South Dakota 2026 Rankings: Top Stock-Risers

<p>The South Dakota 2026 rankings were updated yesterday. There was a good amount of movement and there are stock-risers that are due a mentioning. Let's look at some of the top movers.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#3 [player_tooltip player_id='1949563' first='Sam' last='De Groot'] | 6'6” G/Wing | Sioux Falls Lincoln | [program_tooltip program_id='2222672' first='Sanford' last='Sports Academy'] </h2>   <p>De Groot comes in at #3 because he has the second best length and skill/shooting combination behind Ellwein. At a legit 6'6”, he has an elite three-point game and can put the ball on the floor some and get into the lane for a floater. A capable defender that stays in front with length and is a high-level rebounder that can get off the ground at 6'6” to snag boards.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#5 [player_tooltip player_id='1467165' first='Tate' last='Gerdes'] | 6'3” PG | Lennox | [program_tooltip program_id='2228190' first='Team' last='Warwick'] </h2>   <p>Gerdes ranking doesn't change, but I think we can translate him to a point guard with size now. He's playing the point for [program_tooltip program_id='2228190' first='Team' last='Warwick'] and he's able to handle the ball against pressure and distribute the ball well. His handle is improving and he's a high-level pressure defender on the ball as well. I think he translates to the next level well as a 6'3” two-way point guard with a solid frame and build.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#7 [player_tooltip player_id='1656544' first='Kellen' last='Artz'] | 6'9” F/C | Baltic | [program_tooltip program_id='2145852' first='SD' last='Identity'] </h2>   <p>Artz makes a good jump in the rankings and into the top 10 because of his 6'9” length and ability to affect a game as a rim protector and shot blocker. He's developing as an offensive player and his ability to finish at the hoop. <br></p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#8 [player_tooltip player_id='1641210' first='Parker' last='Graff'] | 6'0” PG | Wessington Springs | [program_tooltip program_id='2112530' first='South' last='Dakota Elite Basketball'] </h2>   <p>I think Graff can translate to a point guard and he's just big enough at 6'0” to get considerable looks from college programs. Watched him at the state B tournament and he wasn't handling the ball, but he's surely capable and I think he thrives with the ball in his hands. The more he possesses the ball, the more good things happen. An elite lefty shooter from three. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#9 [player_tooltip player_id='1641478' first='Stellen' last='Larson'] | 6'4” SG | Harrisburg | [program_tooltip program_id='2145852' first='SD' last='Identity'] </h2>   <p>I think Larson has a great year for Harrisburg. He also translates well to the next level with his big and strong 6'4” frame. He hasn't had the varsity experience, but that doesn't matter because Harrisburg had one of the deepest rosters for his position in the entire state.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#10 [player_tooltip player_id='1548634' first='Ryder' last='Johnson'] I 6'4" G/Wing I Groton Area I [program_tooltip program_id='2337876' first='James' last='Valley Thunder']</h2>   <p>Ryder has grown into being a 6'4" wing and has been highly assertive for [program_tooltip program_id='2337876' first='James' last='Valley Thunder'], based off of viewing games from the Hardwood Challenge. He showed an improved skill set and shooting ability from three and being able to go off the dribble and pull up. He was hitting a bunch of shots and his team went 3-1 in the tournament. His newly found on-court confidence, assertiveness, and shot-making ability equate to a breakout season for Groton Area this upcoming season. I'm doing some forward-thinking with his #10 ranking, but I think he ascends in a major way.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#21 [player_tooltip player_id='2338060' first='Memphis' last='Bylander'] | 6'3” Wing | Sioux Falls Roosevelt | [program_tooltip program_id='2222672' first='Sanford' last='Sports Academy'] </h2>   <p>Bylander is a long and superbly athletic wing that likes to get up and dunk the ball. He already has varsity playing time for Sioux Falls Roosevelt and is clearly improving with his skills and shooting. Has some refining to do with his skills, but the upside is there with his athletic ability and playmaking mentality.<br></p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/phcircuit/status/1792361690794967120?s=61 </div></figure>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#23 [player_tooltip player_id='1950332' first='Justin' last='Bilal'] | 6'4 Wing | Sioux Falls Lincoln | [program_tooltip program_id='2112530' first='South' last='Dakota Elite Basketball'] </h2>   <p>I've caught Bilal on a few occasions playing with South Dakota Elite this offseason, and his length obviously stands out, but his ability to defend and affect shooters and defend the paint and block shots stood out most. His role with Sioux Falls Lincoln this upcoming season remains unclear.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#24 [player_tooltip player_id='1641209' first='Crayton' last='Jibben'] | 6'3 SG | Harrisburg | [program_tooltip program_id='2145852' first='SD' last='Identity'] </h2>   <p>Jibben has been waiting his turn to show himself on the varsity level and I think he has a good chance to do so this season for Harrisburg. He's been shooting the ball well from three for [program_tooltip program_id='2145852' first='SD' last='Identity']. A guard with solid 6'3” length.</p>

The South Dakota 2026 rankings were updated yesterday. There was a good amount of movement and there are stock-risers that are due a mentioning. Let's look at some of the top movers.