Difference Makers: SD Junior Ballers

The South Dakota 2027 Prospect Rankings were updated on Tuesday, but in this article, we are talking about difference-makers. This piece does not reflect on 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    Chase has the kind of size and athleticism that college coaches drool over. Long, strong, and explosively athletic, he's a mismatch nightmare who can play above the rim and stretch the floor with his three-point touch. Chase runs the floor like a deer, cleans up the glass, and is already showing exciting potential as a defender and rim protector. With his ability to impact the game on both ends, his ceiling is sky-high.     Craven is one of South Dakota's elite rebounders, a relentless force with a knack for tracking down boards. After an impressive run with SSA Black, he's ready for a HUGE high school season. Carter plays with a high motor, scores inside & out, and knocks down threes. This Warrior is a top-notch free-throw shooter who brings toughness and a winning presence to the floor.     The definition of consistency and reliability. Ben brings effort, steady defense, and a composed presence on the floor. Expect him to chip in double-digit points per game this winter while making very few mistakes. Offensively, he's versatile—finishes around the rim, knocks down mid-range shots, spaces the floor, and can bury the triple. On the glass, Ben is an outstanding rebounder with a knack for getting his hands on the rock. Sprecher is set to play a major role for the Warriors, doing the little things that win games.     Gavin turned heads all spring with a spectacular showing in club basketball, consistently impressing PHD. He's a fearsome offensive weapon—a true three-level scorer who can hurt defenses from deep, mid-range, or at the rim. Beyond his scoring ability, Shawd is a solid rebounder for his size and plays with a relentless mindset. Don't be surprised if he leads the Titans in scoring this winter and earns All-State honors in the spring—he has the tools to make it happen.     I really like Aiden's game. A long, smart, and skilled guard, he put in a high-quality off-season and looks primed for a breakout high school season. Hanssen is a major shooting threat with deep range, deadly from three, and skilled with the ball in his hands. He has a natural feel for the game—creates for teammates, forces turnovers on defense, and attacks as an elusive slasher. With his creative finishing ability and well-rounded skill set, he's a player to watch closely this winter.     Brady made the most of the off-season, adding size and length. Jewett is a long and athletic playmaking guard. Brady is a dynamic scorer who combines explosive athleticism with smooth shooting form, making him a constant threat from anywhere on the floor. Quick on both ends, he not only creates offense but also disrupts opponents defensively. With his ability to fill up the stat sheet, expect Brady to be a stud and an exciting player to watch this winter.         He is a big-time difference-maker due to his size, athleticism, strength, and explosiveness. Drake is a monster on the boards, he cleans up the glass on both ends. Mikkelsen has huge upside on defense. Drake is also a rim-rocking dunker who quickly changes the momentum with his powerful slams.     Duffy is a talented bucket-getter with a smooth, flawless shooting stroke and deep range that keeps defenders honest. He's a scoring machine capable of dropping 20+ on any given night. Not just a scorer, he's a big-time playmaker with a great feel for the game, making clutch plays and executing when it matters most. Eddie makes the game look effortless—expect him to be a major offensive force this season.             PHD is a big fan of Weier! A long and wiry workhorse, he plays the game the right way—never backs down, takes high-percentage shots, and puts the team first. Collin is an offensive rebounding machine, constantly moving without the ball to create opportunities. His unselfish approach, relentless work ethic, and ability to execute make him an invaluable piece to any lineup.     Bennett's best basketball is still ahead of him, and PHD wouldn't be surprised to see him earn the starting point guard spot for the Tigers this season. He creates space effectively with an effective first step and has proven to be a dangerous shooter — hot, accurate, and with deep range. Bennett shows poise in pick-and-roll situations, added noticeable muscle this offseason, and consistently makes positive plays in transition.     First and foremost, he's a winner. Kamden brings a complete skill set and a competitive edge that make him a force on both ends of the floor. As an excellent defender, he takes pride in shutting down opposing scorers. This winter, Keszler will carry a heavy scoring load. A vocal leader and physical presence, he does a little bit of everything. At his size, Kamden can post up smaller defenders, attack downhill with toughness, and when he gets hot from beyond the arc, he can change a game in a hurry.     Hiltunen is a smart and heady ball player who has taken his game to another level this offseason. A confident southpaw with standout speed, he uses his sharp instincts and ball pressure to cause havoc defensively. Offensively, Brady is a sharp-shooting lefty with a smooth stroke and strong passing abilities, consistently making the right reads. His understanding of the game sets him apart, and his growth shows the future looks very bright for this Cossack.     Kale is a coach's kid who understands the game at a high level and puts in the extra time to keep improving. After a strong offseason, he has clearly elevated his game. A gifted shooter and talented offensive player, Kale also impacts the game on both ends of the floor. He moves well within the flow of play and consistently makes timely, winning plays. With his skill set and work ethic, Kale is poised for a breakout season for MOPO.    <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 2027 Prospect Rankings were updated on Tuesday, but in this article, we are talking about difference-makers. This piece does not reflect on 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.