South Dakota Class of 2029 Watch List, part 2

The Prep Girls Hoops South Dakota Class of 2029 Watch List continues today with five more player evaluations. Just a reminder that the Watch List is not a ranking of the state's top 20 freshmen. Instead, it's an introduction to 20 prospects who have distinguished themselves during our early evaluations and will be considered for the first official Freshman 50 rankings this fall. Players are presented in alphabetical order, with selections made without regard to geography, school size or AAU affiliation. As you'll see in today's group, there is no single blueprint for college potential. Some prospects stand out because of their size and versatility, others because of their skill, toughness, instincts or feel for the game. Here are the next five members of the 2029 Watch List.    Helgeson is a remarkably complete guard given that she's only entering her sophomore season. The Brandon Valley standout is a legitimate three-level scorer who attacks defenses with confidence, whether she's getting downhill to the rim, pulling up in the mid-range or stretching the floor from beyond the arc. She protects the basketball just as you'd want, rarely forces the action and consistently makes sound decisions with a point guard's mentality. Helgeson plays off two feet – one of the more valuable but less-appreciated assets a player can have. Brooklyn also absorbs contact well and has the body control to finish difficult plays around the basket. Add in her defensive toughness and ability to lock down opposing ball handlers, and it's easy to see why her long-term upside is appealing.     Hofer possesses many of the qualities coaches look for in a true point guard. Smooth with the basketball in her hands and confident running an offense, the Sioux Falls Jefferson guard consistently creates quality opportunities for both herself and her teammates. She reads defenses effectively, sees the floor exceptionally well and has a knack for capitalizing on whatever the defense gives her. Samantha is also an outstanding perimeter shooter with polished mechanics and ample range that forces defenders to extend well beyond the three-point line. That's a weapon. Combined with her athleticism, defensive quickness and competitive mindset, Hofer projects as an intriguing backcourt prospect with significant room for growth.     Kennett is the kind of player whose value becomes more apparent every time you watch her. That was certainly the path of our evaluation of Lauryn's game. Standing 6 feet tall with good length, the Sioux Falls Washington forward can consistently affect a game through effort, discipline and sound fundamentals rather than flashy highlights or showtime plays. Lauryn embraces the defensive end of the floor, using her size and anticipation to make life difficult for opposing players while remaining mentally engaged throughout the game. Offensively, Kennett continues to expand her skill set with improving catch-and-shoot ability and the confidence to finish with either hand around the basket. Her willingness to do the little things that help teams win gives her a strong foundation for continued development. Stay tuned.     Knight already displays the poise and floor leadership of a much older player. The West Central guard understands how to control tempo, organize an offense and consistently put teammates in positions where they have the best opportunity to succeed. Ellie sees the floor exceptionally well, handles the ball with confidence and rarely looks hurried, even under significant defensive pressure. Knight is also one of the better shooters in the class, owning a smooth, repeatable release with outstanding range that makes her a threat beyond the three-point arc. Defensively, she uses anticipation and quick hands to generate turnovers, while her ability to get downhill and finish with either hand makes her a difficult matchup on the offensive end. Knight's mature approach and all-around skill set point toward a bright future.     Langager brings an old-school mentality every time she steps on the floor. The Sisseton forward combines size, strength and toughness with a physical style that embraces contact in the paint. The big post rebounds with purpose, protects the rim and isn't afraid to battle for position on every possession even if it leaves a trail of hurt feelings behind. Offensively, Langager is more than simply a traditional post player. She has the footwork to score with her back to the basket, the touch to face up and knock down shots, and the strength to finish through traffic. There's an unmistakable competitive edge to the way she plays, and as her overall skill set continues to develop, she has the tools to become a very effective next-level prospect.

The Prep Girls Hoops South Dakota Class of 2029 Watch List continues today with five more player evaluations. Just a reminder that the Watch List is not a ranking of the state's top 20 freshmen. Instead, it's an introduction to 20 prospects who have distinguished themselves during our early evaluations and will be considered for the first official Freshman 50 rankings this fall. Players are presented in alphabetical order, with selections made without regard to geography, school size or AAU affiliation. As you'll see in today's group, there is no single blueprint for college potential. Some prospects stand out because of their size and versatility, others because of their skill, toughness, instincts or feel for the game. Here are the next five members of the 2029 Watch List.