Breakout Talent in SD: A/AA

Basketball season is almost here, and with practices tipping off in November, it's time to shine a light on this year's Breakout Ballers — the players ready to make some serious noise. Whether they're stepping into varsity roles, moving into a new position, or gearing up to take their game to another level, these ballers have the talent, athleticism, skills, work ethic, and swagger to make a statement this season.   From Class AA to Class A, this group is loaded with talent and upside. Each player brings their own blend of skill, energy, and that unmistakable “it” factor coaches look for. The buzz is building — and these are the names you'll want to keep on your radar as the 2025–26 season tips off.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/10/image_502a70.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/10/image_502a70.png" alt="" class="wp-image-3026950" style="width:268px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/10/image_6a1a7a.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/10/image_6a1a7a.png" alt="" class="wp-image-3026951" style="width:269px;height:auto" /></a></figure>    Abraham could be a breakout baller for the Chargers this season. He's a blue-collar player who embraces the dirty work — battling inside, defending the opponent's big, and doing whatever it takes to win. Abraham's strength, athleticism, and versatility make him a key piece for the Chargers. He's tough, dependable, and will get the job done every night. Expect Aiden to be a steady force for the Chargers this season.     [player_tooltip player_id='2078157' first='Aiden' last='Hanssen'] looks primed for a huge season with Lennox after an off-season that really impressed PHD. A returning starter, Hanssen will take on an even larger role this year — with the ball in his hands more often and a bigger scoring load to carry. He's grown a handful of inches since last season and added noticeable strength, giving him the physical edge to match his skill set. Aiden is a talented all-around offensive threat — a slasher, shooter, and creative playmaker who can both score and set up teammates. Expect Hanssen to be one of the key reasons Lennox is a top team in Class A.     Chase Hermanson looks poised for a breakout season with OG. This Knight is a talented multi-sport athlete and the team's quarterback on the football field. Hermanson brings leadership, toughness, and competitiveness to the hardwood. He had a productive summer, showing steady growth and an ability to impact winning in a variety of ways. Chase does all the little things — defends, communicates, and plays with a high motor — making him a perfect complement to O'Gorman's strong senior backcourt of Camden Cisse, [player_tooltip player_id='1911438' first='Mason' last='Clark'], and Braylen Yellowbird. Expect Hermanson to play a major role in what could be a big year for the Knights.     Chase is primed for a breakout season with the Huron Tigers, showing major growth and dedication over the offseason. A season ago, Chase was a back-to-the-basket force, regularly delivering 10 points and 10 rebounds per game. This year, he's ready to showcase a more complete offensive arsenal. After putting in serious work on his perimeter shooting, Chase can now stretch the floor and pull defenders away from the paint, creating mismatches all over. He's got a quick first step, can take contact and finish through it, and his athleticism and bounce make playing above the rim look effortless. One of the elite athletes in South Dakota, Chase's length, strength, and improved skill set will have college coaches paying close attention this winter.     Already established as one of the premier players in the state, [player_tooltip player_id='1545637' first='Jackson' last='Wadsworth'] earns a spot on this list because of the expanded role he'll take on for Hamlin this season. The Northern State commit will slide over to the point guard position, where he'll serve as the team's primary playmaker — orchestrating the offense, creating for teammates, and still delivering an elevated scoring punch. Wadsworth's length, leadership, and defensive grit allow him to lock up the opponent's top scorer while continuing to stuff the stat sheet on both ends. Simply put, Jackson has All-State talent and the mindset to lead Hamlin to big things this season.     [player_tooltip player_id='2338447' first='Kai' last='Good'] is a name to watch for O'Gorman as he gears up for what could be a breakout season. The 6'2" guard has added a few inches and now brings length, explosiveness, and versatility to the Knights' lineup. Kai has already proven himself at the sub-varsity level, showing the ability to score in bunches and make plays on both ends. This season, he'll have the chance to blend with a talented senior group of guards, freeing him up to focus on scoring and locking down defensively — two areas where he can really shine. With his growth, confidence, and athletic tools, Kai might just be ready to go from good to great for O'Gorman this winter.     Matt Mead is a name to watch as a potential breakout player for the O'Gorman Knights this season. Mead's length and athleticism immediately stand out, and he's clearly benefited from both physical growth and maturity over the past year. Having played on the perimeter throughout his career, Matt brings a unique blend of size, skill, and versatility — giving O'Gorman a long, athletic weapon who can impact the game from multiple spots on the floor. With Mead's continued development and the Knights' depth, OG could surprise some teams in the Class AA race this winter.     [player_tooltip player_id='2442388' first='Myles' last='Ellwein'] is shaping up to be a breakout candidate for the Huron Tigers. After putting in serious time in the gym, Ellwein has developed into a more complete offensive player. Known for his ability to fill it up from deep, he's added new finishing moves around the rim to keep defenses guessing. Myles has also grown about four inches since last year, and that added size — paired with his skill growth — makes him an exciting player to watch heading into the season. With strong basketball bloodlines and the chance to share the floor with his older brother, Blake, expect Ellwein to play with confidence and make a real impact for the Tigers this winter.     Mr. Martin may be young, but he's definitely a player to keep an eye on. The six-foot sophomore guard made a strong impression last season, starting the final six games at the point and showing flashes of brilliance. Martin spent the summer with Sanford Sports, putting in the work to improve his game and sharpen his skills. A smart, skilled player and student of the game, Tatum combines basketball IQ with hard work, setting the stage for a promising sophomore campaign.     [player_tooltip player_id='1641163' first='Teegan' last='Musser'] is poised for a breakout season with Lennox, stepping into a bigger role for a squad with high expectations in Class A. After starting for the Orioles last year, Musser will be counted on to score more points while continuing to take on the challenge of guarding the opponent's top player. He brings a long frame, toughness, and defensive grit, making him one of the more complete two-way wings in the class. Musser had a strong summer with Team Warwick, showing his ability to rebound, defend, and score opportunistically within the flow of the game. Expect him to take the next step and help Lennox remain among the best in Class A this season.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/08/PHD.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/08/PHD.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1272514" style="width:239px;height:auto" /></a></figure>

Basketball season is almost here, and with practices tipping off in November, it's time to shine a light on this year's Breakout Ballers — the players ready to make some serious noise. Whether they're stepping into varsity roles, moving into a new position, or gearing up to take their game to another level, these ballers have the talent, athleticism, skills, work ethic, and swagger to make a statement this season.