South Dakota 2025 & 2026 Breakout Prospects

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In this article, Prep Hoops Dakotas is looking into the crystal ball to find out who will be breaking out next season in South Dakota. This is an early edition, with more information to be gathered throughout the offseason. This list is pulled from the top of my head and involves prospects that come to mind from the 2025 and 2026 classes. Let's look at 20 names who are poised to raise their stock.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2025 Class</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1263164"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Sioux Valley graduates some big-time talent, so pencil in Nelson to carry a big load this upcoming season. I would like for him to be super aggressive and show off his ability to lead a team. Has the tools to do so.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["1406985"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"I've made it clear that I'm high on Collette. With Wingert graduating and leaving behind 27 ppg., I think Collette takes another leap and catches college coaches eyes. I think he's the best three-point shooter in South Dakota.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["2075359"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"Kieffer kind of blew up in the state tournament with his ability to score. But he should be followed more closely from the get-go of the season. He can create on his own and is deadly from three with range. His ranking will only climb.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["1558248"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"Tvedt graduates, leaving a large role for Keszler to produce in. He showed he can score the ball already playing next to Tvedt, so I think he's an easy choice to produce.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["1563482"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"This is more of me wanting to mention Bobzin than anything. He's already a proven playmaker, but I think his stock rises some. One of the most underrated prospects in the state.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["1548942"],"_player_evaluations_5_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"I think Smythe breaks-out in a big way in his Senior season for Tea Area. He's with [program_tooltip program_id='2250291' first='Hoop' last='City South Dakota'] this offseason, so he's off to a great start in improving for a major Senior campaign. Tea Area graduates a high-volume scorer in Almas as well. Smythe is a point guard with good size and length, that college coaches covet.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_player":["1623797"],"_player_evaluations_6_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"Phillips is an easy choice for a breakout. He was ascending late in the year and expect that to continue. The long wing for Aberdeen Central could put in 15+ ppg. and be the go-to guy.","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_7_player":["2047820"],"_player_evaluations_7_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"With Aberdeen Central on the mind, Franks is a prospect to watch as a potential point guard for them. I don't know his clear role yet, but I think if he ends up getting 20+ minutes, he will show what he can do as a pure point guard. Athletic and is a kid that can distribute the ball around.","_player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":8,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6623248bb5f7c"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2026 Class</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1641205"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Sam was a breakout prospect already as a Sophomore, but I think he absolutely blows up and becomes an All-State player in AA. If he scored 17-18+ ppg. it would not surprise me.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["1545637"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"Wadsworth has a ton of talent around him on state champion Hamlin. But he's looking like he can take another step with being a little more assertive offensively. He's one of the best spot-up three-point shooters in the state. A two-way prospect that can make stops, defensively.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["1950332"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"Bilal is a stud in the making, but he's also surrounded by a couple high-end prospects in De Groot and Ericsson. His varsity role is unclear to me, but he can play with anyone. A long 6'5” wing that will be hooping with [program_tooltip program_id='2112530' first='South' last='Dakota Elite Basketball'] this offseason.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["1548634"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"Ryder has as much opportunity as anyone in the state to blow up and improve his stock. Already a varsity starter and around 10 ppg, he will be heavily counted on with Tietz graduating around 22 ppg. He competed at the Dakotas Spring Exposure Session and looked good, so he's taking things seriously it seems.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["1641209"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"Crayton is a prospect I've seen and really liked playing grassroots ball. He hasn't gotten the varsity opportunity, but I hope that is next season. He's a baller with length and skill to perform at a consistent basis at the AA level. Can attack the hoop with length and finishing creativity. Stock is going to go up.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["2058175"],"_player_evaluations_5_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"Chol is a lengthy big with some varsity burn under his belt. I don't think he'll be a go-to scorer, but he can impact the game in many ways with his lengthy frame and ability to run the floor.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_player":["1641163"],"_player_evaluations_6_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"Really really like Musser out of Lennox. He was a varsity player as a Sophomore on one of the top class A teams. Lennox loses a D1 signee in Ihnen and NAIA signee in [player_tooltip player_id='1987578' first='Braxton' last='Musser'], so there's a little more playmaking opportunity to go around. An elite defender and mover already, look for him to put the ball in the hoop some more in his Junior season.","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_7_player":["1656544"],"_player_evaluations_7_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"Artz is only going to get better and better. Judging on film, I think he was learning how to play at his 6'9” size and length. A little raw, but I thought he continually progressed. He'll continue that with [program_tooltip program_id='2145852' first='SD' last='Identity'] this offseason. Erickson, the Briar Cliff signee, leaves behind 21 ppg.","_player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_8_player":["1972178"],"_player_evaluations_8_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"Custer is not a team I saw a lot this past season, but will do so next season. And Virtue is one of the reasons why. A guard with solid size and playmaking. I want him to be more aggressive to score and attack, because he could really surprise.","_player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_9_player":["1929459"],"_player_evaluations_9_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"Hansen is currently ranked 44th, but that is set to rise dramatically in the next upcoming update next week. He already broke-out but he's going to solidify himself as a top prospect in the 2026 class.","_player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_10_player":["2338383"],"_player_evaluations_10_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_10_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_10_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_10_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_10_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_10_evaluation":"Jackson played JV and Sophomore ball this year, but the times I saw him he was one of the best and most productive players at that level. A long wing that can fill it up from anywhere. He might be my favorite, in terms of one of those prospects that comes out of nowhere and is a high-level varsity producer for Watertown.","_player_evaluations_10_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_11_player":[1560759],"_player_evaluations_11_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_11_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_11_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_11_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_11_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_11_evaluation":"Bylander is an intriguing prospect to me. He can play all over the court, and is simply just one of those guys that can make any play on the court. Lengthy, can handle the ball a little, shoots it, rebounds, defends with length on the perimeter. Gives good energy and effort. His stock will no doubt be climbing. He's balling with [program_tooltip program_id='2222672' first='Sanford' last='Sports Academy'] this offseason.","_player_evaluations_11_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":12,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6623248bb6362"} /-->