’27 SD Ranks: Players I Need To Watch
In this article:
On Tuesday, PHD updated the South Dakota Prospect Rankings for the 2027 Class. In this article, we are looking at ballers that I want to see play before the end of the season or right away this spring. I have…
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Continue ReadingOn Tuesday, PHD updated the South Dakota Prospect Rankings for the 2027 Class.
In this article, we are looking at ballers that I want to see play before the end of the season or right away this spring. I have either watched them once or twice and want to see more, have heard positive reports & I am intrigued, or I have watched them in the past & interested in how they have improved. Some of these players have finished their 9th grade or JV seasons, so I might have to wait and watch them this spring in AAU/grassroots ball!
WHY?
-Key player for the undefeated and #1 ranked Chargers
-Mature beyond his years, not just his size & athleticism but his skill & feel for the game
QUESTIONS
He seems so advanced, how much better can his skills get in the next 3 years?
Will he keep growing, what are his plans for AAU, and how will he perform in the playoffs?
WHY?
-The Tigers are legit, beat OG on Tuesday, Porisch does everything well, Anderson &
Blake Ellwein
Blake
Ellwein
6’8″ | SF
Huron | 2026
State
SD
make for a scary youthful combination
-Well-rounded game, averaging 11.5 ppg, grabbing 5.7 rpg, scores from every level, gets better every day, learning to value every possession, radiant future
QUESTIONS
How does he handle the ball in the open court & against pressure D?
How is his D, how does he defend elite athletes on the wing & can he get physical in the paint?
WHY?
-One of the top athletes in this 2027 Class
-A special multi-sport athlete, strong, shifty, good feel for the game
QUESTIONS
Did his perimeter shooting improve this season?
Will he get taller before his sophomore season and how will he & Connor Mebius Connor Mebius 5’8″ | PG West Central | 2027 State SD gel together in AAU hoops?
WHY?
-Has had some crazy scoring games and put up splashy performances
-Long lefty, extended shooting range, short memory, cold blooded scorer
QUESTIONS
Scary offensive weapon, can he get stops on the other end?
Is he just a shooter, will he cut for good looks, does he create for others?
WHY?
-Has favorable size, impressive mobility, does good work in the paint
-Plays in a quality program with a ton of talent, his game should keep improving
QUESTIONS
He is a BIG player, will he add inches this offseason?
I hear he is rebounding very well this season, how is Drake scoring his points?
WHY?
-Has nice length for this age, smooth on the hardwood, makes the game look easy
-Can put up points from all levels on the floor, gets it done on both ends
QUESTIONS
How is he as a screener & passer, does he make others better?
What role will he play on Hoop City in AAU?
Highlights
WHY?
-Gifted athlete, good sized, moves well, skilled baller
-Aggressive & creative scorer, causes problems on defense
QUESTIONS
How did he shoot it this season from the perimeter?
He is already a big guard, will he get bigger and keep growing?
Highlights
WHY?
-Started on the JV team who went 15-2, very athletic player who makes positive things happen for himself & his teammates
-Very good around the rim, great rebounder, defends at a high level
QUESTIONS
How was his offensive production this season on JV?
He was impressive in the paint at the frosh Expo in Sioux Falls, how far out does his shooting range go?
WHY?
-He has the Kieffer last name, so you know he is a quality athlete
-Playing limited varsity minutes, looks good & scores well on JV, exciting potential
QUESTIONS
He impressed me this fall with his cutting & slashing, how is he shooting it this winter?
He looked like a quality defender, is he locking up & creating TO’s in JV?
Highlights
WHY?
-One of the best defenders on the WC frosh team, if not the best, SUPER quick, dynamic on both ends of the floor, the Trojan 9th grade team went 15-1 on the season!
-Tenacious on-ball D, can beat almost anyone off the bounce, great at getting to the basket
QUESTIONS
He shot it well from 3 this fall, how did he produce from behind the arc this winter?
He is a special athlete, will he sprout up a few inches this offseason?
WHY?
-Dresses for varsity but mainly plays JV, LONG with legit potential
-Good improvement this season, scoring well on JV, exciting player to keep tabs on
QUESTIONS
At 6’6″, is he strictly an interior player?
How is his athleticism, how does he moves his feet, does he score on the block?