Top Performers: SD Mines Team Camp

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On Thursday and Friday, the SD School of Mines Team Camp brought together some of the top high school programs and talent from across South Dakota for competitive matchups. From clutch performances and breakout moments to players stepping into bigger roles, the camp offered a preview of what's to come this winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's who stood out.....</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Groton – 2028 [player_tooltip player_id='2475034' first='Karson' last='Zak']</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Groton is loaded with talent and could easily have their entire starting five mentioned here, but <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2475034' first='Karson' last='Zak']</strong> deserves the spotlight. A smooth, composed guard who doesn't force the action, Zak knows how to make winning plays. When Groton needed him most—like in their only tight matchup against STM—he stepped up big, drilling two clutch threes in the final 30 seconds, including a ridiculous fading game-winner from the right corner. Expect Groton to be a serious State Tournament contender this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Rapid City Stevens – 2027 [player_tooltip player_id='2250562' first='Lucas' last='Marcus']</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2250562' first='Lucas' last='Marcus']</strong> is the definition of a glue guy who impacts the game beyond the box score. He defends, hustles, makes the extra pass, and consistently knocks down open threes. With Stevens entering a new era under a fresh head coach and featuring several first-time varsity players, Marcus' steady presence and ability to do the little things will be huge for this team's transition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Spearfish – 2027 [player_tooltip player_id='2544075' first='Mason' last='Southern'] &amp; 2027 [player_tooltip player_id='2344051' first='Kade' last='Vavruska']</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This duo ran the show for Spearfish all camp long.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2544075' first='Mason' last='Southern']</strong> looked like a throwback point guard straight out of the '90s, racking up assists like prime John Stockton. He controlled the tempo, created easy looks for teammates, and took care of the ball at a high level. Mason also showed more confidence as a scorer than we've seen in the past.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2344051' first='Kade' last='Vavruska']</strong> benefited from Mason's playmaking, splashing from deep with his smooth shooting stroke. He's also expanded his game, attacking closeouts more aggressively and stepping up defensively.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Spearfish has multiple guys who can lead in scoring on any given night, and with this backcourt, expect the Spartans to make another State Tournament push.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Rapid City Central – 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='2916116' first='Preston' last='Yellow']</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2916116' first='Preston' last='Yellow']</strong> may have been overlooked at times last season playing alongside standout Gilbert White Jr., but he's ready for a breakout year. The smooth lefty can shoot it from deep and blow by defenders off the bounce. With fellow senior post <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2338064' first='Julius' last='Duran']</strong> anchoring the paint, this duo should help Rapid City Central remain competitive in Class AA.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Hill City – 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='2301374' first='Zane' last='Messick']</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With last year's scoring leader Devin Buehler graduating, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2301374' first='Zane' last='Messick']</strong> looks ready to step into a starring role. Messick is lightning quick, fearless attacking the rim, and not afraid of contact. He gets shots up in a hurry and plays with an aggressive edge. Don't be surprised if he emerges as one of the state's top scorers this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>St. Thomas More – 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1641568' first='Wyatt' last='(Buzzy) Gylten']</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Buzzy Gylten</strong> continues to prove he's one of the most versatile and talented players in South Dakota. The lengthy perimeter weapon can guard every position, hit deep threes, and finish with athleticism—he even threw down an impressive dunk against Groton. Expect STM to be a top-five Class A team in 2026 with Gylten leading the charge.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Mahpiya Lúta – 2029 [player_tooltip player_id='2916081' first='Riley' last='Brave']</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Just an eighth grader last season at Lakota Tech, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2916081' first='Riley' last='Brave']</strong> made a strong impression. He's a creative shot-maker with deep range and a crafty ability to attack off high ball screens. While he can be a little loose with the ball, that will tighten up with experience. Mahpiya Lúta is definitely a team to watch for major improvement next season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Final Takeaway</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The SDMines Team Camp gave us a sneak peek at some of the top players and teams to watch as the new school year approaches. From experienced upperclassmen ready to take the next step to young rising stars making their mark, South Dakota hoops is in good hands heading into 2025-26.</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 -->