Sacred Hoops 2026: Team Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There's a special kind of buzz surrounding this year's [program_tooltip program_id='2075302' first='Sacred' last='Hoops'] squad, and for good reason. South Dakota basketball fans will instantly recognize the leadership at the top—legendary head coach Kent Mueller returns to the sidelines, joined by assistant coach Josh Mueller. Kent Mueller has long been regarded as one of the most respected and accomplished coaches in South Dakota basketball history, while Josh Mueller brings elite pedigree of his own as widely considered a top five player in state history. This father-son duo combines decades of experience, high-level understanding, and a shared passion for the game that sets the tone for the squad of young ballers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Adding even more strength to the staff is assistant coach Ryan Kjerstad, who will play a key role behind the scenes. Kjerstad is coming off an impressive season helping lead the Wall Eagles to a third-place finish at the State B tournament, bringing additional momentum, insight, and winning experience to the [program_tooltip program_id='2075302' first='Sacred' last='Hoops'] bench.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The roster itself is just as exciting. This team is loaded with talent—featuring multiple All-State selections and proven competitors who have battled on the State Tournament stage. With players representing Class B, A, and AA schools from both the east and west sides of the state, this group embodies a unique blend of styles, skillsets, and basketball cultures.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Expect [program_tooltip program_id='2075302' first='Sacred' last='Hoops'] to play the game the right way. They'll share the ball, push the pace, and bring a physical edge every time they step on the floor. It's a team built not just on individual talent, but on cohesion and toughness.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Hoops is especially eager to see how this group develops, as they're set to compete in multiple Prep Hoops tournaments throughout the season. With high-level coaching and a roster full of playmakers, [program_tooltip program_id='2075302' first='Sacred' last='Hoops'] 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing teams to watch this year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">"<em>All guys have tremendous abilities that will complement each other well.&nbsp;They all have the potential to go play at the next level.</em>"&nbsp;<strong>-Ryan Kjerstad</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3583677,"width":"210px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/sacredhoops-crop-1170x769-1775532811.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/sacredhoops-crop-1170x769-1775532811.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-3583677" style="width:210px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2632356,"width":"209px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"1.6020587203181658","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/TeamPreview.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/TeamPreview.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-2632356" style="aspect-ratio:1.6020587203181658;width:209px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"30px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:30px"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">SCHEDULE</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>April 25-26 -Spring Jam - Sioux Falls</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>May 2-3 - Scheels Prospect League - Minneapolis</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>May 8-10 - Prep Hoops Battle at the Lakes - Minneapolis</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>June 26-27 - Great Plains Alliance - St. Cloud</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>July 10-12 - Prep Hoops 2K26 - Minneapolis</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>July 25-26 - Pentagon Summer Classic - Sioux Falls</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"30px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:30px"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">ROSTER</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3583684,"width":"427px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/image_81e2d9.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/image_81e2d9.png?w=787" alt="" class="wp-image-3583684" style="width:427px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2126219"],"_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-69d480f1f0953"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-27.9 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 4 apg, 91 steals </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-1st Team All-State, 3rd Place at State</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2253895"],"_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-69d480f1f09ee"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-18.4 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 3 apg</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-1st Team All-State, State Champion</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2132815"],"_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-69d480f1f0a6c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-13 ppg, 7 rpg, 40 blocks</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Honorable Mention All-State, 4th Place at State</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2475722"],"_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-69d480f1f0ae3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-19 ppg, 3 rpg, 6 apg, 60 steals</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-2nd Team All-State, 4th Place at State</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2255042"],"_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-69d480f1f0b57"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-13.9 ppg, 9.6 rpg, 29 blocks</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-2nd Team All-State, 6th Place at State</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2544075"],"_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-69d480f1f0bc9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-7 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 5.2 apg, 1.6 spg, 43.8 FG%, 32 3FG%</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Led the Spartans to 15 wins, skilled/creative, great vision</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2362037"],"_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-69d480f1f0c35"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-14.5 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 1.3 apg, 1.4 spg, 51 3FGM, 30 3FG%, 46 eFG%</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Talented O-player for the 13 win Tigers, sweet shooting stroke</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2508303,"width":"233px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"1.6020025031289111","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/QA.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/QA.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-2508303" style="aspect-ratio:1.6020025031289111;width:233px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"30px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:30px"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">With Ryan Kjerstad</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><u>PHD: What excites you most about this group heading into the season?</u></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“<em>The most exciting part about this group is their desire to do something special together.&nbsp;This is a group with tremendous talent, and it will be exciting to watch them compete with top-tier talent.</em>”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><u>PHD: What are this team's biggest strengths on the court?</u></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“<em>They all have an extremely high basketball IQ.&nbsp; They are all very accomplished individually and from a team success standpoint.</em>”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><u>PHD: What are your goals or expectations for this team?</u></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“<em>We hope to learn some valuable lessons and develop some additional insight/skills to become better, more well-rounded players for the future success of them individually and the teams they play for.</em>”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><u>PHD: What style of basketball will this team play?</u></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“<em>We will look to use our athleticism and skill to play a fast-paced, up-tempo game.</em>”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontStyle":"italic","fontWeight":"1000"}},"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size" style="font-style:italic;font-weight:1000">BEST OF LUCK TO [program_tooltip program_id='2075302' first='Sacred' last='Hoops'] THIS SEASON!!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1399487,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <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> <!-- /wp:image -->