10 Early Season Standouts

The South Dakota high school basketball season is still in its early stages, but several players have already separated themselves with strong performances and consistent production. In this article titled Early Season Standouts, Prep Hoops Dakotas shines a light on players who have made an immediate impact and set the tone for the weeks ahead. These are the competitors filling up the stat sheet, making winning plays, and helping their teams build momentum right out of the gate. With confidence growing and roles becoming clearer, these early standouts have given fans plenty of reasons to tune in as the season continues to take shape.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/Screen-Shot-2025-06-17-at-8.59.49-AM-crop-989x650-1766409298.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/Screen-Shot-2025-06-17-at-8.59.49-AM-crop-989x650-1766409298.png?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-3257583" style="width:364px;height:auto" /></a></figure>    [player_tooltip player_id='2277844' first='Brady' last='Jewett'] has been one of Tri Valley's most impactful players early in the season and has firmly earned his spot as an early-season standout. Jewett has been scoring the ball at a high level, consistently taking quality shots and showing a strong understanding of when to be aggressive. Even as opposing defenses key in on him and recognize his offensive ability, he has found ways to stay efficient and productive. What stands out most is Jewett's all-around game. When pressure comes, he keeps his teammates involved, makes the right reads, and continues to play within the flow of the offense. His leadership, poise, and playmaking ability have been excellent, and his skill set allows him to impact the game in multiple ways. Jewett's scoring touch, combined with his decision-making and competitiveness, has made him a driving force for Tri-Valley and a player Prep Hoops fans should continue to watch closely.     [player_tooltip player_id='1986901' first='Bryson' last='Skogsberg'] is off to an impressive start and has been a major reason Sioux Falls Roosevelt has opened the season with momentum. The lefty is averaging 17.5 points and nine rebounds per game while also drawing six charges through three contests, showcasing his impact on both ends of the floor. Skogsberg is playing at a high level offensively and defensively, consistently making winning plays. Now up to 6 foot 4, Skogsberg has emerged as one of the most dangerous weapons in South Dakota Class AA. His ability to score, rebound, and compete defensively makes him a tough matchup night after night. With Skogsberg leading the way, the Rough Riders remain undefeated and have firmly established themselves as one of the top teams in Class AA early in the season.     [player_tooltip player_id='2137320' first='Deondre' last='Painter'] has been a key piece in Sioux Falls Roosevelt's perfect 3–0 start and has looked the part early in the season. Averaging 14.5 points per game, Painter consistently puts pressure on the rim and creates problems for opposing defenses. His combination of strength, athleticism, and versatility makes him a difficult matchup, whether he is attacking downhill, finishing through contact, or creating opportunities within the flow of the offense. Painter's physical presence and competitive edge stand out, and he impacts the game beyond the box score by forcing defenses to adjust. As an imposing offensive threat who can guard multiple positions, he has helped set the tone for the Rough Riders on both ends of the floor and has firmly established himself as an early-season standout in South Dakota Class AA.     [player_tooltip player_id='1950332' first='Justin' last='Bilal'] has made an immediate impact for Roosevelt and has been a major factor in the Riders' 3–0 start to the season. He is played well, impressing on both ends of the floor, using his length and scoring ability to help the offense average 67.5 points per game. Bilal can shoot it, score it in a variety of ways, and create matchup problems with his athleticism, length, and versatility. Early on, Bilal has looked like a true game-changer. His ability to affect the game offensively while also competing defensively makes him a tough cover and an exciting player to watch on the hardwood. Keep eyes on Bilal, he is also no stranger to making highlight reel plays.     [player_tooltip player_id='2342750' first='Riley' last='Casey'] has wasted no time announcing himself as one of the most dangerous offensive players in the state, putting together an unreal start to the season for Little Wound. Casey has proven to be a splashy scoring playmaker who can flat out fill it up, showing the ability to score with the best of them. His combination of skill, craftiness, and basketball IQ makes him tough to contain, and his shooting range forces defenses to extend well beyond the arc. The early numbers tell the story. In three of his first four games, Casey has erupted for 37, 37, and 38 points, putting together one of the hottest starts you will see anywhere. He is a deadeye shooter who knows how to find space, create his own looks, and capitalize when defenses give him even a small window. Casey's confidence and scoring creativity have been on full display, and if this opening stretch is any indication, he is a must-watch player as the season continues to unfold.     [player_tooltip player_id='3067361' first='Ty' last='Oyen'] has established himself as an early-season standout for Tri Valley, setting the tone with his energy, effort, and commitment to the program's non-negotiables. He plays within himself on the offensive end, consistently making the right reads, helping get teammates open, and finishing plays when opportunities present themselves. Oyen's unselfish approach and feel for the game have been instrumental in keeping the Mustangs organized and efficient. On the defensive side, Oyen is everywhere. He brings constant pressure, rebounds the ball at a high level, and does the dirty work that often swings momentum. His leadership has been especially impactful, as he backs up the team's standards with his actions and ensures they are executed daily. Because of that example, Tri-Valley has been able to hold effective practices and make noticeable early-season improvements across the roster. Oyen's ability to rebound, distribute, and compete on both ends makes him a key piece for the Mustangs and a deserving early-season standout.    [player_tooltip player_id='2338062' first='Hayden' last='Rock'] (2026) |5'11 G| & [player_tooltip player_id='2058166' first='Jerek' last='Dufner'] (2026) |6'1 G| Sturgis   Sturgis has a strong one-two punch emerging early in the season, as [player_tooltip player_id='2338062' first='Hayden' last='Rock'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2058166' first='Jerek' last='Dufner'] have set the tone for the Scoopers and established themselves as two of the top West River ballers to watch. Both players turned in breakout performances against Aberdeen Central and have been leading Sturgis in scoring, providing consistency and confidence for a group that continues to gain momentum. Rock stands out as a true three-level scorer who can hurt defenses in multiple ways. He is comfortable attacking the rim, pulling up in the midrange, or stepping out and knocking down shots from deep. Dufner brings a different but equally dangerous skill set. His athleticism and ability to get downhill make him tough to contain, and he is quickly proving he can stretch the floor as a reliable perimeter shooter. Together, Rock and Dufner have given the Scoopers a dynamic scoring duo while also providing leadership and stability on and off the court.   [player_tooltip player_id='1641568' first='Wyatt' last='(Buzzy) Gylten'] (2026) |6'4 G| & [player_tooltip player_id='2080607' first='Ashton' last='Paulsen'] (2026) |6'1 G| St. Thomas More   St. Thomas More has opened the season with a strong 3–1 record and is already looking the part of a top Class A contender in South Dakota. Two major reasons for that fast start are Buzzy Gylten and [player_tooltip player_id='2080607' first='Ashton' last='Paulsen'], who have emerged as early-season standouts and continue to set the tone for the Cavaliers. Both players bring a high motor and physical presence, leading the team with their effort on the glass while also providing consistent scoring production. What truly separates Gylten and Paulsen is their leadership on and off the court. Their ability to handle the ball under pressure has been critical, especially against defenses that look to speed the game up. Both players do an excellent job of drawing defenders and getting them on their hip, which has opened up scoring opportunities for the entire lineup. As teams begin to key in on them, balanced scoring will become even more important, and the poise and playmaking of Buzzy and Paulsen will be a driving force behind STM's continued success as the season moves forward.   <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 high school basketball season is still in its early stages, but several players have already separated themselves with strong performances and consistent production. In this article titled Early Season Standouts, Prep Hoops Dakotas shines a light on players who have made an immediate impact and set the tone for the weeks ahead. These are the competitors filling up the stat sheet, making winning plays, and helping their teams build momentum right out of the gate. With confidence growing and roles becoming clearer, these early standouts have given fans plenty of reasons to tune in as the season continues to take shape.