SD Class AA: Quick Glance, Teams To Watch

Greg Shoultz

November 17, 2021 @ 03:14 PM

Sioux Falls Washington- The reigning champs will have a target on their back. They bring back significant players from last year. Ndjakalenga Mwenentanda Ndjakalenga Mwenentanda 6'2" | SF Sioux Falls Washington | 2022 State SD , University of Texas commit, will lead the way along with Brooklyn Harpe Brooklyn Harpe 6'0" | CG Sioux Falls Washington | 2023 State SD , Hannah Harpe Hannah Harpe 6'0" | SF Sioux Falls Washington | 2023 State SD and Alexus Motley Alexus Motley 5'7" | CG Sioux Falls Washington | 2023 State SD . This group will look to repeat as champions.
Brandon Valley- The Lynx seems to always be in the mix. A state tournament participant last year, brings back key players that will have even bigger roles. Hilary Behrens Hilary Behrens 6'1" | SG Brandon Valley | 2023 State SD may see more double teams this year. This could open things up for Sidney Thue Sidney Thue 6'1" | PF Brandon Valley | 2022 State SD , the other six-footer adjacent to Behrens.
O’Gorman- One of the most technically sound programs in the state. They will always be contenders year end and year out. The Knights have a strong core with Hannah Ronsiek Hannah Ronsiek 5'11" | SG O'Gorman | 2022 State SD and Mahli Abdouch Mahli Abdouch 5'7" | PG O'Gorman | 2024 State SD . They will need role players to step up and take on challenges that will be new to them. We trust they will find themselves early and often.
Rapid City Stevens- This squad has tons of talent and experience. Jayda McNabb Jayda McNabb 5'10" | CG Rapid City Stevens | 2022 State SD , Bailee Sobczak Bailee Sobczak 6'0" | SF Rapid City Stevens | 2022 State SD , Nebreaka-Kearney Commit and Jaden Matkins Jaden Matkins 6'0" | SF Rapid City Stevens | 2022 State SD a University of Augustana commit are all returning starters. They can all effect the game in different ways. They may be the most complete team as far as having multiple go-to players.
Sioux Falls Jefferson- The mystery team. A new school, new location, new locker rooms and new court. However, they have some continuity simply because some of their players played together at Sioux Falls Roosevelt. The Cavaliers lineup will feature Taliyah Hayes Taliyah Hayes 5'8" | CG Sioux Falls Jefferson | 2022 State SD , Cierra Watkins Cierra Watkins 5'6" | PG Sioux Falls Jefferson | 2023 State SD and Jaidyn Dunn Jaidyn Dunn 6'1" | PF Sioux Falls Jefferson | 2024 State SD . These three will be looked at as the bridge to starting something special.
Mitchell-This may be the most underrated program in Class AA. The Kernals will have a big role to fill since Macy Kempf graduated. Who will take on that challenge or will it be a committee of players.
Rapid City Central- The western side of the state knows how solid and well coached RC Central is, it will be time for the rest of the state to take notice. They have one of the best defenders in Josie Hill Josie Hill 6'2" | PF Rapid City Central | 2022 State SD . SHe moves like a wing player but plays in the post.
Aberdeen Central- Another underrated but well coached team is the Golden Eagle of Aberdeen Central. They are always sound on offense and structured on defense. Their program is as consistent as the next.
Harrisburg- The Tigers could be a dark horse with veterans like Sydney Hybertson Sydney Hybertson 5'8" | SG Harrisburg | 2022 State SD , University of Mary commit and Emilee Boyer Emilee Boyer 6'1" | C Harrisburg | 2022 State SD . One things for sure and two for curtain is good guard play. Pair that with a solid post and you’re poised to be in every game.
Roosevelt- The Rough Riders will have a completely new identity. With only one returning starter in Kaela Martinez Kaela Martinez 5'7" | CG Sioux Falls Roosevelt | 2022 State SD , Sioux Falls Roosevelt is in the middle of rebuilding. The say Rome wasn’t built in a day but maybe RHS can rebuild in one season. Rich is culture and accolades, never count this program and its community out.