SD ’25 Ranks: Players To Watch & Why

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Ranks came out last week but we are not done talking about the 2025 class in South Dakota. The season is about 2 months from the start, and that got me thinking. Who are some of the guys that I want to watch early in the season? See below for 11 ballers and the reasons that PHD wants to watch them hoop. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1434827,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/04/players-to-watch-2025-black-crop-488x320-1650478611.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/04/players-to-watch-2025-black-crop-488x320-1650478611.jpg?w=487" alt="" class="wp-image-1434827" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1625181' first='Boston' last='Katzer'] |6'3 G/F| Lennox</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em> </strong>He is new to the Orioles and they will easily be a top 5 team in class A. Lennox was going to be good either way, now they are just loaded and super talented with the addition of Katzer. He averaged 15 ppg, 8.3 RPG, and 2.8 apg last season. It looks like the transition has gone well so far this fall, Katzer is leading the way as the QB, and the Orioles are 4-1 in football. I watched Boston hoop a couple of times this summer and I was impressed. I watched him hit a game-winner, so I know that the kid is clutch! I liked the looks of his perimeter jump shot, the ball went down consistently, and he is a strong player on both sides of the ball. I like how he attacks off the dribble, sees the floor, and creates for others. Boston is also a talented finisher. I am looking forward to seeing Katzer in the black and orange!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1263164' first='Maverick' last='Nelson'] |6'4 G| Sioux Valley</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em> </strong>Playing for the Cossacks is a good enough reason, they have a great thing going at Sioux Valley! Nelson is also a sniper and I enjoy watching shooters. I am looking for Mav to step into the "Big 3" role this year with Squires and Engebretson. Squires will get everyone's attention, Engebretson will be the #1 outside threat, and Nelson will be #2 and he should get a ton of good looks. Mav will be in a position to put up serious points this season. He is not just a shooter, he scores from all levels. On D, Nelson will be called upon to use his length and speed to cause problems on defense. Look for Mav to be a key cog in the patented and effective "Cossack Zone". We all know Mav is a shooter but he is also a quality athlete that can get up and dunk 2-hand with ease. Nelson improved his all-around game this summer. His aggression off the bounce has notably improved and his already excellent jump shot has become more consistent. Big things are ahead for Mav!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1761714' first='Landon' last='Dulaney'] |6'1 G| Brandon Valley</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em> </strong>I want to watch Dulaney because of his freaky athleticism. He is a multi-sport STAR and I can't wait to see him on the hardwood. Landon is looking like a D1 football recruit this fall, he is a playmaking PG on the court, and he is a State Champion caliber runner on the track. Keep eyes on Brandon Valley and their super athletic PG, Mr. Dulaney!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1380720' first='Paul' last='Parsley'] |6'3 G/F| Flandreau</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em> </strong>I watched him two years ago and I could tell that Parsley was going to be a player. Then I saw Paul play this summer and it is confirmed, he is a baller! Parsley does all the little things correctly and he always seems to be in the right place at the right time. He hustles &amp; plays hard, he is always around the ball, and Parsley has natural instincts that make his team better. Paul is a smart player, an aggressive slasher, and an efficient finisher. I am excited to see what Parsley and the Fliers can do this season!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1625179' first='Austin' last='Terveen'] |6'2 G| O'Gorman &amp; [player_tooltip player_id='1943913' first='Caleb' last='Terveen'] |6'2 G| O'Gorman</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em> </strong>I saw these two this spring/summer and they certainly stood out. At 6'2, long, and athletic, the Terveen twins offer a ton of versatility. Austin and Caleb can both fill it up. They are mobile and creative scorers who can get it done in a variety of ways. I like the way that they attack/slash to the basket and they have a diverse finishing package. They can also put up points from mid-range. The Terveen brothers have a ton of potential on the defensive side of the ball. I am expecting Austin and Caleb to be impact players this season for the Knights from OG.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1326493' first='Kris' last='Meeter'] |6'3 G| Tiospaye Topa </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em> </strong>He is a stat stuffer and an offensive assassin. Meeter put up mind-numbing numbers last season with 30.9 ppg, 12.2 rpg, 4.5 apg, 3.7 spg, 53 3FGM, and 118 FTM. Kris is not just a scorer, he crushes on the glass, dishes out dimes, and gets to the line on the regular. The best scorers know how to get to the charity stripe. Meeter exploded for a 50+ point game last year. This baller needs more attention and recognition! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1386801' first='Noah' last='Kippley'] |6'2 G| Leola-Frederick</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em> </strong>I think the Titans are going to surprise some people this season and Kippley will be a major reason for that. Noah is known as a baller that gets the job done on both ends of the floor. He is consistent on offense and defense. Everyone loves a 2-way player. Kippley sticks out on offense as a talented shooter. Noah will knock them down from short range out to 3-point land. He has the ability to shoot the Titans to victory and they should pick up plenty along the way this season!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1377249' first='Jackson' last='Eisemann'] |5'11 G| Mobridge-Pollock</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em></strong> I think the Tigers are heading into the season as one of the most underrated teams in class A. They have all the pieces to be a tough team: shooters, size, athletes, talented guards, tough kids, and a smart coach. What else? They have Eisemann! Jackson is a smooth and cool point guard. He takes care of the ball and steals it on the other end. Eisemann averaged 10.9 ppg last season and I expect those numbers to rise up this winter. Jackson is a crafty lefty who is tough, skilled, and a special creator. Get Eisemann and the Tigers on your watchlist for this winter!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1407010' first='Aidan' last='Hamm'] |5'11 G| Beresford </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em> </strong>The Watchdogs will be a new-look squad this season with the graduation of VanOtterloo. Do not let that fool you, coach<em> Short's</em> team still has some dudes and Hamm is one of them. Aidan averaged 9.5 ppg, 3.28 RPG, 1.5 apg, 1.5 spg, and he shot a hot 32% from beyond the arc last year. He even broke the Beresford individual game 3-point record against Garretson, going 7 for 12. Aidan is talented but he is also a hard worker, a leader, and a player that will continue to improve. I like his potential, Hamm is a player to keep tabs on this winter. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1751436' first='Blair' last='Ham'] |6'0 G| Lemmon</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em> </strong>You do not hear a ton about the Lemmon Cowboys but they have a good one in [player_tooltip player_id='1751436' first='Blair' last='Ham']. He had a great game last winter when I was watching and he put up quality numbers throughout the season with 17 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 1.2 apg, and 44 3FGM. I want to watch Mr. Ham again this winter to see how he has improved his game, if he has grown, and I always enjoy watching talented shooters. I like his ability to hit 3-pointers off the dribble and catch. He also looks crafty and smart about drawing contact for fouls. Blair also seems to have a nose for the ball as a productive rebounder at 6'0". Get to know Ham and the Cowboys, I certainly will be watching them this winter! </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 -->