South Dakota 2028 forwards to watch this winter

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Over the past six months I've been able to evaluate dozens of South Dakota players for Prep Girls Hoops at showcases, on video and at AAU tournaments. But there are so many more to see. Since we're still a month out from the start of the girls high school basketball season, I've been compiling lists of players I'd like to watch this winter, either for the first time or to revisit players I liked in prior viewings. Here are a handful of forwards on the docket.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1819320"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aef203855c67"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ruml has established herself as one of South Dakota's more promising young post players. The 6'2 forward from Castlewood recorded impressive numbers as a sophomore – 10 points, 9.9 rebounds and two blocks per game – demonstrating the ability to impact games at either end of the court. The top-20 junior is a physical interior presence who rebounds aggressively, establishes good position and protects the rim without committing unnecessary fouls. Offensively, she has developed effective low-post moves while expanding her shooting range beyond the arc. She also moves her feet well defensively, giving her the versatility to handle different matchups. Ruml's combination of size, mobility and improving offensive skills makes her a prospect I'm particularly interested in seeing again.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1093263"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aef203855ccc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jensen is a physical, athletic post player who has become an important contributor for one of South Dakota's strongest Class A programs. The 6-foot Hamlin standout averaged 10.1 points, nearly 9 rebounds and 2 blocks per game as a 10^th grader. She's particularly effective establishing position around the basket, finishing through traffic and creating second-chance opportunities. Jensen also brings excellent timing as a shot blocker while moving well for her size, valuable traits that reflect her background as a multi-sport athlete. Her 22-point, 13-rebound performance against Lakota Tech at the high school state tournament illustrated her ability to deliver against quality competition. Once her perimeter skills catch up to the rest of her game Jensen will be an even more versatile college prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["929567"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aef203855d26"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Burns is an intriguing young forward who has already gained valuable varsity experience facing against Class AA competition. At 5-foot-10, she combines good size, physical strength and mobility with the versatility to contribute in several different roles. Julia is comfortable operating in the vicinity of the basket but also has the ability to step outside and knock down shots from the perimeter. As a volleyball player and track-and-field athlete, she has the athletic foundation that should serve her well as she continues to develop for the next level. I'm particularly interested in watching how her offensive skills and overall confidence progress this winter as she gains experience and takes on greater responsibilities for the Bobcats.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1819716"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aef203855d6c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Pauli is a highly productive forward who combines physical toughness with a polished offensive game. The 5-foot-10 junior from Milbank averaged 15 points and 10 rebounds as a sophomore, earning Class A All-State recognition. As we saw at the Prep Girls Hoops Dakotas Expo last month, Belle is particularly effective around the basket, using excellent footwork, strength and body control to create scoring opportunities and finish through contact. She's also a relentless rebounder who consistently establishes position and pursues second-chance opportunities. Her ability to step out to the perimeter and drop bombs adds another dimension to her game. After an impressive showing at the Expo, I'm really looking forward to seeing how her versatility and offensive skills continue to develop this winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1923085"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aef203855dbd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">May caught my attention at the PGH Dakotas Expo with her tremendous energy, competitive approach and ability to maintain a high level of effort throughout the day. It was impressive. The 5'9 forward from Custer has a solid, athletic frame and the versatility to contribute in multiple roles. She's an active player who wants the basketball and works hard to get involved. At the Expo the longer the action went on, the more effective she was. Mylea also has a sound perimeter shooting stroke and shows the ability to connect from beyond the arc at the varsity level. Her combination of physical tools, endurance and competitive motor makes her an intriguing prospect. We will be watching.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->