State Tournaments Stock-Risers

The South Dakota State Basketball Tournaments were highly eventful in 2025. We saw some prospects rise to the occasion and make names for themselves. We have a list for our audience of prospects that took things to a whole new level and that saw their stocks either skyrocket or make a solid jump. I've seen a majority of the state tournament games, but not quite all of them yet, so some key stock-risers might be missed and we'll give them a shoutout at a later date.    Something got into Schafer at the AA state tournament, because he looked like a completely different player and he was uber-aggressive and played with high-level confidence. Lincoln made it a point to get Schafer downhill and attack the hoop, relentlessly. They created some action for him to free him up, but he also used some quick and sudden handle moves to leave defenders in their tracks and leave them watching him as he blew by them. I think he may have made a case for himself to be near the top 10 in the 2027 class.   11 points, 8 assists, 4 steals in the opening win over Spearfish   18 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals vs Mitchell   14 points and 7 assists vs Harrisburg     Jett had a massive State B tournament and did a lot for his stock. His athletic ability and bounce was on full display in Aberdeen. He had an insane dunk with him flying down the middle of the lane and throwing it down hard on the move. It kind of surprised me. His build looks more lean and athletic than a year ago. He had three double-doubles with some big rebounding numbers.   17 points, 11 rebounds, 2 blocks vs St. Mary's   16 points and 16 rebounds vs Freeman   13 points and 14 rebounds vs Lyman     Dulaney was already a highly-ranked 2025 prospect, but I think he may have improved his stock a couple spots into the #4 spot when the final 2025 rankings are posted on Friday. He could easily be a D2 basketball prospect if he weren't a D1 football signee. He and Brandon Valley captured a State AA title, and Dulaney's ability to lock-up and guard the opponents top guard was a big reason BV was able to get the job done.   Dulaney stuffed the stat sheet in all categories in the state AA tournament, with a near triple-double in the opening win over Sioux Falls Jefferson.   10 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals vs Sioux Falls Jefferson   14 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists vs Harrisburg   13 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals in championship game       Zak I have rated highly already, but his performance at the State A tournament bumped him up a couple spots. He rose up in the big stage and his athletic ability and bounce most likely had people talking in Sioux Falls. Zak got up in transition and sprung up for a two-handed dunk as a 5'11”-6'0” Freshman guard. You don't see that very often. He has some massive upside as he matures physically.       Noem missed the early part of the season with injury, but on his return, he was entrenched into the Hamlin starting lineup. He had an impactful and stock-rising state tournament. A great defender and athlete that can get off the ground, but his three-point shooting ability and performance stood out and surprised me some.   In Hamlin's opening mathup win over Hill City, Noem exploded for 18 points and hauled down 8 rebounds.       Kjerstad had a great state B tournament as a legitimate and breakout scorer. I used to be worried on projecting prospects that had thin frames, but I'm over that. Teelan is on the thinner side, but he's so skilled, a great mover, and an elite shooter from range. He has a basketball frame and it translates well on the court. I don't think he needs to change a thing.   13 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals vs Wessington Springs   26 points vs Freeman   22 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals vs Lyman     Dinger put himself on the map as a 2026 prospect from his performance at the state B tournament in Aberdeen. His stock is up a great deal and he's a college prospect for sure. Scored the ball at a high level and impacted the game in all categories. Great competitor with a big motor.   19 points vs Wessington Springs   17 points and 2 steals vs Lyman   25 points and 4 steals vs Freeman       Davis is emerging as an offensive weapon on the AA level, being one of the top three-point threats in the state. He showed a ton of confidence and offensive firepower beyond just being a standstill three-point shooter. He showed a great handle on the ball and ability to create buckets off the dribble.   24 points, 6 made threes in the win over O'Gorman     Dut didn't put up the numbers he wanted in the opening game, but he came alive in the next two games for O'Gorman. His length has always been there, but he showed a ton of offensive confidence and his shot creation and shot-making was on full display. He can get his shot off whenever he wants with his step-back ability and length.     The top 2027 prospect in South Dakota is advancing quickly and has really came on as a major talent and prospect in 2025. In the state tournament, Brant showed off his bounciness as a 6'5” guard. There's video of him going baseline and rising up and dunking over high hands, showing elite verticality. Top-level D1 programs need to take notice of Brant.     Larson had a great state AA tournament as a scorer and rebounder. I had him tabbed as a breakout candidate in the preseason and that showed to be true later in the year.   10 points 7 rebounds in the opening win over O'Gorman.   22 points, 4 made threes, and 6 rebounds in game two.   18 points vs Brandon Valley     Mayen was instrumental and a key piece in Brandon Valley winning the State AA championship. He was highly active defensively and was a force and was challenging opponents attempts at the rim. His rebounding and ability to push things up in transition was a key factor for BV.     Briggs was the X-factor in the championship game, scoring 17 points and 5 made threes. If he doesn't shoot the three at such a high level, it could have been a different outcome.

The South Dakota State Basketball Tournaments were highly eventful in 2025. We saw some prospects rise to the occasion and make names for themselves. We have a list for our audience of prospects that took things to a whole new level and that saw their stocks either skyrocket or make a solid jump. I've seen a majority of the state tournament games, but not quite all of them yet, so some key stock-risers might be missed and we'll give them a shoutout at a later date.