Class of 2026 AAU All-Tournament Teams

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After a full season of AAU basketball, we have been updating player profiles, evaluating rankings, and continuing to build our database of girls basketball players in South Dakota. After watching a ton of games this summer and attending combines in which hundreds of prospects attended and showed off their skills, here are my all-tournament teams (first through third) for AAU events in the spring/summer of 2023 for the Class of 2026. Teams will consist of a starting five as well as three depth players that would round out one of the most talented sophomore lineups in the Midwest. Take a look at where these prospects fall and imagine these groups competing on the court together!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1st Team</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1st Five</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>PG - [player_tooltip player_id='421636' first='Alyvia' last='Padgett'] - Brandon Valley - 5'7"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>High IQ downhill attack mode point guard with an aggressive game that's tough to defend, scoring point guard who creates for the entire team, aggressive perimeter defense, elite finishing moves at the basket</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>SG - [player_tooltip player_id='421631' first='Sadie' last='Mehrman'] - Harrisburg - 5'9"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>solid shooter from both the mid-range and three-point consistency, quick hands defensively, high IQ athlete that is fundamentally sound on both ends, aggressive scorer who can fill it up in a hurry</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>CG - [player_tooltip player_id='525675' first='Sydney' last='Terveen'] - Sioux Falls O'Gorman - 5'10"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>efficient scorer on all levels, mismatch nightmare who can take you off the dribble or muscle up and finish inside, intriguing mix of length and athleticism, versatile defender who can guard multiple positions, solid perimeter rebounder, diverse scoring ability</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>F - [player_tooltip player_id='377192' first='Ashlyn' last='Koupal'] - Wagner - 6'2"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>solid back-to-the-basket game with a high-level ability to finish inside, downhill attack mentality and can create off the drive, long defender who can block shots and grab rebounds, inside-out scorer with range beyond the 3-point line, one of the most dynamic prospects in the state</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>C - [player_tooltip player_id='388883' first='Mak' last='Scott'] - Lyman - 6'0"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>athletic post with inside and outside scoring ability, solid rebounder on both ends, game-changing shot-blocking ability, can operate the transition game with solid handles and a high IQ, one of the most athletic post players in the state</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Depth - </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defensive Specialist - [player_tooltip player_id='488317' first='Emmerson' last='Eppard'] - Chester - 5'8"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>dynamic defender who creates turnovers in the press and blocks shots in the half court, powerful rebounder who helps her team gain extra possessions, diverse scorer who can score inside and out, versatile defender who can guard a variety of athletes, efficient transition player on both ends of the floor, very complete all-around player</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Three and D - [player_tooltip player_id='488325' first='Ava' last='Kellenberger'] - Brandon Valley - 5'8"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>diverse scorer who can knock down shots and get to the rim, a variety of finishing moves that she chooses effectively when attacking the basket, scrappy defender who pressures the ball and moves well to defend talented perimeter players, competitive mindset and a desire to improve</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Paint Presence - [player_tooltip player_id='375879' first='Taryn' last='Hermansen'] - Aberdeen Central - 5'11"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>can dominate the block and finishes well inside with a variety of moves, solid rebounder on both ends, physical player who gets to her spots and goes to work when she gets paint touches, can dominate the paint and is tough to guard for any opposing post player, great screener and moves well in a motion offense</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2nd Team</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1st Five</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>PG - [player_tooltip player_id='375704' first='Addison' last='Neuendorf'] - Hamlin - 5'4"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>impressive vision and solid handles, one of the highest IQs in her class, efficient dribble-drive player who can create for herself and others, handles pressure well and understands how to organize an offense, solid 3-point shooter who can fill it up in a hurry</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>SG - [player_tooltip player_id='488324' first='Jaelyn' last='Huntimer'] - Arlington - 5'8"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>very consistent perimeter shooter who can put up points in bunches, solid perimeter defender who can pressure the ball while keeping her girl in front, point guard capabilities with great ball handling and passing abilities, dynamic guard that can score it as well as anyone in this class and draws a ton of defensive attention which makes her entire team better</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>CG - [player_tooltip player_id='403821' first='Hazel' last='Luethmers'] - DeSmet - 5'9"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>talented scorer who uses her frame to attack and finish in the paint, solid scorer who can knock down the mid-range and three-point shot, one of the most complete scoring games in the class, competitive defender who has length and speed which can shut down a variety of positions</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>F - [player_tooltip player_id='488319' first='Abby' last='Horner'] - Sioux Falls Jefferson - 5'8"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>aggressive on both ends, great handles for her position and can create opportunities off the drive, selfless teammate who competes hard, vocal leader and all the intangibles, solid rebounder, understands the value of the little things and does what it takes to help her team when, dynamic player who can score on multiple levels</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>C - [player_tooltip player_id='443690' first='Halle' last='Olson']- Andes Central/Dakota Christian - 6'0"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>athletic post player who gets to her spots to catch and score effectively, solid footwork and patience in the paint, alters shots at the basket and defends the rim well, runs the middle of the floor well in transition, can step out and knock down the outside shot, very dynamic post player</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Depth - </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defensive Specialist - [player_tooltip player_id='488202' first='Talya' last='Vincent'] - Sioux Valley - 5'5"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>able to guard other teams' best player, competitive athlete with a really high IQ and understanding of the game, understands the aspects of the games that help her team win and plays selflessly, dynamic scorer who can drive, dish, and knock shots down</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Three and D - [player_tooltip player_id='342456' first='Jenna' last='Miller'] - Dell Rapids St. Mary's - 5'6"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>aggressive scorer that can finish at the basket and knock down the three, downhill offensive player who can blow by the defense and finishes well at the basket, competitive athlete who puts a lot of gym time into improving, pressures the ball well and has quick hands to get steals to convert to points, runs the floor well in transition both with and without the ball in her hands</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Paint Presence - [player_tooltip player_id='615377' first='Addyson' last='Orth'] - Wessington Springs - 6'0"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>physical player that gets it done on both ends of the floor in the defense and rebounding departments, solid finisher around the basket, physical defender who makes it difficult to score at the rim</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3rd Team</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1st Five</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>PG - [player_tooltip player_id='421722' first='Dana' last='Harpe'] - Sioux Falls Washington - 5'8"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>scoring point guard who can create shots off the dribble for herself and her team, all-around guard talent which gets it done on both ends, scrappy defender who guards the ball intensely making it tough on opposing perimeter players</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>SG - [player_tooltip player_id='488213' first='Kinsey' last='Dillavou'] - Rapid City Stevens - 5'10"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>athletic guard with a 5'10" frame, loads of potential here from both a physical and skillset perspective, matchup nightmare who can score in the paint as well as from deep, downhill attack mentality and ability to finish at the basket </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>CG - [player_tooltip player_id='496802' first='Ella' last='Merriman'] - Beresford - 5'7"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>lefty guard with a smooth outside jump shot, one of the most consistent 3-point shooters in the class, dynamic guard with solid handles and a quick release on her shot, competitive defender who makes opposing guards work for every opening htey get</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>F - [player_tooltip player_id='441998' first='Brynlee' last='Landis'] - Colman-Egan - 5'8"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>aggressive downhill mentality creating shot opportunities for herself at the rim, intense defender who makes it tough on opponents, solid handles allowing for another primary ball handler, intangibles off the chart making her a great teammate, fantastic rebounder who isn't afraid of a physical game</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>C - [player_tooltip player_id='488315' first='Harley' last='Koth'] - Beresford- 5'10"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>not a prototypical center but belongs in this group and has the toolset to get it done inside, fundamentally sound athlete who can catch and score around the paint, inside-out player who can step out and knock down shots</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Depth - </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defensive Specialist - [player_tooltip player_id='678385' first='Mateja' last='Cousins'] - Sioux Falls Roosevelt - 5'8"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>long wingspan that makes opposing guards trying to handle it or shoot it a nightmare, smart defender who moves her feet well and anticipates the ball moving to get steals, developing more and more consistency shooting from the outside, smart player who attacks and scores at the rim well and can facilitate for others</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Three and D - [player_tooltip player_id='488316' first='Addie' last='Siemsen'] - Mitchell - 5'7"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>solid three-point shooter who finds her spots to score well, solid handles and can provide a means to get the ball up the floor against pressure, talented defender with great length and speed, operates well in transition and can find space for a shot and run and get a layup</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Paint Presence - [player_tooltip player_id='615380' first='Sydney' last='Spaans'] - Corsica-Stickney - 6'2"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>shot-blocking instincts and ability make her an elite rim protector, solid rebounding presence on both ends, talented game in the paint she can finish going both directions, has one of the highest ceilings of all post players and will be fun to watch as she gains more experience</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->