Class of 2024 Stock Risers

The South Dakota's girls' basketball scene has a large amount of promising talent. Across the state, there are a number of seniors who are seeing a rise in their stock early in the 2023-24 season. In this article, we'll delve into the stories of these emerging athletes who are embarking on their final seasons of South Dakota high school basketball. Stock is up on this group of talented young women.   [player_tooltip player_id='235513' first='Stevie' last='Wittler'] - Sully Buttes - 5'7" PG   In the midst of South Dakota's high school basketball season, several standout athletes are leaving their mark on the court. One such player, [player_tooltip player_id='235513' first='Stevie' last='Wittler'] from Sully Buttes, might just have the top 2 early performances of the year. Known for her exceptional shooting skills and court vision, Stevie has been making headlines with remarkable early season performances where she has stuffed the stat sheets. In an opening win for her Chargers squad Stevie posted a 32 point, 6 rebound, 8 assist, and 5 steal stat line. She followed that up with another solid performance and helped carry her squad to a 2-0 start on the season. Her ability to lead the offense and make crucial plays in high-pressure situations will pay dividends for this team as they look to push this squad back to the Class B State Tournament.   [player_tooltip player_id='188217' first='Lucy' last='Moore'] - Sioux Falls O'Gorman - 5'7" G   Another rising guard is [player_tooltip player_id='188217' first='Lucy' last='Moore'] from O'Gorman. Her lightning-fast speed and defensive prowess have made her a formidable force on the defensive side. She plays with pure intensity and is one of the best on ball defenders in the area. Not only does she excel in shutting down opponents, but her offensive game has steadily evolved, earning her recognition as a player to watch in the state. She can hit the three, score off the dribble, and shows off solid handles. Her impact will be huge on a really good Knight squad.   [player_tooltip player_id='375373' first='Ashlin' last='Jacobsen'] - Freeman - 5'9" G   In addition, [player_tooltip player_id='375373' first='Ashlin' last='Jacobsen'], a versatile guard with an impressive skill set, has been turning heads with her athleticism and shooting consistency. Her all-around game, marked by deep shooting range, overall scoring toolkit, and perimeter defensive abilities, has set her apart as a rising talent ready to lead her Freeman Flyer squad. She has her squad off to a hot start with 2 wins out of the gates. In a win over Platte-Geddes she put up 21 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals. She followed that up with 9 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals in a win over Viborg-Hurley. Look for Ashlin raining in three's, pressuring the ball on defense, and providing leadership for her Flyer squad this winter.   [player_tooltip player_id='391639' first='Musonda' last='Kabwe'] - Hamlin - 5'9" G   Musonda is another senior athlete that has been gaining attention for her dedication to the sport and high-end work ethic. The Hamlin guard is a defensive terror who can apply pressure to the basketball from one end of the floor to the other. She is a game changer with her ability to create turnovers and create transition offense for her squad. She contributed 8 points and consistent high level defense in an early season win over Castlewood. Her ability to create shots for herself and others off the drive makes her a threat offensively and she is a smooth operator in the transition game. She figures to be a pivotal piece for a Hamlin squad trying to defend their Class A title.   [player_tooltip player_id='606332' first='Gracie' last='Oakley'] - Parkston - 5'7" G   Gracie is a talented guard from Parkston who has emerged as a leader in her program the past couple of years and has a nice toolkit of skills at the guard position. She's an aggressive defender who can defend athletic guards and contain them without having to give space. This makes for a nightmare matchup for opponents to try and score against. She's an excellent rebounder from the guard position as well and plays with a really high basketball IQ. On offense she is aggressive off the dribble and finishes well in the paint and demonstrates the knowledge of when to kick the ball to create shot opportunities for her teammates as well. Look for Gracie to lead the Trojans in many categories this year and be a pivotal piece of their success.   [player_tooltip player_id='606339' first='Katie' last='Bialas'] - Parker - 6'1" C   Katie is a presence in the paint like none other. She stands at 6'1" and has an unbelievable wingspan. The epitome of a rim protector she holds the school record for blocks in a game at Parker with 12! Strong instincts and an athletic, long body allow her to block shots with ease, changing the game for opponent offenses. A strong rebounder she gains extra possessions by coming down with offensive rebounders and cleans up the glass on the defensive end as well. Rounding out her game is her ability to run the floor in transition, catch in the paint in traffic, and finish around the basket. Bialas has all the physical makings of an intriguing rim protector for a college to take a flyer on.   These stock risers exemplify the depth of talent emerging early in the season in South Dakota girls basketball. More big things to come for these seniors and their squads this winter!

The South Dakota's girls' basketball scene has a large amount of promising talent. Across the state, there are a number of seniors who are seeing a rise in their stock early in the 2023-24 season. In this article, we'll delve into the stories of these emerging athletes who are embarking on their final seasons of South Dakota high school basketball. Stock is up on this group of talented young women.