South Dakota 2027 rankings update: The top 10, part 2

It's been more than a year since the Prep Girls Hoops South Dakota rankings for the Class of 2027 were updated. That's far too long between revisions – definitely not the way we normally do things. Our standard practice is to update the rankings at least three times a year: once in the fall, once during the high school season and again in early summer.   Unfortunately, the South Dakota lead scout position remained open longer than expected before I arrived this spring. After nearly four months of watching practices, AAU games, showcases, camps and other events, I think we now have a pretty good handle on the state's talent pool.   This week we've shuffled the deck on the 2027 rankings, moving players up or down as appropriate, adding some fresh faces who weren't previously represented and removing a handful who are no longer playing. Earlier this week we unveiled the first five players in the updated top 10. Today we dish up Nos. 6 through 10.   HOW THE RANKINGS WORK   The most important thing to understand is this: We rank prospects based on their potential as college basketball players. The rankings are not about current high school performance.   That's an important distinction. There are plenty of outstanding high school players whose particular games may not translate as effectively to the college level. Others may not be headline-makers today, but possess attributes that are highly valued by college programs. That's what we're trying to project: Who has the tools to become an impact college player two or three years down the road?   There are numerous factors that go into the process, including athleticism, size, basketball skills, basketball IQ and feel for the game, effort, toughness, on-court communication and intangibles such as leadership and body language. A variety of people contribute to the evaluation process, including current and former college, AAU and high school coaches.   If you'd like to learn more about how we do it, visit the <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/how-we-rank/">How We Rank</a> section under the Rankings tab.    Bordewyk is a dynamic scoring guard who puts constant pressure on opposing defenses. The 5-foot-8 Corsica-Stickney standout has an explosive first step, excellent speed in the open floor and a natural ability to create space for her jumper. She can make threes in bunches, create her own shot off the dribble and sees the floor well enough to create opportunities for teammates. Bordewyk brings similar energy defensively, where quick feet and strong anticipation make her disruptive on the perimeter. After averaging 19 points, 6.4 rebounds and 4.2 assists last season, the second-team Class B All-State selection has committed to continue her career at Dakota State.     Heinje is the kind of versatile, high-IQ player who finds countless ways to influence winning. The 5-foot-10 Waubay-Summit standout is a polished three-level scorer who shoots confidently from deep, creates in the mid-range and can get past defenders to finish at the basket. Her impact extends well beyond scoring. Addison rebounds effectively, creates opportunities for teammates and uses her length, athleticism and anticipation to disrupt opponents defensively. She averaged 20 points, 10 rebounds and 3.4 assists last high school season, but the numbers tell only part of the story. Heinje's feel for the game, competitive edge and ability to consistently make productive plays make her a compelling next-level prospect.     Lems offers an appealing combination of size, mobility and versatility at 6 feet. The Sioux Falls Christian forward is a fluid athlete who runs the floor exceptionally well and can change directions smoothly, making her particularly effective in transition. Lems attacks the basket confidently, navigates traffic well and can elevate into a quality mid-range jumper. She's also a willing passer and a terrific communicator who makes sound decisions with the basketball. Defensively, Emory's length and athleticism allow her to guard multiple positions, create turnovers and protect the rim while contributing her share on the glass. Lems competes with purpose and possesses the physical tools, basketball intelligence and developing skill set to continue raising her ceiling.     Traphagen combines elite tools on the perimeter with the athletic gifts of a high-level multi-sport competitor. Nearly 6 feet with excellent length, the Groton standout is a dangerous floor spacer with deep range, a quick release and the confidence to make contested shots. Her superior straight-line speed translates particularly well in transition, where she can fly down the wing and put immediate pressure on retreating defenses. Traphagen also moves intelligently without the ball and uses her length, elevation and timing to rebound exceptionally well. Her playmaking and lateral quickness have continued to improve, adding to an already versatile two-way game. Traphagen will continue her basketball and track careers at Augustana University.     Toughness and physicality are at the heart of Landry's game. The 5-foot-10 Rapid City Central forward relentlessly attacks the basket, using her strength to initiate contact, absorb it and finish through defenders. That same physical approach makes her a force on the glass, where she averaged 10 rebounds to go with 15.5 points and 3.3 assists last winter. Landry has also continued expanding her perimeter game, giving defenses another element to account for. A second-team Class AA All-State selection, she is already Central's all-time leading scorer and rebounder for both the boys' and girls' programs. Her production, competitiveness and physical style should translate well when she continues her career at Dakota Wesleyan.

It's been more than a year since the Prep Girls Hoops South Dakota rankings for the Class of 2027 were updated. That's far too long between revisions – definitely not the way we normally do things. Our standard practice is to update the rankings at least three times a year: once in the fall, once during the high school season and again in early summer.