Who raised their stock at the Hardwood Challenge?

June is when the rubber hits the road for South Dakota athletes trying to make the right impression in AAU basketball. After a stop-and-start month of May due to high school spring sports, things heat up in June beginning with the Sanford Hardwood Challenge at the Pentagon. We spent three days over the weekend evaluating players from across the region. Here are five who raised their stock the most, including a Minnesotan who continued her strong summer.   [player_tooltip player_id='643749' first='McKinley' last='Hoelscher'] – 2027 guard, [program_tooltip program_id='767539' first='Minnesota' last='Comets']   Every time I watch Hoelscher, she seems a little more complete. The Alexandria guard continues to evolve into one of the more dependable backcourt players in Minnesota's 2027 class, a top-60 prospect who thinks the game like a coach's kid and delivers results for her team on a consistent basis. What I appreciate most is her composure. McKinley handles pressure well, makes smart decisions, and never appears rattled. She can score from multiple levels, sees the floor well, and plays with a pace that keeps defenses uncomfortable. Add in her competitiveness, strength, and willingness to do the dirty work, and it's easy to understand why she anchors the Comets' backcourt with Moorhead commit [player_tooltip player_id='675971' first='Trinity' last='Baker'].   [player_tooltip player_id='839051' first='Taylor' last='Silvernail'] – 2027 guard, [program_tooltip program_id='787122' first='Sanford' last='Sports Academy']   Silvernail is one of those players coaches love because she never seems to have a bad possession. The Sioux Falls Jefferson guard – a member of Sanford's top 17U Black squad – brings a sturdy frame, a team-first mentality, and a no-nonsense approach to the game. She shoots it well, defends with purpose, and consistently handles the little details that help her team win. What stood out to me again this weekend was her toughness. Taylor competes on every trip down the floor and willingly takes on difficult defensive assignments. Ranked among South Dakota's best, she combines skill, physicality, and reliability into a package that is remarkably steady. The longer I do this job the more I have come to value consistent, no-nonsense competitors who are all about the W. That's Taylor.   [player_tooltip player_id='1867625' first='Dani' last='VanDerWerff'] – 2028 guard, [program_tooltip program_id='1157999' first='Ambush' last='Basketball']   I was impressed with VanDerWerff when I watched the Ambush group practice a couple of weeks ago in Mount Vernon in my first visit to the town Chad Greenway put on the map. Even a big-time hailstorm on the way home did not dampen my enthusiasm. This weekend at the Pentagon only strengthened that opinion. The unheralded guard from Gregory has a rangy frame, long arms, and a deceptively powerful stride that allows her to weave through traffic and get to the rim. Her jumper is textbook, especially the way she holds her follow-through – one of the most under-appreciated aspects of a great shooting motion. The step-back jumper is pretty to watch. Dani also uses her length extremely well defensively, disrupting passing lanes and bothering ball handlers. She's fearless, diligent, and plays with a refreshing sense of purpose every time she steps on the floor.   [player_tooltip player_id='1093264' first='Jordyn' last='Phillips'] – 2028 guard, [program_tooltip program_id='1819826' first='Hoop' last='City']   Phillips is the type of versatile perimeter player every coach wants on the roster. The West Central High School guard moves effortlessly between roles, handling the ball, creating opportunities for teammates, and knocking down shots when called upon. What caught my eye was how comfortable she looked in transition. Jordyn is a quality athlete who can run the floor well, make quick decisions, and consistently keep the offense moving. Strong and wiry, she combines athleticism with skill and plays with a smooth confidence that never feels forced. On a high-profile school squad that includes such elite talent as [player_tooltip player_id='929563' first='Kacey' last='Jaton'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1323806' first='Ellie' last='Knight'], Phillips might not be the highest-profile athlete in the gym but there is an awful lot to like about her all-around game.   [player_tooltip player_id='1750400' first='Harper' last='Andera'] – 2029 guard, [program_tooltip program_id='787122' first='Sanford' last='Sports Academy']   Andera played a key role in an undefeated run this weekend for Sanford's 15U Black squad that scored three impressive victories and then won a tight encounter with their 14U stablemates to earn the championship hardware. I had watched Harper a couple of times prior to the Hardwood Challenge but this weekend's play left a stronger impression. Listed at 5'8 but playing taller, the Garretson High School sophomore-to-be combines athleticism, timing, and skill in an appealing package. Harper rebounds really well for a guard thanks to her elevation and instincts, and she navigates traffic with a nice change of pace. I especially liked her court awareness. Her eyes are constantly scanning for the next opportunity. She also knocks down perimeter shots with confidence and competes hard defensively, even against bigger opponents.

June is when the rubber hits the road for South Dakota athletes trying to make the right impression in AAU basketball. After a stop-and-start month of May due to high school spring sports, things heat up in June beginning with the Sanford Hardwood Challenge at the Pentagon. We spent three days over the weekend evaluating players from across the region. Here are five who raised their stock the most, including a Minnesotan who continued her strong summer.