South Dakota 2028 rankings: The newcomers, part 1

With two more years of high school basketball to go, juniors have plenty of time to get better and grow their game. If they're already on the recruiting radar, so much the better. The timing is certainly good for the 10 newcomers who made their way into the Prep Girls Hoops South Dakota rankings for the first time last week. All of them have taken big steps forward since the high school season ended in the spring. Here are the first five newcomers, all of whom are now among the top 40 juniors in the state.    VanDerWerff enters the rankings in the top 20 after repeatedly showing out at AAU tournaments this summer. The 5'10 guard from Gregory has a rangy frame, long arms and a powerful stride that allows her to attack gaps and get to the basket. She plays through contact, rebounds exceptionally well for a guard and can function as either a primary or secondary ball handler without making many mistakes. Defensively, Dani's length and lateral mobility make her particularly disruptive. The next step in VanDerWerff's development is becoming a more consistent perimeter shooter. Her mechanics are encouraging and we've seen some beautiful jumpers, but turning that shot into a dependable weapon will significantly expand her offensive game. The physical tools, intelligence and versatility are already there, giving Daniconsiderable upside.     Goertz (pictured above) earns her place in the top 25 after a summer in which her development from week to week, tournament to tournament was palpable. The 5'8 combo guard plays with tremendous energy and has improved considerably at creating offense off the bounce. She accelerates quickly, changes speeds with ease and can finish with either hand when she gets downhill. Goertz is also a dangerous shooter from the mid-range and beyond the arc, particularly when she gets her feet set. Lainey's court vision allows her to create for others when defenses collapse, makin her a more effective primary ball handler. Defensively, Goertz's quick feet, active hands and anticipation generate deflections and extra possessions without excessive fouling. She's getting stronger, becoming a more complete player and appears ready for a breakout junior season.     Ham brings an intriguing combination of size, athleticism and versatility to the rankings. The 6-foot Hill City forward is an accomplished three-sport athlete whose high-jump ability translates particularly well to basketball. She elevates exceptionally well, tracks missed shots effectively and can create second-chance opportunities with her work on the offensive glass. Ham isn't simply an interior player. She can attack downhill, finish through traffic, score from the mid-range and extend her shooting to the 3-point line. Her length allows her to shoot over smaller defenders, while her mobility gives her the flexibility to defend on the perimeter or do down in the paint. Ham also shows good awareness and a knack for coming up big when it matters the most. There is a lot to work with in a versatile forward who continues to get better.     Padden's production certainly warrants attention, but her ability to leave an impression on virtually every phase of the game is what has earned her a spot in South Dakota's top 40. The 5'9 guard from West River power Harding County averaged 12.3 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.3 assists for a Class B runner-up, but the statistic that really grabs your attention is 128 steals. Padden combines length, quickness and excellent anticipation to make life miserable for opposing guards, disrupting passing lanes and creating transition opportunities without gambling more than necessary. Offensively, she is a poised playmaker who handles pressure, sees the floor and creates opportunities for teammates. Kamry can also score in multiple ways, with an improving perimeter shot adding to an efficient mid-range game. Add her rebounding, communication and leadership, and Padden is a smart, productive two-way guard.     There is something about Kudrna's approach to the game that keeps us coming back for more. The Castlewood junior isn't the flashiest or most polished player in the class, but she competes relentlessly and continually finds ways to impact possessions. Now that she's stretched out to the coveted 6-foot mark, Kudrna has excellent size which has expanded her ability to excel in multiple spots. She rebounds well, blocks shots, disrupts passing lanes and works tirelessly away from the ball. Offensively, we've seen encouraging flashes, including an effective floater, a smooth baseline jumper and improving court vision. There is still refinement needed with her handle, finishing and shooting consistency, but that's part of what makes Kudrna intriguing – the upside. Sophia's combination of length, athleticism, versatility and work ethic gives her considerable room to grow as a prospect.    ABOUT THE RANKINGS   The Prep Girls Hoops prospect rankings are based on an individual player's potential at the collegiate level. The rankings are NOT based solely on current performance, as there are a multitude of factors that determine how a player's game will translate to the next level. If you'd like to learn more about the Prep Girls Hoops rankings are done, please visit the How We Rank section under the Rankings tab.

With two more years of high school basketball to go, juniors have plenty of time to get better and grow their game. If they're already on the recruiting radar, so much the better. The timing is certainly good for the 10 newcomers who made their way into the Prep Girls Hoops South Dakota rankings for the first time last week. All of them have taken big steps forward since the high school season ended in the spring. Here are the first five newcomers, all of whom are now among the top 40 juniors in the state.