*Stats and returners are compiled from coaches’ responses, a team’s website or Maxpreps.com. Obviously, we can’t get every athlete in but still wish the best of luck and health for any athlete playing winter sports in South Dakota this season. We are also unaware of students deciding not to participate or transferred unless noted by a coach.
Brandon Valley Lynx — Last Year: 14-7 overall
Coach: Brent Deckert
The Lynx lose a great player in Gavin Terhark (13.5 ppg, 8.4 rpg) but return some solid performers, led by Senior Jackson Hilton (13.0 ppg, 3.7 rpg). Senior Joseph Kolbeck (7.5 ppg, 2.0 rpg) will be a strong leader for Brandon Valley and looks to be the #2 scorer behind Hilton.
Senior Aydin Lloyd (5.6 ppg, 2.0 rpg) and Senior Jaksen Deckert (3.2 ppg, 1.9 rpg) can also play a role for the Lynx, and it is obvious that this Senior class will lead the way for the Lynx.
PRESEASON TAKE: It’s not easy to replace the production of a player like Terhark, but a strong senior class looks to lead the Lynx to an improved season.
Brookings Bobcats — Last Year: 2-18 overall
Coach: Travis Engebretson
The Bobcats have nowhere to go from up and you can expect the Bobcats TO GO UP! Nick Shefers (12.6 ppg, 5.3 rpg) is a great player and will lead the Bobcats this season while senior guard Henry Hammrich (4.8 ppg) will be healthy this season and looks to make a strong impact on Brookings this season.
Seniors Casey Woodall (1.3 ppg, 1.7 rpg) and Brock Longville (2.2 ppg, 2.7 rpg) return for this season while Max Struck will be a defensive specialist for the Bobcats. Also expect junior forward Zach Moe to have a good season and well as senior Noah Bayer off the bench.
PRESEASON TAKE: Last year was a forgettable season for the Bobcats, but I think they will improve greatly this season.
Huron Tigers — Last Year: 17-5 overall
Coach: Jon Schouten
The Tigers had a great season last year but will have to figure out “the puzzle” as Coach Shouten described.
Derrick Siemonsma, a 6’3 senior forward, will lead the Tigers this season and Huron expects to have a solid year and expect to see 10 or 11 kids receive minutes in a single game. Seniors Ryan Janes, Teegan Pfitzer, Kier Hae, Jaren Schley, Juan Urena, and James Bock are all listed on the roster and expect to make their final season a memorable one.
PRESEASON TAKE: It’s always tough to match the exceptions from a great season in years’ prior, but why not the Tigers? Lots of pieces means lots of options, and if they get their team built properly, they could make some noise.
Sioux Falls Roosevelt Rough Riders — Last Year: 15-6 overall
Coach: Mitch Begeman
Wow! The Rough Riders bring back a special senior class that is ready to do some damage and will be one of the top teams in the class.
Tyler Feldkamp (13.6 ppg, 6.0 rpg) leads the way for Roosevelt, while Jackson McCormick (9.5 ppg, 2.4 rpg) will also be a huge part of the offense. But that’s not all, as Michael Paulson (8.7 ppg, 4.1 rpg), Tucker Larger (6.6 ppg, 3.5 rpg), Koor Kuol (3.5 ppg), and Brandon Dannebring (4.7 ppg) will all be forces to reckon with. Also look for sophomore Taylen Ashley. The 6’0 guard average 5.8 ppg to go along with 2.8 rpg last season and looks to be one of the best underclassmen guards in the class.
PRESEASON TAKE: The talent that Roosevelt is returning is almost scary. Feldkamp will be one of the top players in the state and the Rough Riders will surely be the Bucks biggest foe for the title this season.
Spearfish Spartans — Last Year: 9-12 overall
Coach: Erik Skoglund
Tyler Huber will lead the Spartans to a new season as a true stretch 4 for the Spartans, while Peyton Millis will be a solid compliment to Huber at the perimeter.
Freshman Teyseasn Eaglestaff has the height and vision to be a force for the Spartans for a few years while a strong group of Sophomores will be a key to the Spartans season, including Smith Funke and Aiden Haught. The Juniors will also be strong for Spearfish, including Millis, Tommy Enos, and Nick Hamann.
PRESEASON TAKE: Coach Skoglund is excited to get this season starter and he will have a lot of pieces to put together. The Spartans will look forward to some success for the next few seasons.
Watertown Arrows — Last Year: 9-12 overall
Coach: Zach Wevik
The Arrows are losing a lot of talent from last season including 3 of their top 4 scores. Dawson Schmidt (8.4 ppg 4.7 rpg) returns from last season but will be the only Arrow that averaged over 5 pgg returning.
Kale Stevenson (2.8 ppg) shot 36% from three last season and junior Drew Norberg finished with 3.9 ppg.
PRESEASON TAKE: The Arrows lost a lot, and will have to rebuild their team from the ground up. I think Watertown will put in a base this season for the next few years.
Yankton Bucks — Last Year: 17-4 overall
Coach: Chris Haynes
Yankton finished the season as the top seed before COVID cancelled the State Tournament, and return All-Everything Forward Matthew Mors. The Wisconsin Commit averaged 19.4 ppg and 8.2 rpg for the Bucks and only looks to improve on those numbers.
The Bucks lost South Dakota State Freshman Cooper Cornerman and Mount Marty Freshman Hunter Kuntros to graduation, but return both junior Jaden Kral (4.8 ppg) and senior Trevor Fitzgerald (4.0 ppg). Sophomore Rugby Ryken (3.0 ppg) and Senior Aiden Feser (3.0 ppg) will also take on a bigger role for the Bucks, who have been a top team in the state for the last 3 seasons.
PRESEASON TAKE: The Bucks lost some talented players but you know what they return?! The top player in the state along with a talented cast behind him. The Bucks will be one of the top teams in the state and will look to hoist the title that has evaded them for the last two seasons.
CLASS AA SEASON OUTLOOK
The media rankings have Sioux Falls Roosevelt and Yankton as the top 2 teams and I would have to agree. It’s incredible to see the talent the Rough Riders are returning but Yankton is looking to make an unforgettable run. Look out for Brandon Valley to be the dark horse candidate for the title and an amazing state championship game!
TOP PLAYER: MATTHEW MORS, YANKTON
TOP TEAM: SIOUX FALLS ROOSEVELT
