South Dakota 2030 Watch List: 6 more names to know

Identifying the top prospects in any given state is at the core of what we do at Prep Girls Hoops. We seek out young players with the most potential, introduce those prospects to our audience of college coaches and chronicle their development as they work their way toward the next level. That's why we have a Watch List.   Earlier this week we introduced 10 players on our first South Dakota Class of 2030 Watch List. Those names were presented alphabetically rather than as a ranking, and they represent players we believe have a strong chance to be among the state's top 10 prospects when we unveil our first definitive Class of 2030 rankings this winter.   But 10 names hardly tells the entire story.   Today we're expanding the conversation with six more players who have already given us plenty of reasons to keep watching. They have now been added to the official Watch List. We'll begin with two at once – talented twin sisters from Sioux Valley who are difficult to separate in more ways than one.   [player_tooltip player_id='1868175' first='Amia' last='Ward'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1868176' first='Amya' last='Ward'] – guards/wings, Sioux Valley   Good luck telling the Ward twins apart when they're flying around the basketball court. Amia and Amya bring remarkably similar tools to Sioux Valley and [program_tooltip program_id='1819826' first='Hoop' last='City']: length, athleticism, quickness and an impressive competitive motor. Both are springy athletes who elevate well, attack with confidence and can create problems defensively with their lateral movement and reach. We particularly like them near the top of the press, where their ability to cover ground and apply pressure can quickly make opposing ballhandlers uncomfortable. There is plenty still to learn about each individually, but we've seen enough to know both belong in the Class of 2030 rankings conversation. Older sister Amari established herself as a quality player, and the younger Wards are continuing the family tradition.   Here are four more additions to the 2030 Watch List.    Clark is an intriguing 6'1 forward whose combination of length and developing skill gives her considerable upside. One of the biggest changes we saw over the summer was simply how much smoother and more comfortable she became as the weeks went along. Finley uses her terrific wingspan to rebound and protect the rim, but her game isn't confined to the paint. She is increasingly comfortable putting the ball on the floor and attacking from the high post or perimeter, using her long strides to get past defenders. Her perimeter shot is becoming more consistent, as well. Clark is still growing into her considerable physical tools, and as she gets stronger and more coordinated, her versatility should continue to expand.     Jensen brings something particularly valuable to a 2030 class loaded with talented guards: size and strength. The Harrisburg forward stands around 5-foot-10 with a powerful frame and is already physically capable of competing against much older players. We're told Lyddia was the first 8th grader to play varsity at Harrisburg since the Tigers moved into the state's largest classification. She contributed regularly off the bench while continuing to play JV, too. She uses her strength effectively around the basket, rebounds well and shows good defensive anticipation. There is plenty of development still ahead, but Jenssen already possesses physical attributes that simply aren't common in this class. The opportunity to compete against older, stronger varsity players should only accelerate that development.     Morrison has quickly become one of our favorite young players to watch in South Dakota because of the energy she brings to every possession. The crafty guard from White River is quick, athletic and exceptionally fast in transition, with the body control to handle the basketball confidently at full speed. Adeley has natural point guard instincts, sees the floor well and makes smart, unselfish decisions without sacrificing her ability to score. She is also a dangerous perimeter shooter with clean, repeatable mechanics and the confidence to let it fly. Defensively, Morrison applies pressure with quick feet, effort and enthusiasm. Already a varsity contributor as an 8th grader, she mixes skill and intelligence with a little swagger and a competitive personality that makes her difficult to overlook.     Schmuck may not always generate the loudest highlights, but she does an impressive number of things that help her team win. The 5'9 guard/forward from Sioux Valley plays with unusual maturity, understanding spacing, recognizing developing opportunities and consistently making the correct reads. Avery is strong, fundamentally sound and remarkably steady under pressure. She passes accurately, defends aggressively and rarely appears hurried. She also gained meaningful varsity experience during Sioux Valley's run to the Class A state tournament as an 8th grader. Don't mistake her team-first approach for a lack of scoring punch. We watched Schmuck light up the scoreboard during the AAU season. She can produce when needed while providing the dependable, intelligent play that holds everything together.

Identifying the top prospects in any given state is at the core of what we do at Prep Girls Hoops. We seek out young players with the most potential, introduce those prospects to our audience of college coaches and chronicle their development as they work their way toward the next level. That's why we have a Watch List.