SD 24’s That I Have To See

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It is hard to believe that we are nearing the end of January! Before the season gets away from me, I decided to make a list of players that I need to watch very soon. See below for some of the reasons you and I need to watch these guys hoop. We have a nice mix of 11 players from AA, A, and B teams. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1317685,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/10/PlayerWatchlistNDSD.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/10/PlayerWatchlistNDSD.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-1317685" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">24's That I Need To See</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1270361' first='Lane' last='Tietz'] |6'1 G| Groton</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em> He is one of the elite backcourt players in South Dakota, make sure you take some time to watch Mr. Tietz this winter. You will not be disappointed! Lane is a hard worker and a great teammate. He is averaging nearly 30 ppg and he stuffs the stat sheet in all areas. The Tigers dominated the Bulldogs from Milbank last night by a score of 61-28 and Tietz poured in 26 points in 3 quarters. I almost forgot, Lane scored 47 points in a single game earlier this season and now has the Groton record for points scored in a single game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1238618' first='Matt' last='Anderson'] |6'6 F| Canton</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em> I have not had a chance to see Mr. Anderson play yet this season but I have heard reports of him standing out and playing like an All-State baller. I have watched Matthew play multiple times in the past and I really like his game. He is obviously BIG, strong, and athletic. Matt is also a hustler, a grinder, an unselfish teammate, and a 2-way baller. This intriguing college prospect is averaging just over 27 ppg, 8 rpg, and 3 apg. Matt is having a productive season and has scored over 20 points in every game. Anderson is shooting 33 3FG%, 56 FG%, and is 20/21 from the FT-line. This C-Hawk is putting up splashy numbers, but he is also a lockdown defender.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1415234' first='Jake' last='Kuhl'] |7'0 C| West Central</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em> I watched Kuhl a handful of times this past spring/summer and twice this winter. He does not always put up a boatload of points but Mr. Kuhl has an impact on the game with his extreme length and impressive athleticism. 7-footers are not supposed to move like this! Recently, Jake had an eye-popping 2-handed wham against Dakota Valley. That was a great example of how mobile Jake is. Kuhl is a game-changer on the glass, he controls the boards and prevents teams from second chances. He alters and blocks a ton of shots around the basket. Jake will also step outside and hit the 3-ball. This was evident in the Pine Ridge game. The Trojans do not have an impressive record but they are talented and they are still coming together as a team. Mark my words, West Central will be a scary squad come Tourney Time, and Mr. Kuhl is a big reason for that.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1351868' first='Andrew' last='Atwood'] |6'2 SG| Beresford</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em> He is playing very well this season. Atwood has had to take on different roles than originally planned because of teammates being out with injuries or illness. When some of the other scoring threats have been out, Atwood gets face-guarded/chased. At this point in the season, Andrew is averaging 13 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 3 apg, and 1 spg. The senior leads the team in rebounding and he showed off his 3-point shooting last game against MCC with 4 triples. Andrew is Top10 all-time in 3-pointers made in Beresford's history. His game has matured and he is becoming more of a vocal leader. Tune in tonight, Beresford takes on Canton. The Watchdogs are healthy and I will not be surprised if Atwood has a signature game in this rivalry matchup. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1878111' first='Layne' last='Cotton'] |6'3 SF| Faulkton</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em> He was an All-State player last season. Will he do it again? Yes! At this point in the season, the Trojans have a 7-3 record. Tonight (1/19/24), Faulkton hosts Ipswich who is also having a quality season and has a 10-1 record. This should be a great game and it would be the perfect time to watch Mr. Cotton. Layne is a numbers horse as he scores a ton of points, collects large amounts of rebounds, and is always around the basketball. He is a crafty, creative, and talented bball player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1493897' first='Jet' last='Janvrin'] |6'0 PG| Rapid City Central</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em> The Cobblers are struggling this season as a team, so Janvrin is not getting a ton of attention. However, he still deserves some noise and eyes. Jet is a talented and entertaining point guard. He had a quality offseason and drew attention from multiple college programs. Janvrin will be playing his college ball at Mount Marty. Jet is a creator, distributor, and an all-around lead guard. Janvrin can score the rock with his craftiness and his sweet jump shot. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1313354' first='Alex' last='Schumacher'] |6'0 G| Miller</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em> Schumacher is a talented offensive weapon, he has had a ton of splashy games this year where is put up huge numbers. A good time to watch the Rustlers would be Saturday (1/20/24). Alex is 4 points away from scoring his 1,000th career point! For the season, Schumacher is averaging around 25 points per game, he has scored in the 30's many times. Alex has been hot from beyond the arc, he is shooting around 45% from long range. That is impressive when you figure in how much attention Mr. Schumacher gets for opposing defenses. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1270363' first='Bryce' last='Westby'] |6'5 F| Philip </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em> He certainly passes the eye test on film. Westby is a big, strong, and physical player. He has an athletic frame and he moves well. I like his aggressiveness and anticipation. I have not seen/heard his stats for the season, but I will not be surprised if Bryce is averaging a Double-Double. Westby brings a serious post presence to the floor and he is known as a tough forward. Make sure that you take some time to check out the Scotties and Mr. Westby.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1296796' first='Carvin' last='Fish'] |6'8 F| Tiospa Zina</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em> Mr. Fish dropped 30 points last night in his game vs. Deuel. I have not watched him since he moved to South Dakota and word on the street is that Carvin has played well for the Wambdi. The last I heard, Carvin is averaging around 15 points per game. I have watched Mr. Fish play many games in the past with Horace and in AAU hoops. I need to watch TZ soon and see how Carvin's game has evolved. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1497407' first='Landon' last='Potts'] |6'2 G| Yankton</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em> I like this kid's game and everyone says that he just keeps getting better. Potts is known as a smart, mature, skilled, and timely playmaker. Now that he has the keys to the Bucks offense, he is putting up gaudy numbers. 17.5 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 2.7 apg, 2.0 spg, 50 fg%, 38 3FG% (25 made through 8 games). Landon is playing very well right now, as well as any guard in AA. Landon's best asset is shooting, but can also put it on the floor and get to the basket. He has played the point and 2 guard for Yankon this year. Potts was a huge part of the Bucks team last year as a shooter/scorer off the bench. He had a couple of big games and made clutch shots in the State Tournament. He recently hit a buzzer-beater to send the game into OT against Jefferson, this play made SportsCenter Top 10 at number 6! Potts finished the game with 28 points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1532260' first='Jason' last='Fisher'] |6'5 F| Douglas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em> I have not watched a full game of his, but Fisher looks tough on film and everyone you ask has good things to say about Jason's game. He is long, moves well, is athletic, and is not afraid of contact. The Patriots are not winning many games, but Fisher is a talented player who deserves your attention. He can bang inside and score from the block. Fisher can also step away from the lane and knock down jumpers. Jason is a good defender, he crashes the boards, and is an overall hard worker. </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 -->