11 Breakout Ballers: SD’s Next Wave in AA and A

November is right around the corner, and with basketball practices set to tip off before we know it, it's the perfect time to start talking Breakout Ballers — the players poised to make their mark this season. Whether they're stepping into varsity roles for the first time, joining new squads, or simply ready to elevate their game, these athletes have the talent and drive to turn heads.   From Class AA to Class A, this group is full of potential and excitement. Each of these players brings something unique to the floor — skill, energy, and that it factor coaches love. The hype is real, and these are the names you'll want to remember as the 2025–26 season gets underway.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/10/image_364955.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/10/image_364955.png" alt="" class="wp-image-3025335" style="width:279px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><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" style="width:279px;height:auto" /></a></figure>    [player_tooltip player_id='2856227' first='Ayuel' last='Deng'] is poised to be a breakout hooper for Brandon Valley this season. After spending the last three seasons at Creighton Prep in Omaha, Deng has returned home to Lynx country and is ready to make an immediate impact. A gifted offensive player, Deng combines length, athleticism, and skill to create scoring opportunities from multiple levels. His ability to attack the rim, score in a variety of ways, and make plays for teammates makes him a dynamic threat. With his talent and experience, [player_tooltip player_id='2856227' first='Ayuel' last='Deng'] is set to make major noise in South Dakota basketball this season.     At 6'7", sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2723975' first='Blake' last='Lundin'] is poised to emerge as a breakout player for the Tea Titans this season. With his size and natural offensive instincts, Lundin has the tools to make a significant impact on the floor. I had the chance to watch him this summer, and he impressed with his ability to score, rebound, defend, and compete in the paint. He can also step out and hit jump shots. Lundin shows the poise and skill of a player ready to take the next step. With big expectations ahead, he is a talent to watch as the Titans look to leverage his size and playmaking ability this season.     [player_tooltip player_id='2059565' first='Boden' last='Stevenson'] is poised to be a breakout player for the Hamlin Chargers this season. With noteworthy size and athleticism, Stevenson brings the physical tools necessary to make an immediate impact on both ends of the floor. Moving into a starting role, he will be tasked with protecting the paint while also contributing offensively. Stevenson is expected to provide a scoring punch, fill the stat sheet with rebounds, assists, and defensive plays, and serve as a versatile playmaker for the Chargers. With his combination of size, skill, and athletic ability, [player_tooltip player_id='2059565' first='Boden' last='Stevenson'] has the potential to emerge as a key contributor and one of Hamlin's standout players this season.     Senior [player_tooltip player_id='1641207' first='Cole' last='Kooiker'] is PHD's choice as a potential breakout player for the Harrisburg Tigers. A reliable shooter with deep range and confidence, Kooiker has the ability to provide instant offense and space the floor with his perimeter game. Kooiker is a proven sharpshooter who can catch fire quickly, and the Tigers are hoping to see that touch on full display this winter. He's expected to see solid minutes in the rotation, and his commitment on the defensive end will play a big role in how much time he earns on the floor. With his shooting stroke, and extended range, Cole has the potential to be a valuable weapon for Harrisburg.     [player_tooltip player_id='1641209' first='Crayton' last='Jibben'] has all the makings of a breakout player for the Harrisburg Tigers this season. The long senior brings valuable size and versatility to a team that will rely on his length to make an impact on both ends of the floor. Jibben served as the Tigers' sixth man last season, where he shot an impressive 45% from beyond the arc. Since then, he has taken major strides by putting in the work during the offseason, adding 15 pounds of muscle, and turning heads with his play during club ball. Now, with experience, confidence, and an expanded role, Jibben looks ready to make the leap. His combination of size, and shooting touch makes him a key piece for the Tigers and a strong candidate to emerge as one of Harrisburg's top contributors this year.     Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='2338813' first='David' last='Doe'] is a strong candidate to emerge as a breakout player for the Harrisburg Tigers this season. Built solidly at 200 pounds, Doe brings a physical presence to the backcourt and plays with the kind of toughness and grit that every coach loves. After gaining valuable varsity experience as a sophomore coming off the bench, Doe is now ready to take on a larger role. He's a strong, competitive guard who impacts the game with his effort on both ends of the floor. His ability to defend, attack, and bring energy every possession gives the Tigers an edge. For Doe, consistency will be the key. If he can maintain a steady level of play night in and night out, he has the tools to become an important and reliable contributor for Harrisburg this season.     Only a sophomore, [player_tooltip player_id='2416561' first='David' last='Kutey'] already plays with the polish and poise of a veteran. PHD projects Kutey to take over the starting point guard role for the Sioux Falls Washington Warriors this season — a testament to his skill, maturity, and command of the game. Kutey is a marvelously skilled floor general who handles the rock with confidence and delivers pinpoint passes that set up teammates in rhythm. He's smart, creative, and unselfish — the kind of player who makes everyone around him better. With a natural feel for tempo and spacing, David blends craftiness and control, producing positive plays. As one of the most promising young guards in the state, [player_tooltip player_id='2416561' first='David' last='Kutey'] has the tools to emerge as a true playmaker and a foundational piece for Sioux Falls Washington this season and beyond.     [player_tooltip player_id='2132816' first='Gavin' last='Shawd'] is poised to have a monster season for the Tea Titans. Last year, he averaged 12 points per game, but PHD believes he's ready to take his game to another level. Shawd is a creative scorer who can attack from all three levels — knocking down shots from deep, finishing at the rim, and operating effectively in the mid-range. His skill, craftiness, and ability to create his own shot make him a dangerous offensive weapon. If he continues to develop this season, Shawd has the potential to emerge as one of the top two-guards in Class AA and a leader for the Titans.     Junior [player_tooltip player_id='2132820' first='Jesse' last='Zephier'] enters the season as a potential breakout player for the Wagner Red Raiders. A veteran guard, Zephier impressed at The Expo this fall, showcasing sharp skills, court vision, and a natural feel for the game. For the past two seasons, he has started at point guard for Wagner, running the offense with poise, consistency, and creativity. This year, Zephier is expected to take on a larger scoring role, leveraging his experience to contribute more points while continuing to orchestrate the offense. With his combination of varsity experience, skill, and offensive growth, Zephier is primed to emerge as a breakout baller for the Red Raiders this season.     [player_tooltip player_id='2976821' first='Ky' last='Arpan'] looks poised to be a breakout player for the Wagner Red Raiders this season. He recently impressed at The Expo in Sioux Falls, earning recognition as a Top Performer and showing he can compete with the best. Last year, Arpan served as the Red Raiders' sixth man, but this season he is expected to step into a leadership role. A skilled offensive player, Ky combines a polished scoring ability with strong decision-making and court awareness. Beyond his talent, he is an outstanding teammate with a relentless work ethic, qualities that make him a model player both on and off the floor. With his mix of skill, leadership potential, and dedication, [player_tooltip player_id='2976821' first='Ky' last='Arpan'] is ready to take the next step and make a significant impact for Wagner this season.     Southpaw sophomore shooting guard Lincoln McInerny, standing at 6'3", is poised for a breakout season. Last year, he came off the bench as a freshman primarily as a 3-point shooter, but over the offseason, he has expanded his game in every facet. McInerny impressed consistently this spring, summer, and fall at various Prep Hoops events, showcasing his athleticism, skill, and versatility. A dynamic playmaker with the ability to create for himself and others, he looks ready to take on a bigger offensive role and make a significant impact for his team this season.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/10/image_7cda54.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/10/image_7cda54.png" alt="" class="wp-image-3025614" /></a></figure>

November is right around the corner, and with basketball practices set to tip off before we know it, it's the perfect time to start talking Breakout Ballers — the players poised to make their mark this season. Whether they're stepping into varsity roles for the first time, joining new squads, or simply ready to elevate their game, these athletes have the talent and drive to turn heads.