SD Difference Makers

“Difference Makers” isn't always about who fills up the box score—though sometimes it absolutely is. Some players are big-time scorers who can take over a game, while others make an impact in less flashy ways—locking down the opponent's best player, controlling the glass, making the extra pass, or doing the little things that help their team win.   In this SD Difference Makers feature, we're highlighting the players who have stood out this season for their ability to change the game. From lockdown defenders and physical rebounders to efficient scorers and timely playmakers, these are the guys whose impact is felt on every possession.   Below are some of the South Dakota players making a real difference this season, whether it's through dominant scoring, defensive dominance, or all-around contributions.   <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="aspect-ratio:1.6003898635477583;width:305px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   Difference Makers    Mr. Stevenson is averaging 16.9 points per game and has been a key piece of the Chargers' success this season. He gives the offense a reliable finishing presence at the rim while also stretching the floor with his ability to knock down shots from deep. A long, athletic wing, Stevenson presents a tough matchup as a secondary option alongside Wadsworth. His versatility and impact on both ends have played a major role in the Chargers' 11–2 start.     Gage has been a true difference maker for the Scoopers, anchoring the paint with toughness and relentless effort. Simply put, he's a rebounding machine. West leads the team in both rebounds and blocked shots, pulling down 8.4 boards per game, numbers that place him among the top five rebounders in Class AA basketball. A super physical presence on the block, he brings an edge every night and does a ton of the dirty work that doesn't always show up in the box score. From carving out space to protecting the rim and extending possessions, West's impact goes well beyond stats.     Wilkinson has been a relentless force all season while being double-teamed, triple-teamed, held, pushed, poked, pinched, hacked, punched, and elbowed; if you can think it, someone has tried it! Grant has kept his cool and is still putting in crazy numbers, averaging over 24 ppg and almost 20 rpg. Wilkinson is a Double-Double beast and is as tough as they come.     Wadsworth has been outstanding this season, emerging as one of the most productive scorers on the floor. He's averaging 21.5 points per game, and his offensive growth has been evident. After being known primarily as a three-point shooter in recent years, Jackson has expanded his game and now scores efficiently at all three levels. His evolution as a complete scorer has been a major factor in the team's strong 11–2 start. He is performing like an All-State baller.     Korbin has emerged as a true difference maker for the Trojans, consistently impacting the game across the board. He's been stuffing the stat sheet all season while piling up impressive scoring numbers that put constant pressure on opposing defenses. A left-handed sniper from beyond the arc, Stark can fill it up in a hurry, but his impact doesn't stop there. He's a fierce rebounder for his position and a steady, unselfish passer who dishes out multiple quality assists on a nightly basis. Whether it's scoring, facilitating, or making winning plays, there's no doubt that Stark is a playmaker and a major reason the Trojans continue to roll.     Southern has proven to be a serious difference maker for the Spearfish Spartans, especially when the lights get brighter. This past weekend against Huron and Mitchell, Southern led the Spartans in both scoring (13 ppg) and assists (7 apg), showing his ability to control the game on multiple levels. As the competition has stiffened, Southern has found the right balance, becoming a more aggressive scorer without sacrificing his role as a distributor. He put that on full display with a 15-point, 7-assist performance against Mahpiya Luta in a highly anticipated battle of unbeatens. Rarely leaving the floor, the Spartans' floor general logged 63 of 64 minutes over the two-game stretch, a testament to his value and trust level. Skilled, ambidextrous, and always poised for the moment, Southern is a fun player to watch and a certified gamer when it matters most.     Mayer has been a real difference maker for the Titans this season. He consistently draws the assignment of guarding the opposing team's top player and has done a phenomenal job in that role, setting the tone defensively night after night. He doesn't get a ton of attention, but Mayer is the definition of a team-first player. He currently sits third in scoring, second in rebounds, and second in steals, and is willing to do whatever it takes to win. His ability to embrace any role and impact the game in multiple ways has made him a key piece of the Titans' success this season.     Mr. Wilkinson's hustle is contagious and sets the tone for the Bulldog's. His energy elevates everyone around him, and when he is going full speed, the Bulldog's overall effort follows. A strong, quick defender who isn't afraid to take chances, he brings an edge that often pays off. Slayten's nonstop motor creates chaos on both ends of the floor and makes a real impact just by playing hard.    [player_tooltip player_id='3186773' first='Braden' last='Danzeisen'] (2026) |6'3 F| & [player_tooltip player_id='3186803' first='Carson' last='Wosje'] (2026) |6'2 G| Sioux Valley   These two are defensive stoppers for the Sioux Valley Cossacks. Braden and Carson always draw the top defensive assignments each night out. They are willing to sell out on containing problems #1 and #2 from the opponents. These two are very coachable, team-first ballers.    <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:220px;height:auto" /></a></figure>

“Difference Makers” isn't always about who fills up the box score—though sometimes it absolutely is. Some players are big-time scorers who can take over a game, while others make an impact in less flashy ways—locking down the opponent's best player, controlling the glass, making the extra pass, or doing the little things that help their team win.