Difference Makers: SD Senior Ballers

The South Dakota 2026 Prospect Rankings were updated on Monday morning, but in this piece, we are talking about difference-makers. This piece is not reflecting on the Rankings or college potential. Rather, we are looking at guys who do the little things, make team plays, shoot the lights out, drop dimes, or I just flat-out like the way they play the game.   See below for player comments...   Difference Makers    The long lefty Dolphin from Deubrook committed to NDSU this summer. That was unexpected but good for Mr. Schoenfeld. I watched him live this spring and Chance certainly has potential. Has a long wingspan, can space the floor for triples, runs the floor well, boards up, and dunks in traffic.         Congrats to Cooper, he committed to Northern State over the weekend. Another lefty with quality athleticism. Plays for a highlight high school program and won many games in club ball with Warwick. Cooper brings position versatility and three-level scoring. He is a team player, a difference-maker, and winner. Everyone wants players on their team like Goodbary.     He is a new Watchdog and will have a fresh opportunity under Coach Short who he played under in club basketball. Hayden should have no trouble fitting in with his new squad. Expect Schilling to bring energy and juice to the hardwood. He will do the little things, hustle for loose balls, score second-chance points, and move the rock. Hayden will bust it on defense and create looks for others. He will be a great addition to the Watchdogs.     With his long, slender frame, Duran creates matchup problem. He's shown promising range for a BIG and displayed impressive footwork. His patience and pivots lead to easy buckets on the inside. If he can bring that same approach night in and night out, this season could be a big step forward in his development.     PHD projects Justin as one of the Cavs' breakout stars this season. With his long, lanky frame and explosive athleticism, he's a dangerous slasher who can get to the rim in a hurry and finish with authority. Expect plenty of highlight-worthy moments, as his jaw-dropping dunks and attacking style could make him one of the most exciting players to watch this year in AA.     One of the key returners for Spearfish, this sharpshooter helped lead his team to the State Tournament last season and is poised for an even bigger impact this year. A deadly 94% free-throw shooter, he's automatic at the line, dangerous from beyond the arc, and crafty around the rim with his body control. He should be Spearfish's best overall scorer, he can hurt defenses in a variety of ways and will be a go-to option all winter long.     Garry may not light up the stat sheet this winter, but his impact will be undeniable. Tough and strong, he sets solid screens, shares the ball, and does a great job finding shooters in rhythm. Kolte battles for rebounds, embraces contact, and finishes with physicality around the rim. A stout defender who plays bigger than his listed height, he's the kind of unselfish, hard-nosed player who helps his team win in all the little ways.     He will be playing college football at SMSU, but will still be a dynamic playmaker on the hardwood this winter. You will be hard-pressed to find a harder worker than Mr. James. Chi is a great defender, an all-out hustler, a relentless rebounder, and an opportunistic scorer. I like his cutting, slashing, and explosive finishing.     A lights-out shooter from beyond the 3-point arc. Easily one of the top marksmen in South Dakota. Everyone likes shooters and PHD is no exception. Lincoln is the favorite in AA and Mr. Ericsson is primed for a monster senior season.     A quick, high-IQ athlete who does a little bit of everything, this Cardinal guard is a skilled passer with tight handles and a knack for making hustle plays. He drops dimes, finishes strong at the rim, and thrives under pressure by taking care of the basketball. With an expanded scoring role on the horizon, expect him to be a key piece in making the Cards a tough team once again.     He played well last season, but we expect him to take on a new role this season and be the MAN for the Rangers. Messick is an impressive athlete with eye-catching mobility. Quick is a cat and a playmaker in transition. Zane can also drill the triple and he works hard on defense.    <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>

The South Dakota 2026 Prospect Rankings were updated on Monday morning, but in this piece, we are talking about difference-makers. This piece is not reflecting on the Rankings or college potential. Rather, we are looking at guys who do the little things, make team plays, shoot the lights out, drop dimes, or I just flat-out like the way they play the game.