SD Weekend Watchlist

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We have a huge upcoming weekend for high school hoops in South Dakota. Why? The Hoops City Classic in Mitchell and The Entringer Classic in Brookings are going down. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Many impressive teams and players are competing over the weekend. Who should you watch? PHD has recommendations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size">We did not pick all of the top-ranked players from the weekend, rather we chose intriguing players, guys that we have liked in the past, and x-factors. However, we do have a few of the elite players included as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">See below for comments and one question on 10 ballers from South Dakota.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1511372,"width":"226px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/07/PlayerWatchlistNDSD.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/07/PlayerWatchlistNDSD.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-1511372" style="width:226px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1263162' first='Ben' last='Brooks'] (2025) |6'9 SF| Madison</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Game</span>:</strong> Entringer Classic - 12/28 - 3:30 - Madison vs. Casletwood</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Why?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Future SDSU football player who only has so many bball games left, he should be balling out every game</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Special athlete with length &amp; athleticism, interested to see how much he hands the ball &amp; how he shoots it from outside</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Question</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Does he put on a show with high-flying dunks &amp; blocked shots &amp; how does he defend Laue?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1327459' first='Bryon' last='Laue'] (2025) |6'9 C| Castlewood</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Game</span>:</strong> Entringer Classic - 12/28 - 3:30 - Castlewood vs. Madison</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline"><strong>Why?</strong></span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-He recently joined the 1K Club, B vs. A matchups are always fun to watch, one of the elite BIGs in all of SD</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Laue will be competing against his Sanford teammate [player_tooltip player_id='1263162' first='Ben' last='Brooks'], it will be fun to see them battle &amp; see who performs the best</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline"><strong>Question</strong></span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Does he look ready to be an NSIC player next year &amp; does he dominate vs. Class A Madison?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1466940' first='Colton' last='Smith'] (2026) |6'5 F| Mitchell</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Games</span>:</strong> Hoops City Classic - 12/28 &amp; 12/30 - 7:30 &amp; 7:30 - Mitchell vs. Orono &amp; Mitchell vs. Orlando Christian Prep</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Why?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-I want to see if Smith can defend &amp; rebound against the elite athletes/players from MN &amp; FL</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-This is an excellent opportunity for Colton to prove himself to college coaches, let's see if he stands out &amp; stuffs the stat sheet</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Question</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>How does he perform/play against elite competition under the bright lights of the Corn Palace? </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2286030' first='Grant' last='Wilkinson'] (2026) |6'9 C| De Smet </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Game</span>:</strong> Entringer Classic - 12/28 - 3:00 - De Smetvs. Chester Area</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline"><strong>Why?</strong></span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Recently set a De Smet School Record w/ 27 Rebounds in a single game, could break his own record in this game</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-I watched him this off-season and I really like Grant's game, I expect him to be an All-State baller this year</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Question</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>How does Wilkinson move his feet and does he score outside of the paint?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2238341' first='Kyler' last='Carlson'] (2026) |5'10 G| Estelline-Hendricks</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Game</span>:</strong> Entringer Classic - 12/28 - 12:30 - Estelline-Hendricks vs. Deuel</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Why?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-The Redhawks are 3-0 on the year and receiving votes in the State Polls, Carlson is playing well</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-A crafty is skilled baller, sneak D creates turnovers, scores in transition, opportunistic scorer </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Question</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Do Mr. Carlson &amp; the Redhawks stay undefeated, does Kyler have another impressive game?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1263161' first='Maverick' last='LeBrun'] (2025) |6'4 SF| Dell Rapid St. Mary</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Game</span>:</strong> Entringer Classic - 12/28 - 5:00 - Dell Rapid St. Mary vs. Flandreau</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Why?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-3-0 record &amp; ranked #2 in Class B, get ready for some splashy plays, dunks &amp; putbacks</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-D1 athlete, a matchup nightmare with his strength &amp; versatility, a beast on defense &amp; the glass</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Question</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Does he produce a Double-Double and dominate the Fliers?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1467165' first='Tate' last='Gerdes'] (2026) |6'3 G| Lennox</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Game</span>:</strong> Hoops City Classic - 12/30 - 1:30 - Lennox vs. Pine Ridge </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Why?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Easily a next-level athlete &amp; I have heard he playing well &amp; shooting it hot to start the season</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Orioles are ranked #5 &amp; Tate is a DUDE, lefty dynamic playmaker, impressive passer, aggressive &amp; timely</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Question</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>How does he do against Marvin Richard, does he defend MR3?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2247647' first='Tate' last='Sorensen'] (2026) |6'2 F| Freeman</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Game</span>:</strong> Hoop City Classic - 12/28 - 3:00 - Freeman vs. White Ricer</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Why?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-He helped the Flyers beat Viborg-Hurley in game 1 of the season, Freeman is undefeated &amp; ranked #5</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Thick &amp; strong lefty, hits 3's, physical baller, can score from every level, underrated player in my opinion</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Question</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Will the Flyers stay hot, pick up the win, and will Sorensen be the best player on the court?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1506292' first='Trevon' last='Beckman'] (2025) |6'2 G| Dell Rapids St. Mary</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Game</span>:</strong> Entringer Classic - 12/28 - 5:00 - Dell Rapid St. Mary vs. Flandreau</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Why?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-3-0 record &amp; ranked #2 in Class B, a dynamite scorer &amp; rebounder</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Amazing skill &amp; talent, he will be All-State again, he should put on a show Saturday</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Question</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He has had some splashy games to start the season, will he do it again &amp; fill up the box score in Brookings?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1641568' first='Wyatt' last='Gylten'] (2026) |6'4 G| St. Thomas More</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Game</span>:</strong> Hoops City Classic - 12/28 - 6:00 - St. Thomas More vs. Houston (TN)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Why?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-He is the best player for the Cavaliers who are undefeated &amp; ranked #5 in Class A</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-I have heard he is looking tough to start the year, big season ahead, serious potential for next-level hoops</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline"><strong>Question</strong></span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Had an injury last year, is he looking explosive &amp; athletic and how does he shoot it from 3? </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 -->