers ready to compete!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong>#10 Custer</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">2022-23</span>:</strong> 8-13 (Lost in Region Quarterfinals) </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Comments</span>:</strong> The Wildcats are PHD's darkhorse and we believe that they will surprise people! [player_tooltip player_id='1406999' first='Kyle' last='Virtue'] is going to have a monster season and put up gaudy numbers. Virtue is a force to be reckoned with around the basket and he will also hurt teams from mid-range. [player_tooltip player_id='1406986' first='Rhett' last='Lowe'] is the Wildcat PG who does a really nice job. [player_tooltip player_id='2075797' first='Carter' last='Boyster'] is a quality wing and [player_tooltip player_id='2075967' first='Kincade' last='Lehman'] is a terrific athlete. Lowe, Boyster, and Lehman will make up a talented backcourt that will be ready to challenge anyone for the right to get to State.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong>*<span style="text-decoration: underline"><em>In The Hunt</em></span>*</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size">(Teams listed alphabetically) </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"30px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:30px"><strong>Dell Rapids</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"30px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:30px"><strong>Hot Springs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"30px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:30px"><strong>Lakota Tech</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"30px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:30px"><strong>Madison</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"30px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:30px"><strong>Pine Ridge</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"30px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:30px"><strong>Tea Area</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"30px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:30px"><strong>Vermillion</strong></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 -->