South Dakota Open Period – 2021 Standouts
South Dakota has a deep group of juniors and today we run through more of those players that took big steps forward this past winter. Reece Burckhard of Aberdeen Central (6’8 PF/C). First of all Reece is more agile than…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingSouth Dakota has a deep group of juniors and today we run through more of those players that took big steps forward this past winter.
Reece Burckhard of Aberdeen Central (6’8 PF/C). First of all Reece is more agile than you would expect at his 6-foot-8/6-foot-9 size mixed with the weight of an offensive lineman prospect. Love how Reece did the early work moving into the post off a screen and securing his man with his right shoulder setting up the catch. He then made moves to finish over each of his shoulders scoring with each of his hands from 4-5 feet. Later in the game the opposing size stepped back off of Reece and he knocked down the 12-footer. Reece is also quicker off his feet to board, finish, and contest shots than I expected.
Tyler Feldkamp of Sioux Falls Roosevelt (5’11 PG). Tyler has one of the best understandings of his team’s offense that I saw all weekend. Feldkamp sets a physical screen and then moves off of it as well as any guard. Tyler can beat you in a one on one situation or he can use the offense to his advantage cutting to space off a prior action to catch and playmake. A very good shooter, has the potential to be an all-world defender, and athletically he’s simply ahead of just about everybody that steps on the floor.
Dillon Gestring of Vermillion (6’4 SF). Dillon grabbed our attention late in the game when the contest was close and he made game winning plays. He fought over the top of a post for a steal, scored a key And1 basket with two minutes to go, and then secured the game winning defensive board within traffic. Dillon was solid during the game but late he was the difference. Also, in a physical game I was impressed with how Dillon was able to battle for space to score two key baskets during the late stretch. The contact allowed him to finish with his soft touch. Played both forward spots.
Matthew Mors of Yankton (6’7 forward). For me everything was about how Mors put the game away. How he fought through two guys to get a board and putback with bodies all over him. How Mors made the game winning foul shots. And how Mors used his strength to gather and the pivot to move through three players for a huge score (combining physical gifts and learned skills). Mors can bring the ball up the floor dribble separating from any player, he can move down to the post and be the best big in the state, or he can catch and hit shots on the wing. We saw all of it versus Roosevelt.
Michael Paulson of Sioux Falls Roosevelt (6’3 SG). Paulson’s ability to create space for offense is better than I was aware of. His hesitation into an attack buckled knees and the crossover at the arc opened space for his Paulson’s next attack. Add in the range and consistency on his jumper and you have a dangerous wing talent.
Gradee Sherman of Viborg-Hurley (6’4 PF). Gradee has some of the better positioning around the basket that I have seen. It’s not just the position he’s in but the consistency and stamina he plays with to continue that position of strength. Sherman’s position allows Sherman to turn left shoulder into the finish while keeping the defender helpless. Gradee’s usage of the pivot foot is outstanding.