SD Playoffs: Class A prospects to watch tonight
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It’s officially March and it’s do or die time in South Dakota high school basketball. Win or go home. Tonight, Class A teams are competing to qualify for the SoDak 16. Who are some prospects to watch or that are…
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Continue ReadingIt’s officially March and it’s do or die time in South Dakota high school basketball. Win or go home. Tonight, Class A teams are competing to qualify for the SoDak 16. Who are some prospects to watch or that are counted on to lead their teams to victory to keep their playoff hopes alive? This is sort of a random list of prospects that came to mind.
Sioux Falls Christian has been taking care of business all season with a 21-0 record. The best team in the state also has the best prospect in the state in the 6’10 Goodbary. He recently picked up offers from both in-state Division I schools, South Dakota State University and University of South Dakota. He and his team will be taking on #4 seed West Central.
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I can see the stud D1 signee taking matters into his own hands and have a big night.
Wingert has been consistently dominant all season, scoring around 27-28 ppg. Dakota Valley takes on #4 seed Tea Area and expect Wingert to score around 30 points and impact the boards as well.
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Coming off a 30-point game in an easy win, Neuendorf might be the most difference-making player in the entire state. He stuffs the stat sheet with full stat lines every game. Plays fast and is a game changer. He’s looking for a state title and he’ll be the reason why if Hamlin hangs a banner.
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The top Freshman in the state is an athletic 2-way prospect with no blemishes to his game. They have a lot of guys that can make plays, but he needs to be himself and play his game throughout the playoffs if SFC wins a state championship.
The seven-footer is always one to watch and naturally stands out to the eye. He’s a Northern State University commit and is highly mobile for his size. Not a dominant scorer but he’s constantly impacting the game.
Mebius is a Freshman that starts at point guard for West Central. He’s well-advanced for his age. Plays the point to a tee and is a threat from all over. Elite skills as a ball-handler, passer, and shooter. An absurd feel for the game and the position. One of the top point guards in the state, but draws a tough matchup with Sioux Falls Christian. He’ll need to go off for his team to have a chance.
Kloth will be matched-up with fellow 6’9 prospect Kellen Artz Kellen Artz 6’9″ | PF Baltic | 2026 State SD for Baltic. Kloth will need show his physicality in the matchup.
Tietz and Groton Area (#1 seed) take on #5 seed Aberdeen Roncalli. It’s a heated rivalry game and Roncalli is looking for an upset. Tietz is known as one of the best scorers and shooters in Class A, but his pressure defense and tenacity on that end cannot be ignored. I’m not sure anyone in Class A wants to see Groton on the schedule because they can beat anyone, and Tietz can change and dictate a game on both ends. Groton previously beat Aberdeen Roncalli by 11 points earlier in the season at home. But these teams are different teams now. Tietz comes to play in big games, including a 29-point game in massive win against Dakota Valley.
Erickson has taken things to another level this season. He’s around 21-22 ppg. and I think he’ll need to be above that average in this one. He’s shown he’s capable of hitting the 30+ scoring mark.
The 1,000 point scorer will need to add to his total to take down Baltic in Region 3A. A Division I football signee, Henry can fill it up on the basketball court as well. An aggressive scorer that looks to his jumper.
Mulder was dealing with an injury earlier in the year and I saw him in the last game against Garretson and he seems to be getting his step and quickness back. Most likely the best bench player in the state. Can score the ball and stroke it.
The Freshman is putting together a nice season, scoring in double-figures and rebounding at a high level.
I popped on the Baltic/MCM film and Artz is super long and he’s very mobile and can block and alter shots in the paint. The Kloth/Artz matchup is one of the most anticipated for me.
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Cole is a quick guard that would be a go-to guy on most teams. Can handle, pass, penetrate, hit shots, score, etc. Being actively recruited for football.
Lefty prospect that is skilled and plays within the game. Crashes the boards and gives his team extra possessions. Can finish at the hoop and his catch-and-shoot game is top-notch. Cannot be left unattended.
In the rotation as a Sophomore on the most talented team in the state. So, that speaks for itself. A knockdown lefty three-point shooter.
Zak is an important player for Groton Area in the Aberdeen Roncalli matchup. Groton Area is the favorite, but they’ll still need a solid performance from Zak. He’s been a consistent scorer and playmaker in all the games I’ve seen from him this year.
Stewart is crucial for Aberdeen Roncalli to have a chance. He’ll need to make his shots. A big guard/wing that has been playing really well as of late. 16 points and 6 rebounds vs Waubay-Summit.
Hansen put up 40 points the other night and he’s obviously one to watch.
Miller is a legit three-point weapon and Groton Area knows that. Roncalli needs to free him up for some clean looks from deep. Miller is garnering college interest with his skill set.
Mertens is coming off a 20-point game and he’s looking to continue that output. A great athlete and leaper.
Joe needs a solid game against Tiospa Zina. He’s a long wing that has a solid skill set and ability to hit jumpers. 17 points in the win vs Sisseton.
A transfer to Tiospa Zina Wambi this year, Fish is a skilled big with a solid frame. Can pound it inside and has a smooth release and jumper that extends out to three. 20 points in the win vs Webster Area.
I’ve seen Tiospa Zina twice now and wanted to mention their roster a little more. They start five Seniors and they all can play or have some niche to their games. Sierra is a talented off-guard that can create and score. Can put the ball on the floor and hit tough shots. 13 points vs Webster Area.
A 2-guard with endless range from deep. Doesn’t need to adjust his release from deep range. Super smooth shot. 12 points on four threes made, all in the first half.
A true point guard that runs the show and controls the pace for Tiospa Zina. A nice handle on the ball and he’ll attack gaps to create and kick-out and dish to teammates. 13 points vs Webster Area.
A position-less prospect that is a junkyard dog type. A hard working, active, energetic, and winning player. Will get down and defend in a stance as well as battle in the interior. Runs the floor and seems like he’s always around the ball. Offensively, he’ll post up as well as roam on the perimeter. If he gets it in the post he makes a quick move to attack the hoop.