South Dakota Stock-Risers

While working on 2028 rankings and diving into a ton of film to scout that class, I also found some 2026 and 2027 prospects along the way that are raising their stocks or I've newly discovered them and they have impressed. We have a list of seven prospects.    I watched a couple Stevens' JV games and Marcus is the starting primary ball-handler. What stood out most is his defensive impact and playmaking on the ball on that end. He was getting deflections, steals, and causing a bunch of havoc. He's got length and is a long-armed 6'1” point guard that doesn't have an elite handle, but he can get downhill and attack for himself and create for others. Marcus needs to be moved up the rankings board a good amount and probably into the top 35-50 in the 2027 class.     Paulsen is a new add to the database, and he's a good one. The 6'2” Junior shooter has a flawless shooting stroke from range, in where his feet/legs are set and consistent. A really good mover and fluid athlete on the court that is much more than a three-point artist. I think Paulsen has potential to breakout on varsity for Rapid City Stevens in his Senior season next year.     Watched the Harrisburg vs Mitchell Sophomore game and Jensen is up an inch or two and you can tell he lengthened out in his limbs. His arms look long. This helps his stock and hopefully the trend continues some. He's one of the top three-point shooters in the state, and I do think he has upside still as an ascending prospect.     Rick will need to be moved up the rankings quite a bit, and at least into the top 45. Rick's athleticism, suddenness, and explosion seem improved, and he's a bouncy 6'0” guard. Quick off the bounce, attacking and penetrating gaps. He can play as the ball-handler or off-ball, and is a fluid attacker of the rim.     Hermanson's ranking needs to be adjusted slightly and for the better. He looked quick and athletic on film defending and shutting down opponents with tight coverage as they pass half court. Athletic with a solid frame for a Sophomore.     A starting guard for Sioux Falls Christian's JV team, Humpal looks very long and mobile, and he's locking down and defending well. He matched up with Cisse of O'Gorman, and was able to hang with him, while some fellow teammates were getting blown by off the dribble. Humpal was attacking the heart of the lane off the drive and in transition with a head of steam versus O'Gorman, where he drew contact or finished, utilizing his length to score overtop.     Burgard I saw in Aberdeen Central's Sophomore game vs Rapid City Stevens. He's got some long limbs for a 6'0” guard and most surely has a positive wingspan. He's got a solid handle and command as a distributor on the court. He can score and hit jumpers as well. He's most likely a top 50 prospect in the 2027 class, with room for upside.

While working on 2028 rankings and diving into a ton of film to scout that class, I also found some 2026 and 2027 prospects along the way that are raising their stocks or I've newly discovered them and they have impressed. We have a list of seven prospects.