South Dakota 2028s impress at the Midwest Kickoff

The Midwest Kickoff Classic marked the beginning of my scouting efforts in the state of South Dakota. For the past decade I have watched Minnesota's finest and know the players well. Taking on the additional challenge of learning a whole new state's worth of prospects is somewhat daunting, but we'll take it week by week, watch the games, go to workouts, talk to the coaches and figure out who is capable of playing where at the next level. Here are some first impressions from South Dakota's Class of 2028 along with a pinch of Minnesota talent for good measure.    At 6'2, Harris brings the kind of size and physical presence that immediately changes the game. The Sioux Falls Roosevelt post is a true interior force, using her strong base and body control to carve out space and finish efficiently at the rim. She rebounds effectively on both ends of the floor and does a great job of converting second-chance opportunities. Kalli is also a capable shot blocker and a physical defender who protects the paint with purpose. The Midwest Kickoff was her first tournament with the talented Fury UAA squad. Shes moves well for her size and shows solid ball skills, as well. A difficult matchup, Harris is an effective interior anchor.     I loved what I saw from Loof, both in terms of current production but also long-term possibilities. Henlee is a smooth, confident guard who efficiently produces results with her balanced offensive game. The 5'9 standout from Sioux Falls Roosevelt is a strong perimeter shooter with a quick trigger and clean mechanics, making her a threat from deep. She's also pretty athletic showing bounce to the rim and the ability to elevate above her defenders for clean looks. Defensively, Henlee moves well laterally and competes on the ball, holding her own against quality guards. She plays with poise and confidence, rarely forcing the issue. With her combination of shooting, athleticism, and composure, Loof has a bright future.     Brandon Valley was a senior-heavy power program this year, and Nya has had to wait her turn for more minutes. She certainly appears ready whenever that door opens. Vellema is a skilled and composed guard who impacts the game in multiple ways. Built on a strong base, she handles the ball with confidence and shows the ability to create her own shot. Her catch-and-shoot three appears to be a weapon, highlighted by a smooth release and high arc, and she's not hesitant to let it fly when open. Nya also flashes creativity off the dribble, using space-creating moves to forge opportunities to shoot. She plays unselfishly, moves the ball well, and competes from start to finish. Defensively, Nya's active hands generate deflections and steals, adding another layer to her game.     Hajek is a tough, confident guard from Mitchell who plays with a fearless edge. Her strong build allows her to absorb contact and still get where she wants to go on the floor, often attacking at full speed and drawing fouls in the process. She handles the ball well and shows solid playmaking instincts, using her vision and craft to create opportunities for herself and others. Londyn is comfortable stepping into open shots and has the ability to turn opportunities into makes. Defensively, she competes with intensity and stays engaged on the perimeter. Her combination of toughness, confidence, and competitiveness makes her an intriguing prospect.     Mahik is from Minnesota, of course, where she has earned a Top 50 ranking in the Class of 2028. She plays her AAU basketball in Sioux Falls though so we thought it made sense to include her in this collection of solid prospects from Sanford Sports. Mahik plays the game at one speed – full throttle – and that relentless energy shows up on every possession. She constantly pressures defenses, pushing the pace in transition, attacking gaps, and creating chaos with her activity level. Amyra is a disruptive defender, using quick hands and instincts to generate steals and turn defense into offense. She competes fearlessly and finds ways to impact the game regardless of the circumstances. Offensively, Mahik is crafty and smart, making plays both with and without the ball. She works as hard as anyone on the floor, and her motor alone is worth the price of admission.

The Midwest Kickoff Classic marked the beginning of my scouting efforts in the state of South Dakota. For the past decade I have watched Minnesota's finest and know the players well. Taking on the additional challenge of learning a whole new state's worth of prospects is somewhat daunting, but we'll take it week by week, watch the games, go to workouts, talk to the coaches and figure out who is capable of playing where at the next level. Here are some first impressions from South Dakota's Class of 2028 along with a pinch of Minnesota talent for good measure.