Prep Hoops Top 250: The Top 5 Performers
In Sioux Falls on Sunday afternoon, 69 players from Iowa, North Dakota and South Dakota all took part in the South Dakota Prep Hoops 250 Expo. The Prep Hoops team watched a lot of basketball, which showcased a lot of…
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Continue ReadingIn Sioux Falls on Sunday afternoon, 69 players from Iowa, North Dakota and South Dakota all took part in the South Dakota Prep Hoops 250 Expo. The Prep Hoops team watched a lot of basketball, which showcased a lot of talent from around the area. Here are the Top 5 performers from the event:
2022 G Lucas Lorenzen Lucas Lorenzen 6'4" | SF Okoboji | 2022 State IA (Okoboji)
It wasn’t even close who took home the MVP from the Prep Hoops 250 Expo on Sunday, as the sophomore from Okoboji stood out with his scoring and playmaking ability. In all three games, Lorenzen scored 20-plus points, while also combining for eight three-pointers in his first two contests. While he plays the big man for the Pioneers of Class 2A, he’s a guard that can hit from anywhere on the floor and always finding a way to get open. Lorenzen is smooth when he drives the lane and also has good ball-handling skills. The fact he’s only a sophomore is impressive.
2020 F Kobe Busch Kobe Busch 6'4" | SG Huron | 2020 State SD (Huron)
Listed as the Top player in 2020 for South Dakota, the senior from Huron has a high basketball IQ and has good court awareness. While he can be physical and strong when driving to the rim, he has good decision making that is key when it comes to his passing and shot selection. He is a sharpshooter with a nice touch that should find success at the next level.
2020 F Nathan Gilbertson (Sioux Falls Washington)
As the day progressed, we got to see more and more from the six-foot-five senior. He had back-to-back three-pointers and scored over double digits in his second game just five minutes into the contest. In that span, he converted on a turnaround jumper as well. He also showed that he can play above the rim by throwing down multiple dunks and has the potential to always make explosive plays.
2022 F Jerry Deng Jerry Deng 6'7" | PF Sioux Falls Washington | 2022 SD (Sioux Falls Washington)
Much like Lorenzen, Deng has a lot of time to develop his game. The 6-foot-7 power forward can use his length and height around the basket to come away with rebounds on second-chance scoring opportunities. While many would anticipate him only being tough inside with his size, Deng isn’t afraid to knock down the three-pointer as well. He’s a versatile player that can cause problems for opponents on both ends of the floor.
2021 F Dillon Gestring Dillon Gestring 6'4" | SF Vermillion | 2021 State SD (Vermillion)
Gestring, who was teamed up with Lucas Lorenzen Lucas Lorenzen 6'4" | SF Okoboji | 2022 State IA and Red Cloud Indian School’s Riyen Carlow Riyen Carlow 6'2" | SG Red Cloud | 2020 State SD , progressed as the games went on and had a strong showing. He had multiple big takes to the basket that were impressive in all three games, along with a big block on the defensive end in his second game. Besides being a scorer, he made good, strong passes to help set his teammates up to score.
Honorable Mentions
2020 G Jamison Helmers Jamison Helmers 6'0" | CG Okoboji | 2020 State IA (Okoboji)
2020 C, F Caden Johnson Caden Johnson 6'8" | C Minot | 2020 State ND (Minot)
2020 G Riyen Carlow Riyen Carlow 6'2" | SG Red Cloud | 2020 State SD (Red Cloud Indian School)
2021 F Jacksen Moni Jacksen Moni 6'9" | PF West Fargo Sheyenne | 2021 State ND (Sheyenne)
2020 F Gavin Terhark Gavin Terhark 6'9" | C Brandon Valley | 2020 State SD (Brandon Valley)