SD Lockdown D

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>What wins games and championships? <span style="text-decoration: underline">DEFENSE!</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontStyle":"normal","fontWeight":"100"}},"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size" style="font-style:normal;font-weight:100">PHD is highlighting <strong>15 </strong>South Dakota Lockdown Defenders.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">What makes a Lockdown Defender</span>?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontStyle":"normal","fontWeight":"100"}},"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size" style="font-style:normal;font-weight:100">Great anticipation, quick feet, extra hustle, lateral movement, understanding angles, altering/blocking/contesting shots, ubiquitous NRG, killer closeouts, helping the helper, bumping cutters, blue-collar work, quickness, athleticism, communication, grit, persistence, taking charges, effort, committing smart fouls, physicality, strength, length, heart, toughness communicating, unselfishness, clean footwork, awareness, sharp reactions, mental toughness, and many more. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>See below for comments/info and the SoDak defenders.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2725434,"width":"323px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/01/lockdowndefenders.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/01/lockdowndefenders.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-2725434" style="width:323px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2316502' first='Aiden' last='Roberts'] (2025) |5'10 G| Rapid City Christian</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline"><em>WHY?</em></span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>9-0 record and ranked #4 in class A. Roberts is a tremendous on-the-ball defender.&nbsp;Aiden usually guards the opposing team's PG or their 2 guard. Aiden is extra agile and extremely quick. He is also tenacious and can stay in front of almost anyone when guarding the ball at the class A level.&nbsp;He is also an excellent rebounder for his size.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2250285' first='Ben' last='Sprecher'] (2027) |6'4 F| Sioux Falls Washington</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sprecher is 6'4", strong, and he moves well. He is a smart player with a high hoops IQ. Ben rarely gets beat off the dribble and is tough to shoot/score over when he is protecting the paint/rim. underneath. Sprecher is never afraid to step in front of an opponent to take a charge, and he plays excellent help-side defense. Ben has a wonderful understanding of the game for only being a soph and he is quick to do the dirty work, anything that will help the Warriors. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1503881' first='Benson' last='Kieffer'] (2025) |5'10 G| Rapid City Christian</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ranked #4 in A and the Comets have a 9-0 record. Kieffer lockup and guard 1-3 on the other team. Benson is a great defender not only because of his athleticism but because he is such a competitor and takes it very personally when the Comets match him up with the best player from the other team. He is also an excellent rebounder for his size.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2523774' first='Caleb' last='Ronne'] (2025) |6'3 C| Deuel</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline"><em>WHY?</em></span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Cardinals relentless defender who never takes a play off, would be senior [player_tooltip player_id='2523774' first='Caleb' last='Ronne']. He is a flexible defender, Caleb can take care of positions 1-5. What makes him a good defender is the ability to apply pressure on opponents so they don't feel comfortable offensively, is good with deflections, and fights/battles for rebounds. All great defenders are willing to communicate and stay connected with their teammates, that is what Mr. Ronne does!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Chaz Vietor (2028) |6'9 C| Britton-Hecla</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Chaz is 6'9", only 14 years old but he is coming along nicely.&nbsp;Vietor affects the with his length, especially on the boards and on defense.&nbsp;He is going to be a good one and he is not done growing! Chaz and the Braves are 5-2, it is going to be a fun season for Birtton-Hecla.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1563151' first='Emmerson' last='Larson']&nbsp;(2026) |6'4 G| Clark-Willow Lake</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Cyclone are 6-1 and Larson is a huge part of that. Emmerson is super athletic, this allows him to guard any position, and he excels at it. He is mobile, strong, tough, and plays with great feet. Larson is a cerebral player, he completely understands the defensive rotations. This kid is the real deal on the defensive end of the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jaxon Zuehlke (2026) |6'3 F| Britton-Hecla</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jaxon is a big part of the impressive 5-2 Brave start. Zuehlke is a beast at 6'3" 215 lbs. He is a&nbsp;country-strong kid who lives in the weight room.&nbsp;With long arms and a quick jumper, he gets his hands on a lot of shots. Zuehlke is a determined, strong, and smart defender.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1641566' first='Jhace' last='Woods'] (2026) |6'3 G/F| Sioux Falls Washington</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mr. Woods is versatile and quick to lock up the opposing team's top offensive threat. Jhace can guard PG's, a 6'9” forward, or a true low post. He has fast feet, quick hands, and a strong frame that doesn't let him get pushed around and is tough to go up against. Jhace cuts off attackers, forces TO's, and protects the rim like Mutombo. His shot-blocking ability makes even the taller ballers afraid to shoot when Woods is prowling in the paint. Jhace is smart, he moves his feet without reaching. This Warriors lateral movement is unmatched for his size and strength.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1548942' first='Marshall' last='Smythe'] (2025) |6'3 G| Tea Area</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline"><em>WHY?</em></span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He is a two-way stud, but in this article we are talking about defense! Smythe defends the other team's best perimeter player in every game. Marshall works hard, understands the Titan defensive philosophies, and plays with exceptional energy &amp; enthusiasm. He is smart about using his length to closeout on shooters and Smythe uses his speed/athleticism to stifle attacking guards. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1911438' first='Mason' last='Clark'] (2026) |6'0 G| O'Gorman</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Clark puts unrelenting pressure on opposing guards and forces teams to be focused on handling the ball carefully instead of making plays. Mason has no problem defending bigger/taller players.&nbsp;Clark is relentless in using his body and is a tough overall baller. Mason has noteworthy lateral quickness and is swift in transition defense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2475722' first='MJ' last='Diehm'] (2027) |5'11 G| Lyman</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What makes him a great defender? Diehm has quick feet, excellent hands, anticipates well, great reactions, is tough and gritty, is not afraid to take a charge, he stays on his feet., creates turnovers, is disruptive, he closes on the ball in a hurry, and is no stranger to getting stops. The Raiders are off to a nice start and Diehm is big reason for that success. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tate Mauney&nbsp;(2026) |5'9 G| O'Gorman </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline"><em>WHY?</em></span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mauney is outstanding at playing the passing lanes. He is exceptional at making reads and anticipating the offensive movement. Tate puts constant pressure on the ball with his pesky D, and often makes opposing ballhandlers uncomfortable. Mauney is fast, speedy, and laterally quick. He also does a nice job of defending bigger players. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Taylor Goodwin (2025) |5'10 G| Freeman Academy-Marion</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline"><em>WHY?</em></span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Bearcats best defender is Taylor Goodwin and he leads the team in steals while averaging 4 steals per game. This individual can use his basketball IQ to slow down forwards, guards, and even centers. He is always matched up against opponents' best players and has cut their best player's average in half through the first 5 games. Taylor's relentless quickness with his hands and drive to get stops makes him an outstanding defender.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2682835' first='Wes' last='Schlabach'] (2025) |6'1 F| Rapid City Christian</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>9-0 and ranked #4 in A. Wes is an extremely versatile defender, he is unique in that he can guard positions 1-5. Schlabach is a great athlete, a college football prospect, and he is 6'1" but is a great blend of strength, toughness, and athleticism.&nbsp;Because of that, the Comets can have Wes guard a post player and bang around with them, or he can match up with a guard.&nbsp;He is also an excellent rebounder for his size.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2496380' first='William' last='Richter'] (2026) |6'1 G| Britton-Hecla</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline"><em>WHY?</em></span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Richter and the Braves are off to a noteworthy start with a 5-2 record. Will is a smart, intelligent, and disruptive defender who runs the top of the Bitton-Hecla 1-31 zone. When not in zone, Will matches up with the other team's top player. He excels at leveraging and positioning. </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 -->