First impressions: South Dakota 2029s
In this article:
Our quest to become familiar with the talented prospects of South Dakota for Prep Girls Hoops has barely begun and the response has been gratifying. We've taken down the paywall on these early stories to give you a flavor of what we do and how we do it. It's obvious there's a hunger for more exposure that can lead to college opportunities for players from this state.
We appreciate your interest and support and ask for your patience as we figure it all out. It's a lot to take in. We've been watching a ton of video this week and there's no shortage of talented prospects to evaluate in South Dakota. Here are five of the many players from the Class of 2029 who we've liked so far.
Watching Bergan's highlights, it comes as no surprise that she's also a standout track athlete at Lennox. In clip after clip she creates a turnover, then sprints the full length of the floor for a finish – defenders in pursuit rarely have a chance. Game film confirms it: Musser is a bouncy, high-level, two-way competitor who uses her size, length, and athleticism on both ends. Her vertical pop stands out, especially as a rebounder, and she can also shoot the basketball with consistency. The lefty helped lead Lennox to a state championship this winter and earned All-State honorable mention honors. This is a gifted prospect whose blend of athleticism and production points to a high long-term ceiling.
Highlights
The 5'11 wing/forward from Lennox is a skilled, mobile athlete who thrives in the open court and brings quickness that shows up on both ends. Her length and athleticism allow her to guard multiple positions, but what really sticks out is how she uses that length with timing, anticipation, and instincts to make plays defensively. It's one thing to have a wingspan; it's another to turn it into a weapon. Tori does exactly that. She's disruptive, piling up steals, and hauling down rebounds. Offensively, she's a slasher who creates opportunities and keeps pressure on the defense, while also showing the ability to step out and knock down shots with range. Add in a high basketball IQ and you have a well-rounded prospect.
Highlights
Knight does everything you want from a freshman point guard. And more. She runs the show for West Central with poise, controls tempo, and consistently puts teammates in position to succeed, all while maintaining a calm, steady presence. She handles the ball well, plays with pace, and has a healthy offensive toolbox. One thing is obvious: Ellie can really shoot it. Her long, smooth, almost syrupy release comes with plenty of arc and range, and she never looks rushed or sped up. She simply picks her spots and lets it fly. Defensively, she's really active, using quick feet, anticipation, and IQ to force turnovers and create stops. There's a maturity to her game that makes an impression, and a lot to like moving forward.
Highlights
We saw Mya at the Midwest Kickoff in the Twin Cities and were immediately drawn to her size and strength, which she uses effectively to own space in the paint and make life difficult for opponents. The 6-footer from Colman-Egan pairs that physical presence with good quickness, elevation, and strong instincts, allowing her to rack up tips, deflections, and blocked shots. She rebounds well, often outmaneuvering opponents with positioning and anticipation, and does a nice job securing the ball and moving it to the right spot. Reiff also runs the floor well and shows good agility for her size, with a first step that's quicker than defenders expect. She can also go outside and hit the three with solid mechanics and has soft touch around the rim, as well. Mya is an intriguing prospect with plenty of room for growth.
Highlights
When evaluating prospects, athleticism is usually the place where we start. Newbrough clearly checks that box. Watching Sanford's 15U White group at the Midwest Kickoff, it was immediately obvious that the 5'7 guard has high-level physical tools. A multi-sport standout in track and wrestling, she brings that explosiveness to the court with quickness, speed, and an extra gear that separates her from defenders. The lefty can handle the ball, attack through traffic, and finish without fear of contact. She also showed flashes as a shooter with solid mechanics. Defensively, she plays with constant energy, highlighted by a sequence where she tracked down a ballhandler from behind for a crafty steal. This was our first look at Kaimana, and it left a strong impression.
