Top Forwards/Centers in the Class of 2027

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The South Dakota Class of 2027 for PGH Dakotas has been released! These talented young ladies have moved from the watchlist to rankings and we look forward to covering this group over the next 4 years! Here's a look at a list of athletes who dominate the paint, grab boards, and provide a post presence for their squads.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='731193' first='Lauryn' last='Burckhard'] - Aberdeen Central - 6'1" F</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lauryn is oozing with big-time potential as a 6'1" prospect who gets it done on both ends. She's an aggressive defender and rebounder and impacts the floor on the defensive side with her anticipation and high IQ. On offense, she is a great finisher in the paint and looks like a double-double machine for years to come.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='659008' first='Gwen' last='Lease'] - Brandon Valley - 5'9" G/F</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gwen is an athletic guard in a forward's body giving her a great mix of quickness and physicality. She isn't afraid of physicality and is an aggressive defender in both a full-court press and half-court setting. Her outside shooting game is developing and she has a nice first step to the basket making her an effective scorer off the drive. She does a nice job on the boards and contributes on both ends in that department. Physical tools, plenty of experience, and an aggressive motor make this young lady a name to keep on your list.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='731159' first='Mia' last='Reiner'] - Tripp-Delmont Armour - 5'11" F</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mia is a talented young forward who has been getting varsity experience on her squad from a young age. She has impressive length that she uses to alter shots in the paint, grab rebounds, and disrupt passing lanes. A great blend of this length along with athleticism makes her a solid defender who can guard multiple positions and force turnovers. On offense, she has a developing game with an ability to score in the paint as well as knock down mid-range jump shots.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='731161' first='Jacey' last='Jensen'] - Jones County - 5'6" G/F</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jacey is a versatile forward who looks as though she can play both inside and out. She has a really intriguing offensive game and is going to be a key piece for the Coyotes over the next 4 years. She is an aggressive player on both ends who does a nice job in an aggressive man-to-man setting with a nice mix of IQ and athleticism. Add in the fact that she is a willing and effective rebounder and you have the makings of a very complete player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='731162' first='Brayden' last='Padden'] - Harding County - 5'9" C</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brayden started her contributions to the varsity program early in her career by playing a pivotal role for the Ranchers from Harding County as just an 8th grader. She averaged almost 7 points and over 5 rebounds per game. On the defensive end, she chipped in around 2.5 steals per game as well. She looks like a prime prospect to become a double-double machine and have a big impact in the paint for years to come.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='731160' first='Sunny' last='Valburg'] - Jones County - 5'6" F</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sunny, the younger sister of talented post player Mallory Valburg who just graduated this last season has a ton of upside. She is an athletic forward who competes hard on both ends of the floor. With the Coyotes graduating their entire starting five, look for this young lady to get a ton of experience this upcoming season and have a ton of development.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='731181' first='Keeara' last='Oakley'] - Parkston - 5'9" F</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Keeara played big minutes as just an 8th grader for the Trojans of Parkston. She has a variety of moves inside that allow her to be effective scoring with post touches and plays with a great motor. She's an effective rebounder on both ends and uses her already high IQ to get in position to get a lot of boards for her squad. She had multiple 10-15 point outpourings and grabbed 5+ rebounds in most games last season. One of the most athletic forwards in this class this young lady is a stat stuffer and does a lot of things well to help her squad win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='731167' first='Summer' last='Koch'] - Bridgewater-Emery - 6'1" C</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Summer has already played a pivotal role for the Huskies and will be a key cornerstone for their program over the next 4 years. At 6'1" and already getting tons of development she is a prospect to keep your eye on. She had multiple +10 rebound games last season and is one of the best on the boards in this group. She chipped in a few points per contest as well as just an 8th grader and is a 50% or above finisher around the basket. Throw in the fact that she blocks a couple of shots per game and you have a powerful paint player to watch the next 4 seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->