Summer Sizzle: SD Standouts

The summer months are when reputations are built, and this offseason was no exception across North Dakota and South Dakota. Whether it was dominating team camps and open gyms with their high school squads, or going toe-to-toe with elite competition on the club circuit, plenty of players made sure their names were part of the conversation heading into the winter.   In this article, we're spotlighting a mix of standouts from across South Dakota, some who shined alongside their high school teammates, others who made waves on the club scene. Different paths, same result: these are the players who caught our attention and have us fired up for what's to come this season.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/image_5a93c6.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/image_5a93c6.png" alt="" class="wp-image-3720380" style="width:342px;height:auto" /></a></figure>    Mr. Lundin had a really strong summer for the Titans and for Sanford 16's. Blake is a BIG/long forward who is a dynamite post defender. He is working hard on his offensive game and is becoming one of the more well-rounded BIG's in AA. His strength and athleticism are coming along nicely, and Lundin is only a junior. Serious potential!     Bruening had a terrific summer of basketball. Brycen was a star in his role and was efficient like a chess grandmaster. He has sneaky athleticism and scores from three levels. This multi-sport athlete has a high ceiling for what he will become at the next level.     Craven is attacking his rehab this off-season. Carter is working on strengthening his knee while staying in shape and continues to improve his shot. Craven had a nice summer. Expect Carter to be ready to dominate the game again this winter and to own the glass.     Grif has all the tools you would want for a big wing. Wiebenga has scoring in his DNA, rebounds positionally, and has some nice switchability on the defensive end. Grif had a good all-around season for a very talented SSA 17U Black squad. Wiebenga and the Titans are going to make waves this coming season.     Tideman had a big summer and played well for his AAU team ([program_tooltip program_id='2075302' first='Sacred' last='Hoops'] Mueller). Jalen always showed up at the Winner open gym/workouts and upgraded his game. He also grew another inch and has improved his body.     This incoming soph improved a lot throughout his 9th grade season and that carried right into the offseason. Jett consistently stood out as a top defender for the Mustangs. He is talented at turning defense into offense. The biggest standout piece of the summer from Nielsen was the improvement in his decision-making as a ball handler. Because of his defensive tenacity, Jett finds himself as a transition ball handler often; his growth in ability to finish around the rim or make the right reads has been tremendous.     This incoming senior Mustang is stepping into a larger role both for leadership and on the offensive side of the ball. Throughout the summer, he consistently exemplified his improved shooting ability on pull-ups and three-point shots. Krome demonstrated strong leadership skills to his teammates who have not had much varsity experience prior. Kobe is someone you never have to question his work ethic or intensity. The Tri-Valley staff is encouraged to see Krome's growth in skill development and as a great teammate leading into his senior season.     Peskey played for Warwick this summer and played very well. He was constantly putting in the extra work in preparation for this upcoming season. Look for Lucas to carry the charge for the Sharks and be the catalyst that we all know he can be. Peskey excels on defense and causes problems for opposing teams' guards while getting them out of their comfort zone. His motor is something you don't normally see in an athlete. He will go until he absolutely cannot. Lucas looks to break the all-time scoring record in Iroquois this season as well!     Sam is an outstanding athlete who changes the game with his mobility/length while also being able to step outside and shoot the ball too. He had multiple games with 4+ electric DUNKs and made 3 plus triples in the same game. Sam improved his ball handling and decision-making over the course of the summer. He could be a player to watch this winter.     Mr. Steele was a great three-point shooter coming into the summer and improved his percentage as the weekends went on. Sam also improved his dribbling and pull-up jumper. This Warrior is always willing to put in the extra work and is dedicated to getting better at basketball.    [player_tooltip player_id='2871773' first='Brycen' last='Blue'] (2028) |5'10 G| Iroquois-Lake Preston/Heiser Skills & [player_tooltip player_id='2871772' first='Carter' last='Arbeiter'] (2028) |6'2 G| Iroquois-Lake Preston/Heiser Skills & [player_tooltip player_id='2871767' first='Ervin' last='Carter'] (2028) |6'3 F| Iroquois-Lake Preston/Heiser Skills   All the Sharks played for Heiser Skills in club ball and all 3 of these guys played all summer long and took huge strides into becoming better ball players. Look for Ervin to play a huge role for ILP this season with rebounding and scoring. He will help take some pressure off other Sharks. Brycen will have the ball in his hands all year long and run the offense. He took massive steps last season and that confidence has only grown. He will be a huge factor for ILP. Carter will also be huge for the Sharks. He will be crucial defense, as he can block shots and defend in the post.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/SouthDakota.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/SouthDakota.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-3588946" /></a></figure>

The summer months are when reputations are built, and this offseason was no exception across North Dakota and South Dakota. Whether it was dominating team camps and open gyms with their high school squads, or going toe-to-toe with elite competition on the club circuit, plenty of players made sure their names were part of the conversation heading into the winter.