South Dakota prospects on the rise

After examining box scores all season and reviewing film, Prep Hoops Dakotas has seven prospects that are performing and/or raising their stock. Let's find out about them.    Gass will rise up the rankings board a good amount because of his recent play. He's showing a complete offensive arsenal, scoring in many different fashions. A smooth and skilled offensive skill set for the Sophomore out of Deubrook Area. He can hit tough, off-balance shots. He recently scored 33 points in an overtime win over James Valley Christian.     James is known for his defensive prowess, but his offensive game is expanding now as well. He's way more comfortable with the ball and is attacking off the drive, creating for himself and others. Scoring at a more high level and consistency. He's all over the boards and is active snagging o-boards for putbacks. One of the top athletes in the state, with incredible bounce and rare movement.     Ryder was predicted to have a breakout season and have a go-to role for Groton Area. Well, you can say that prediction has been a success, with Ryder consistently scoring around the 20-point range, and he recently scored 25 points vs Lennox. His handle and handle creation has progressed, being able to get to the rack with a series of moves. His three-ball game is highly dangerous and he's aggressive and can get them to drop from there.     Phillips is the alpha for Aberdeen Central and is getting some great usage, and he's taking advantage of it. He's scoring night in and night out, most recently a 27-point game in Aberdeen Central's win over Watertown. He's also hitting the boards hard and playing D with length and movement. Though Aberdeen Central isn't having the success they want, I think Philips is having an All-State caliber season.     Gerdes is playing at a high level right now and really ascending as a ball-handler, distributor, and scorer. He just put in 28 points versus Groton Area in Lennox's 63-55 win. He's able to control a game with the ball in his hands and has been assertive attacking and shooting the three. He can't be given space beyond the three-point line because he will pull and has been knocking them down.     I'm starting to like Katzer more and what he brings to the table for Lennox this season. He has a heavy and important role for this years team. He's being counted on to be a scorer and play with assertiveness for Lennox. He's doing such and is attacking the rim at will. He's playing with a bunch of physicality and overpowering opponents in the paint. In the win over Groton Area, Katzer hit a big three in the fourth quarter. He finished with 15 points in the game.     Eide is way overdue for a shoutout and a mention for performing consistently all season. He's always getting box score mentions. His stock is up and his ranking will be adjusted. He's surprisingly athletic and can get off the ground. He's a major offensive threat as an athletic attacker and range three-point shooter. Committed for football, Eide is a next-level basketball talent as well.

After examining box scores all season and reviewing film, Prep Hoops Dakotas has seven prospects that are performing and/or raising their stock. Let's find out about them.