RESULTS – SD Player of the Year
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High school basketball will be here before we know it. I believe we are 60 some days away from practice starting. With that said, PHD published an article on September 16th with polls for who would be the SD Player…
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Continue ReadingHigh school basketball will be here before we know it. I believe we are 60 some days away from practice starting. With that said, PHD published an article on September 16th with polls for who would be the SD Player of the Year in AA, A, and B. We had a fantastic turnout with 3,849 total votes between the 3 polls!
This is a stimulating way to kill time until the season actually starts…..Remember, these are just voter polls from the public, so nothing is final, correct, incorrect, or negative. It is all fun and something else to talk about when it comes to basketball in South Dakota.
See below for the poll results, numbers, and comments on the top 3 vote-getters.
Top 3 Vote-Getters: AA Player of the Year Poll
1,248 Votes
49.11% of the Votes
The Kernels will be a top team in AA and Smith will put up splashy numbers. He is a mismatch problem with his size, strength, and versatile scoring ability. You do not have to be a senior to win Player of the Year, so Smith could certainly be in the running if things go well for the #1 ranked 2026 Prospect.
Highlights
900 Votes
35.42% of the Votes
Roosevelt could be a dark horse in AA and if they make a push to be a top team, Goff will be the major reason for that. Hayden is masterfully skilled with the rock and he makes everyone better. His jumper is smooth and he is a crafty scorer. He showed this summer that he can compete & produce against next-level talent. I like his toughness and playmaking ability. Expect Hayden to have a breakout season and to be one of the top guards in AA. He certainly has the talent level to be All-State and in the running for Player of the Year.
133 Votes
5.23%
PHD is predicting Harrisburg to be a top 3 team in AA and the man running the show for them will be Mr. Mehrman. Jacoby is a returning All-State player, a veteran PG, and is likely the biggest/toughest floor general in SD. Will he win a ton of games? Yes! Will he put up big numbers? Yes! Mehrman is not just a numbers producer, he is also a creator and a tough defender. Look for Jacoby to be a 1st Team All-State Player and to be in serious contention for Player of the Year.
Top 3 Vote-Getters: A Player of the Year Poll
367 Votes
40.42% of the Votes
Sam will easily be one of the top athletes in class A and the Titans are always a quality team. Tea will pick up plenty of wins, Almas will have productive stats, and he will not be short of highlight reel plays. Sam had an excellent offseason, so you should expect a more polished and skilled player this winter. Almas also plays his heart out on the floor and he makes plenty of game-changing plays when the ball is not in his hands. He is an all-around dude that is ready for a monster senior campaign.
Highlights
110 Votes
12.11% of the Votes
He is a winner that is for sure! Tish and the Panthers are no stranger to winning it all, can they do it again? They will certainly be contenders. The last few years, it has been Dakota Valleys world and everyone else in class A was just trying to survive. The Panthers will have a target on their back this year but opponents will have to deal with Mr. Wingert. Jaxon is as tough and physical as they come and he is a fierce competitor. I love his effort, nose for the ball, and motor that never slows. Expect Tish to be a top dog in A ball!
Highlights
62 Votes
6.83% of the Votes
Tietz is a pure shooter, a bucket getter, and player with great basketball instincts. To be in the running for Player of the Year, your team needs to be highly competitive and PHD expects the Tigers to be just that. Lane will be one of the most potent offensive weapons in class A and his numbers will be gaudy. Lane will put up a pile of points but he is also a fantastic rebounder, and a dawg on defense. Get Groton and
Lane Tietz
Lane
Tietz
5’11” | CG
Groton | 2024
State
SD
on you watchlist, it will certainly be worth your time!
Top 3 Vote-Getters: B Player of the Year Poll
185 Votes
46.25% of the Votes
Like we said above, your team needs to be in the upper echelon of the State to be in consideration for POTY and that is exactly what DRSM will be. The Cardinals are a top 10 team and Beckman will be the man knocking down triples on a consistent basis. Trevon is a buttery-smooth shooter with a flawless stroke. He is a high percentage shooter, a student of the game, and a baller that puts in the time to get better. Besides being a sniper, Beckman is also a high-yielding rebounder. Get ready for Trevon and the Cards to make a ton of noise this winter!
Highlights
74 Votes
18.5% of the Votes
The Warriors will be an elite team in B once again and the BIG leading the way will be
Bryon Laue
Bryon
Laue
6’9″ | C
Castlewood | 2025
State
SD
. He is an imposing low post with all the attributes that college coaches love. Laue is great with his back to the basket, I love his post moves, finishing touch, and his work around the basket. He is an intimidating defender and a horse on the glass. If he gets single coverage on the block, you will definitely pay the price. Could he be the best in B this coming year? Certainly, Cwood will win the majority of their games and Laue will be a dominant double-double dude!
Highlights
33 Votes
8.25% of the Votes
There is a very good chance that Ortman could be the best two-way player in B. There is no question that Tage will be one of the top athletes. His numbers will be eye-popping and the Hawks will be in contention to make a postseason run. Ortman is a dynamic baller, a no-backdown stud, and a versatile bucket machine. PHD loves his confidence and we believe that Tage is destined for great things in his senior season!