SD Noteworthy Ballers

South Dakota hoops continues to bring the noise — and we're here to make sure it doesn't go unnoticed.   In this edition of SD Noteworthy Ballers, Prep Hoops Dakotas is shining a spotlight on a handful of SoDak standouts who have earned some extra attention. Whether it's consistent production night after night, a breakout stretch that's turning heads, or steady growth that's translating into wins, these players are making their presence felt across the state.   From big-game performers to rising prospects building momentum, this group represents the depth of talent South Dakota basketball continues to produce. They may all impact the game in different ways, but one thing is the same — they're balling at a high level and deserve to be in the conversation.   Let's take a look at the South Dakota names you should know right now. Best Swishes!   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/02/image_9edafb.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/02/image_9edafb.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-3493029" style="aspect-ratio:1.6228391966430022;width:371px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   Noteworthy Ballers    The lengthy sophomore missed a significant portion of the early season due to back issues, but he has returned and appeared in the last five games. Lundin worked his way back into the rotation against Mitchell and has been in the starting lineup since the Lincoln game. Tea pushed the top ranked Patriots to the brink in a tight 62 to 60 battle, and Blake's presence has been a major factor. Since returning, he has looked sharp and confident, averaging 9.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game. Lundin brings efficient scoring and game changing rim protection, giving his team a strong interior presence on both ends of the floor.     Brycen is putting together an impressive season for the Trojans, helping lead Parkston to a strong 14-3 record. A quality athlete who runs the floor well and finishes above the rim, Bruening brings energy and explosiveness every time he steps on the court. He is a gifted scorer who thrives in transition, turning defensive stops into quick points. Brycen has a knack for creating turnovers and capitalizing on them, and he finishes effectively with both his left and right hands. In the half-court, he is just as dangerous. His shot looks smooth and efficient with no wasted motion, and if you leave him open at the arc, he will make you pay.     He is the engine behind the #1 ranked and undefeated Trojans. When Meebs has the ball in his hands, good things tend to happen, and he has it a lot! Connor is widely regarded as one of the top playmakers in South Dakota, and his production backs it up with averages of around 17 points, 5.5 assists, and 2.5 steals per game. His ability to create for others is elite. Meebs throws alley oops with perfect touch, vision, and anticipation, and he consistently puts teammates in scoring position. His shooting range extends well beyond the arc, and once he gets going, he can heat up in a hurry. Meebs is also a serious slasher who attacks gaps and finishes fearlessly at the rim. Defensively, he competes with toughness and intensity, making him a true two-way presence. When you combine skill, leadership, and competitiveness, you get a complete player and, most importantly, a winner.     [player_tooltip player_id='2250487' first='Chace' last='Hermanson'] is a very efficient player for the Knights and impacts winning on both ends of the floor. Hermanson truly has to guard every position on the floor at some time in the game. He is the most efficient OG player on the offensive end. Chace averages 9 ppg and 6 rpg on a very balanced team. Hermanson does so much dirty work that doesn't show up in the stat line, it must be hard to take him off the floor.     He recently poured in 20 points in a game, proving he has the ability to heat up and score in bunches. What really stands out, though, is the way he competes. Doe brings strength, effort, and aggressiveness on both ends of the floor every night. David plays with pace and purpose, always around the ball and ready to capitalize on opportunities. He is a positive two-way presence for the Tigers, impacting the game beyond just scoring. With pieces like him in the mix, Harrisburg is a tough matchup, and not a team many will be eager to see come March.     He's producing at a First Team All-State level and doing it in style. Shawd is putting together a dominant season, averaging 23.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game. What makes those numbers even more impressive is his efficiency: he's shooting 50% from the field and a scorching 43% from three-point range. Night after night, Gavinis not just scoring, he's controlling the game. There's growing chatter that Shawd may be the top guard in South Dakota. Gavin is a certified problem, and the Titans look every bit like a serious contender.     The Bucks' record may not be where they want it right now, but Kudera continues to show he is a tough, reliable presence. He is a well-rounded player who brings versatility and defensive toughness every time he steps on the floor. On the offensive end, Jackson has been heating up, averaging 17.4 points per game over the last five contests. He is a capable three-point shooter with a smooth, confident stroke, and he rebounds exceptionally well for a 2 or 3 guard. Kudera impacts the game in multiple ways and remains a steady force for the Bucks.     After battling through a banged-up ankle to start the season, Noah is now fully healthy, and it shows. The freshman has turned heads with a combination of length, athleticism, and skill that's rare for a 9th grader. He's splitting time between JV and varsity, logging four quarters at the varsity level and serving as the first player off the bench, and he's made the most of those opportunities. As a frosh, Noah already leads the Warriors in blocked shots, using his size and natural instincts to create major problems on the defensive end. Opponents quickly learn that scoring around him isn't easy. Offensively, Woods presents just as many challenges. He can slash and finish, stretch the floor with his three-point shooting, and consistently rebound in his position. What's been most impressive is how seamlessly he's blended in with the older varsity players. Noah isn't just filling minutes; he's taking and making big shots in big moments. Adding to the story, he also gets the opportunity to share the floor with his older brother, [player_tooltip player_id='1641566' first='Jhace' last='Woods'], which makes the experience even more special. And the scary part? He's only scratching the surface. The future is bright for [player_tooltip player_id='2480721' first='Noah' last='Woods'].     PHD is definitely intrigued by his length. Shooter is the real deal. This past Saturday against Todd County, he poured in 36 points and showed just how dangerous he can be when he gets rolling. There are not many teams that can truly match up with him. He is long, talented, and skilled, with a natural ability to put the ball in the basket. Frederick creates problems all over the floor and has a scorer's instinct that is hard to teach. And let's not forget, Shooter lives up to his name; he is a knockdown shooter who can light it up in a hurry. Tonight, MOPO took down #9 Sully Buttes. Frederick went for 19 points, shot great, threw down a dunk, and locked up on defense.     The more I watch him, the more impressed I become. Kjerstad is putting together an outstanding season, and the Wall Eagles are firmly in the conversation as one of the top teams in Class B. Teelan consistently scores in the mid 20s and even erupted for 42 points in a single game, showing just how explosive he can be. He is a quick, twitchy athlete with a tight handle and the ability to create space whenever he needs it. Teelan's shooting range extends well beyond the arc, he is dangerous in the pull-up game, and he attacks the rim as a dynamic slasher and finisher. Simply put, he is a MAJOR problem for opposing defenses. Basketball fans across South Dakota should make it a point to catch Teelan and the Eagles in action this season.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/NoteworthyPlayers.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/NoteworthyPlayers.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-1964872" /></a></figure>

South Dakota hoops continues to bring the noise — and we're here to make sure it doesn't go unnoticed.