O'Gorman Knights: Team Preview

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">2025–26 O'Gorman Knights – A Tradition Built on Excellence Sets the Stage Again</h2>   Few programs in South Dakota high school basketball carry the mystique, history, and standard of success that O'Gorman brings into every winter. With six State Championships under legendary head coach Derek Robey, multiple Runner-Up finishes, and a decades-long culture of winning, the Knights once again enter the Class AA landscape as a team fully capable of rising into the top tier by March.   This season marks a milestone, not only Robey's 21st year leading the Knights, but his 40th season as a head coach in South Dakota. His career résumé is remarkable: a 565–324 overall record, 443–232 in boys basketball alone, and an astonishing run of Championships that includes back-to-back titles in 2006 and 2007, a historic three-peat from 2010–12, and another crown in 2017.   “We're very fortunate and blessed to have experienced that kind of success,” Robey said. “Every season is new, every team is different—but the expectations and standards remain the same.”   O'Gorman feels like one of those teams that could sneak up on the rest of Class AA. Prep Hoops Dakotas is genuinely intrigued by the Knights' deep stable of guards, a group that brings speed, skill, shooting, unselfishness and toughness at every position. With multiple players capable of handling, creating, and hitting shots, OG has the kind of perimeter depth that becomes a real weapon once the season settles in. Add in the leadership of [player_tooltip player_id='1911438' first='Mason' last='Clark'], the explosiveness of [player_tooltip player_id='2693802' first='Kamden' last='Cisse'], the energy of [player_tooltip player_id='2230314' first='Braylen' last='Yellow Bird'], and the rising confidence of guys like [player_tooltip player_id='1641571' first='Jaxson' last='Weeldreyer'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2250487' first='Chace' last='Hermanson'], and suddenly the Knights look far more dangerous than their returning-starts number suggests. With Derek Robey steering the ship in his 40th year, this team has the coaching, versatility, and competitive fire to outperform expectations—and make a real push up the Class AA ladder. The Knights are going places!   <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/image_aa0d02.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/image_aa0d02.png" alt="" class="wp-image-3192567" style="width:211px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Last Year in Review</h3>   O'Gorman finished 13–11 a season ago, placing 8th at the State Tournament. While the Knights return only one official starter, this is a roster with meaningful varsity experience and a ceiling that could make them one of Class AA's true risers.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/OGroster.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/OGroster.png?w=791" alt="" class="wp-image-3192598" style="aspect-ratio:1.0394431554524362;width:538px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Key Returners & Emerging Pieces</h3>   The Knights will once again rely on guard play, toughness, and the ability to adapt their lineups. Depth on the perimeter and several seniors stepping into larger roles will determine their early progression.   [player_tooltip player_id='1911438' first='Mason' last='Clark'] (6'0" Sr.) The lone returning starter, Clark averaged 5.4 points, 2 rebounds, and 3 assists last season. Robey praised him as a player who “sets the tempo and acts as a coach on the floor.” Clark, who signed with South Dakota Mines, gives OG stability, leadership, and a downhill threat in transition.   [player_tooltip player_id='1641571' first='Jaxson' last='Weeldreyer'] (6'3" Sr.) Weeldreyer delivered one of his best performances in last year's State opener vs. Harrisburg, dropping 11 points and showing real poise in crunch time. “If he continues that confidence, he'll be fun to watch,” Robey said. His perimeter shooting and length give the Knights a valuable scoring option.   [player_tooltip player_id='2693802' first='Kamden' last='Cisse'] (6'3" Sr.) No one on the roster changes the game with speed quite like Cisse. Robey describes him simply: “Kam is explosive.” His competitiveness, knack for the ball, and attacking style should translate into a bigger scoring role this season.   [player_tooltip player_id='2230314' first='Braylen' last='Yellow Bird'] (6'2" Sr.) A dynamic transfer from SF Jefferson, Yellow Bird has already impressed the coaching staff. “He has one speed,” Robey said. “He's unselfish, energetic, and loves the game.” His ability to finish in transition and uplift teammates gives OG a major boost.   [player_tooltip player_id='2250487' first='Chace' last='Hermanson'] (6'1" Jr.) The Knights' starting quarterback brings toughness, leadership, and steady decision-making. Last season he worked his way from JV to varsity impact player. “Nothing flashy—just gets it done,” Robey noted. Hermanson is a strong candidate to break into the starting lineup.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Style of Play & Early Emphasis</h3>   With a smaller lineup, O'Gorman expects to play fast and use multiple guards on the floor. Robey says they could “play five guards at a time,” which makes defensive flexibility critical.   The focus early in the season has been installing structure, sharpening defensive principles, and carving out roles within a deep group of perimeter players. The Knights may not have overwhelming size, but they will compensate with pace, spacing, pressure, and a seasoned coaching staff that knows how to maximize matchups.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Competition</h3>   Class AA is loaded, and Robey doesn't shy away from acknowledging how tough the top of the field looks. He sees Sioux Falls Lincoln as the most complete squad, followed by Huron, Roosevelt, and defending champion Brandon Valley. He expects OG to be right in that mix.   Several of the top players in South Dakota reside in Robey's on the east side of the state, and the Knights bring two of their own to the list: [player_tooltip player_id='1911438' first='Mason' last='Clark'] and[player_tooltip player_id='2693802' first='Kamden' last='Cisse'], both capable of becoming standout performers as the season unfolds. Keep an eye on [player_tooltip player_id='2230314' first='Braylen' last='Yellow Bird'], PHD sees him as a breakout baller this season.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Projected Trajectory</h3>   While O'Gorman may not start the year as the biggest or most experienced team, their potential is significant. There's shooting, speed, senior leadership, and a coach who has guided nearly every type of roster imaginable to late-season success.   The Metro is unforgiving. The AA field is deep. But the Knights know what this path looks like—and they know how March basketball is won.   If the pieces click, if their guard-heavy lineups bring matchup advantages, and if their seniors elevate their roles, O'Gorman has the makeup of a team capable of climbing well above preseason projections.   With Robey at the helm, you can never count the Knights out.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/image_ba6e29.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/image_ba6e29.png" alt="" class="wp-image-3192568" /></a></figure>