City Rankings: Top Prospects in Sioux Falls

The city of Sioux Falls has a variety of prospects ranging from freshmen to seniors, and guards to forwards to posts. After losing division I type prospects to graduation including the super talented group of Ndjakalenga Mwentanda, Hannah Ronsiek, and Kylah vanDonkersgoed, let's take a look at returning Sioux Falls athletes poised to be some of the best players statewide. The largest city in South Dakota has a lot to offer to the basketball world and this article will break down 10 of the top athletes in the area.   <ol><li>[player_tooltip player_id='182129' first='Mahli' last='Abdouch'] - O'Gorman - Class of 2024 - Commitment - South Dakota State University</li><li>[player_tooltip player_id='188222' first='Jaidyn' last='Dunn'] - SF Jefferson - Class of 2024 - Commitment - South Dakota State University</li><li>[player_tooltip player_id='100473' first='Brooklyn' last='Harpe'] - SF Washington - Class of 2023 - Commitment - University of Sioux Falls</li><li>[player_tooltip player_id='100470' first='Cierra' last='Watkins'] - SF Jefferson - Class of 2023 - Commitment - Dakota State University </li><li>[player_tooltip player_id='166683' first='Bergen' last='Reilly'] - O'Gorman - Class of 2023 - Commitment - Nebraska (Volleyball) </li><li>[player_tooltip player_id='166652' first='Ellie' last='Lems'] - SF Christian - Class of 2023 </li><li>[player_tooltip player_id='261381' first='Kira' last='Mentele'] - O'Gorman - Class of 2023</li><li>[player_tooltip player_id='100475' first='Alexus' last='Motley'] - SF Washington -Class of 2023 </li><li>[player_tooltip player_id='100481' first='Hannah' last='Harpe'] - SF Washington - Class of 2023 - Commitment - University of Sioux Falls</li><li>[player_tooltip player_id='377622' first='Mariah' last='Siem'] - Sioux Falls Lincoln - Class of 2023</li></ol>     [player_tooltip player_id='182129' first='Mahli' last='Abdouch'] gets my nod as the number 1 prospect in Sioux Falls. South Dakota State scooped her up last year and obviously sees the potential that I do also. This kid is an absolute stat stuffer and does a ton to help her Knights squad win games. She has one of the best shots in the state with a smooth, quick release after a perfect rhythmic dip of the basketball. Her step-back is the best I've seen and she has a knack to create space and make her own shot, which as I've talked about before is a rare skill in high school girls basketball. This high-energy guard returns after earning all-state honors last year and looks to be a player to appreciate with tremendous all-around talent.   Coming in closely behind Mahli is the tremendously talented [player_tooltip player_id='188222' first='Jaidyn' last='Dunn']. She gets my second best player in Sioux Falls nod with her ability to alter the games on both ends. She is all of 6' 3" and is a nightmare on the defensive end for opposing teams to get shots off around the rim. She also moves well enough to step out and defend the perimeter and block shots away from the basket as well. A fantastic rebounder as well this kid does a lot of the little things to help her team win, and oh yeah, she also is a highly effective scorer on offense. She is physical and strong enough to post up and score on anyone in the paint and knocks down 3's with confidence making her arguably the most well-rounded scorer in the group.   The number 3 spot was a tough one and the separation amongst these young ladies gets a little less as the list goes on for me. I gave the nod to Washington Warrior [player_tooltip player_id='100473' first='Brooklyn' last='Harpe']. She is long and athletic and uses her ability well on defense to create havoc in the form of turnovers and intense pressure on her defensive assignment. She is a really confident shooter and drains it from downtown often. She has smooth handles and operates efficiently with high IQ play in transition and can pull up and hit shots off the dribble with consistency.   Coming in 4th in my rankings is [player_tooltip player_id='100470' first='Cierra' last='Watkins']. She is arguably the most complete talent on the perimeter on the list in terms of doing everything well and is a very strong number 4. Players above her have specific skills that set them apart and placed them higher, but don't sleep on Cierra as she is a fantastic talent. She will take her talents to Dakota State University where she will look to continue to light up jump shots, put pressure on opposing guards, drop dimes to her teammates, and demonstrate leadership. She is a smooth operating guard with great composure.   Number 5 on my list goes to another O'Gorman talent, Bergan Reilly. She is a dual sport athlete and will take her talents to Nebraska for volleyball. The basketball world will miss watching this talented athlete but the volleyball world will be blessed with an athlete with a tremendous motor, fantastic length, and a competitive mindset. She is one of the better shot blockers in the area and plays with really high energy.   Next on my list is [player_tooltip player_id='166652' first='Ellie' last='Lems'] from Sioux Falls Christian. She remains uncommitted and in my opinion, is one of the best prospects left out there for someone to add to their program at the next level. I love the intensity and work ethic that this young lady demonstrates. Go and catch her on the court and I guarantee you will feel better about the game and the capable hands of kids like Ellie that it is left in. Her energy is unmatched and she is a TRUE vocal leader on the court. She has a nice mid-range game, a developing deep game, and is one of the best rebounders in the state.   Checking in at number 7 is another Knight [player_tooltip player_id='261381' first='Kira' last='Mentele']. She's a fantastic rebounder and works hard on the boards at both ends. She uses her length effectively to finish around the basket and has a developing offensive game. One of the best shot blockers in the area she can change the game on that end and regularly swats 3 or more opponent attempts per outing.   Number 8 in the city of Sioux Falls goes to Washington's [player_tooltip player_id='100475' first='Alexus' last='Motley']. Her game is complete and she demonstrates great composure and a high basketball IQ. She can play multiple positions and operates well on all levels. Alexus is super aggressive on both ends and plays with great intensity. One of the better passers in the group she sets up teammates to balance out her ability to get her own shots off. A talent like this in my 8th spot demonstrates the plethora of talent that the city of Sioux Falls has right now.   Fellow Washington staple is another Harpe, Hannah, who completes the dynamic duo. The University of Sioux Falls is getting two really talented kids that understand the game of basketball. Hannah has a really nice overall game and fits the part physically. She uses her length to disrupt offenses and has a solid scorer's mentality at the other end.   Rounding out the list is a player who I think will take a nice leap this year playing for Sioux Falls Lincoln, [player_tooltip player_id='377622' first='Mariah' last='Siem']. She's a solid lefty that has great shooting range and footwork to score. She gets my nod for the best court vision of the group and does a great job finding her teammates for buckets. She has a nice pull-up jump shot off the dribble and finishes this group of young ladies with yet another athlete with a solid all-around perimeter game.

The city of Sioux Falls has a variety of prospects ranging from freshmen to seniors, and guards to forwards to posts. After losing division I type prospects to graduation including the super talented group of Ndjakalenga Mwentanda, Hannah Ronsiek, and Kylah vanDonkersgoed, let's take a look at returning Sioux Falls athletes poised to be some of the best players statewide. The largest city in South Dakota has a lot to offer to the basketball world and this article will break down 10 of the top athletes in the area.