Breakout Talent from SD

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The high school football season is winding down, which means basketball season is just around the corner! With practices set to tip off soon, excitement is building across the state. In this feature, <strong>Prep Hoops Dakotas</strong> shines a spotlight on <strong>South Dakota ballers</strong> poised for breakout seasons. These players are ready to elevate their games, make noise on the court, and grab plenty of attention this winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Keep your eyes on these rising standouts — the next wave of South Dakota hoops talent is coming fast!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1399487,"width":"180px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <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:180px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1798934,"width":"181px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/BreakoutPlayers-crop-823x540-1675711988-crop-800x526-1676396283.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/BreakoutPlayers-crop-823x540-1675711988-crop-800x526-1676396283.jpg?w=799" alt="" class="wp-image-1798934" style="width:181px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2128932"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-690ceff7c815a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Porisch is primed for a breakout season on the hardwood after a strong fall leading Huron's (currently 8–2) football team as the Tigers' quarterback. Coming into basketball season loaded with confidence, Porisch brings length, athleticism, and versatility to an already talented Huron squad. While his numbers might not jump off the page on a deep roster, his impact will be undeniable. Porisch is a mobile, multi-level scorer who can attack the rim, score from midrange, and knock down shots from deep. Defensively, his size and agility allow him to guard multiple positions and disrupt opponents across the floor. Expect Porisch to be a major playmaker and an essential piece of Huron's push for a big season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3042606"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-690ceff7c81bb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Fisher is ready to take a big leap this season. After serving as a key rotational guard last year, he's set to step into a leadership role as the team's primary point guard. Fisher brings strong instincts, court vision, and a natural feel for the game, making him a reliable floor general. Known for his explosiveness when attacking the rim and his defensive toughness, he'll not only be tasked with creating offense but also taking on opponents' top players. With more responsibility and confidence, Fisher has all the tools to emerge as a breakout performer this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2612675"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-690d289104aa1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Expect [player_tooltip player_id='2612675' first='Cooper' last='Gibbs'] and the Spartans to be a force this winter. Gibbs impresses with his combination of size and competitiveness — and college programs are starting to take notice. A long athlete with a soft touch around the rim, Gibbs is equally comfortable finishing with either hand and makes smart decisions with the ball. He's a hard worker who competes on every possession, attacks the glass with purpose, and has the tools to become an elite defender as he continues to develop. With his versatility and drive, Gibbs is primed for a big season and is ready to show that he is an impact player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3042558"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-690ceff7c8203"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hernandez is primed for a breakout senior season. Already known as a lethal shooter, Hernandez made a name for himself last year in his first season as a starter, forcing defenses to game plan around his range. Now, he's taken his offensive game to another level. Over the offseason, Jesse expanded his skill set, becoming a more complete scorer who can finish through contact, attack the midrange, and still light it up from deep. With his confidence and versatility at an all-time high, expect Hernandez to be a go-to guy and a tough matchup for opposing teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1641566"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-690ceff7c8249"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Woods is set to make plenty of noise on the hardwood this winter before heading to play football at South Dakota State. The standout three-sport athlete brings elite athleticism to the floor, the kind that turns games into highlight reels. Woods is a high-flying finisher who can throw down electrifying dunks and soar for alley-oops with ease. Beyond the flash, he's a relentless rebounder, a rim protector, and a lockdown defender who plays with power, grit, and intensity on every possession. While his football future is bright, don't be surprised if his final basketball season is just as memorable. Jhace is poised to be one of Class AA's most exciting breakout players this winter. I think Mr. Woods is going to have a tremendous senior season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2442384"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-690d24988e22e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='2442384' first='Noah' last='Wald'] is a name to watch for a “new-look” STM squad this season. At 6'0, Wald is already well-built and plays with confidence beyond his years. He's a shooter with a quick release and the ability to score the rock. Wald also has a natural feel for the game, showing strong passing instincts. A talented multi-sport athlete, his competitiveness and athleticism translate to the hardwood. As he steps into a varsity role this winter, Wald could emerge as a playmaker and breakout performer for the Cavaliers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2132570"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-690d24988e2d2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">With key graduates moving on, Rapid City Christian will look to junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='2132570' first='Sully' last='Kieffer'] to take the reins and he's ready for the challenge. An athletic and confident point guard, Kieffer plays with energy and aggression on both ends of the floor. He's a tenacious on-ball defender who takes pride in disrupting opponents, a productive rebounder from the guard spot, and a dynamic playmaker who thrives in transition. After a strong offseason where he sharpened his shooting and overall polish, Kieffer is poised to emerge as the Comets' go-to leader and a true breakout performer in Class A this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1798934,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/BreakoutPlayers-crop-823x540-1675711988-crop-800x526-1676396283.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/BreakoutPlayers-crop-823x540-1675711988-crop-800x526-1676396283.jpg?w=799" alt="" class="wp-image-1798934" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->