South Dakota 2026 Watchlist

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The South Dakota 2026 watchlist has hit the site!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What Freshman will we need to keep an eye on in the upcoming high school basketball season in South Dakota? It's still a little early to judge a class, so we'll temper how we view the class at this point in time. But it is shaping out to be a strong class that has proven D1 talent with offers coming in already, and solid D2 depth. There are a total of 36 prospects on the watchlist. Keep in mind, that these are not a ranking but a list of prospects to be aware of this upcoming season. They will be ranked after we see them more at the high school level. Some of these prospects I need to see much more of -- and will going forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='377192' first='Ashlyn' last='Koupal'] <strong>- 6' G 2026 - Wagner - SD Network -</strong> Ashlyn is one of the main headliners of the 2026 class with announced offers from South Dakota State University, University of South Dakota, Creighton, and Colorado State. Translates well to the D1 level with her long 6' frame at a guard spot. Has range from three and is aggressive with her shot. Ball-handling and ability to take care of the ball is a part of her game as well. Did a good job of handling press situations in the state A tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='421631' first='Sadie' last='Mehrman'] <strong>- 5-9 G 2026 - Harrisburg - SD Network -</strong> Sadie is another top-notch prospect in the 2026 class. The 5'9 lefty combo-guard has had visits with South Dakota State and University of South Dakota. Has picked up offers from University of St. Thomas and University of North Dakota. Sadie has an all-around offensive skill set that is quite rare for a 2026 prospect. Lights-out from three and can get to the rim. Effective off of pick-and-roll situations for SD Network this offseason. Going to be a good one that will be talked about frequently.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='421636' first='Alyvia' last='Padgett'] <strong>- 5-7 PG 2026 - Brandon Valley - SD Network - </strong>The 5'7 point guard out of Brandon Valley is another key piece to this class. Alyvia and Sadie have had identical recruiting experiences. Alyvia also with offers from St. Thomas and University of North Dakota. Visits with in-state University of South Dakota and South Dakota State University. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='488317' first='Emmerson' last='Eppard'] <strong>- 5-8 G 2026 - Chester Area - </strong>Emmerson is a legitimate prospect that would be rated highly in this class. Started last year and produced at 16 points per game. A rare combination of skill and flat-out effort on the court. She wastes no time or movement on the court; everything is strictly business. A two-way prospect to the core. A trait that stands out is her explosion and acceleration driving to the hoop. A super-quick first step that leaves her defender watching. Can shoot the three with confidence. An elite level athlete that can run and defend. If I'm a prestigious D2 program, I'd be thrilled to have Emmerson. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='488325' first='Ava' last='Kellenberger'] <strong>- 5-7 G 2026 - Brandon Valley - SD Attack - </strong>Brandon Valley has some up and coming talent to watch out for and they should continue to contend for state championships with that talent. Ava is going to be a key part of the team's success. Let's let her game speak below. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://youtu.be/ug678LEhWuI","type":"video","providerNameSlug":"youtube","responsive":true,"className":"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://youtu.be/ug678LEhWuI </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='375879' first='Taryn' last='Hermansen'] <strong>- 5-11 C 2026 - Aberdeen Central - [program_tooltip program_id='715812' first='James' last='Valley Thunder'] - </strong>The inside presence plays with brute strength and effort. Has already competed at the varsity level for Aberdeen Central and that strength and effort translates already at that level. A big and strong frame that she gets every inch out of. Battles, pushes, and will move her opponent to get to her spot or to snag a rebound. Played with new and quickly developing [program_tooltip program_id='715812' first='James' last='Valley Thunder'] program this past offseason. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='375704' first='Addison' last='Neuendorf'] <strong>- 5-4 PG 2026 - Hamlin - SD Attack</strong> <strong>- </strong>Addison is true point guard that plays the position like it's supposed to be played. A quick and shifty ball-handler that has the ball on a string. She's already been on the radar because of her varsity starting experience for class A powerhouse Hamlin. Addison is going to have one of the better overall high school careers when it's all said and done. She's off to a great start to say the least. Has been honing her skills with SD Attack and it's showing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='421700' first='Sydney' last='Terveen'] <strong>- 5-9 G/Wing 2026 - O'Gorman - SD Network - </strong>Very high on Sydney as a prospect to watch. She has a great overall profile that translates well to the collegiate level. One of the better prospects from an athletic standpoint in the class. A great combination of length and movement. I have her as a D2 prospect going forward. Going to be a main two-way player for O'Gorman, as she gets after it on defense and could be a stopper on that end.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='421710' first='Bree' last='Umbreit'] <strong>- 6-2 C 2026 - Tea Area - SD Network - </strong>Bree is one of the lengthier prospects in the class at 6-2. Can run rim to rim effectively and is definitely one to watch going forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='342456' first='Jenna' last='Miller'] <strong>-</strong> <strong>5-6 PG 2026 - Dell Rapids -</strong> <strong>[program_tooltip program_id='715982' first='Pentagon' last='Schoolers']/SD Attack</strong> <strong>- </strong>It's clear that Jenna has a passion for the game. She's at nearly every event and showcase she can possibly attend. A true gym rat that will only improve steadily year after year. Has a solid overall game with no glaring weaknesses. Can handle the ball, shoot it from range, and is a tenacious defender that can make plays on that end.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://youtu.be/tm_2NonNQjI","type":"video","providerNameSlug":"youtube","responsive":true,"className":"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://youtu.be/tm_2NonNQjI </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='432736' first='Anika' last='Pedersen'] <strong>- 5-9 Wing 2026 - Brandon Valley - SD Network - </strong>Anika is a prospect that does the things necessary for her team to win games. Yet another 2026 Brandon Valley prospect that will be a key part of the 2026 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='391705' first='Andie' last='Peters'] <strong>- 5-4 PG 2026 - Lennox - SD Attack - </strong>Andie has varsity experience for Lennox already. A three-point threat with major range and a green light to fire away. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='488324' first='Jaelyn' last='Huntimer'] <strong>- 5-7 PG 2026 - Arlington - SD Attack - </strong>Jaelyn stepped in and received point guard minutes for Arlington as an eighth grader. A smooth-moving athlete with the ball that translates to a point guard at the next level as well. Was effective at getting in the lane to score and kick at the varsity level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='488202' first='Talya' last='Vincent'] <strong>- 5-5 PG 2026 - Sioux Valley - [program_tooltip program_id='715982' first='Pentagon' last='Schoolers'] - </strong>I have only seen Talya online for the [program_tooltip program_id='715982' first='Pentagon' last='Schoolers'] but she definitely impressed with her abilities. A skilled guard with the ball with a tight handle and a knockdown three-point shooter. Keep an eye on her and Sioux Valley.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='347876' first='Kate' last='Scharf'] <strong>- 5-7 G 2026 - Spearfish - SD Network -</strong> Kate will be an impact player for Spearfish in the coming years. She's a big and physical guard, which you will see below. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://youtu.be/GC6-UEfliYI","type":"video","providerNameSlug":"youtube","responsive":true,"className":"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://youtu.be/GC6-UEfliYI </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/dakotas/rankings/south-dakota-rankings/2026-rankings/">Click here to view the full 2026 watchlist</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->