SD 2024 Rankings Review: Perfect Team

<p>Last week we debuted the SD 2024 Prospect Rankings. In this article, we will take one more look at players from those rankings. We thought it would be fun to play the "what if" game. If we could create the "Perfect Team", who would be on it? We will not simply take the top players. We need a nice "fit" with size, shooters, and ball handlers. Read below for more info on the players and team...</p> <h2><strong>PERFECT TEAM</strong></h2> <h6><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>STARTING 5</strong></span></h6> <p>PG- <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1270335" first="Jacoby" last="Mehrman"] 6’3 Harrisburg/SD Network</strong></p> <p>He would run the point and be one of the big scoring threats. Jacoby has the size and handles to take any pressure that opposing teams might throw at him. He also sees the floor well and he is a capable passer. When this team needed a big bucket, Jacoby would be one of the best options. He can nail 3-’s, score in the pull-up game, are finish after contact around the rim. His size would also be a nice addition as a perimeter defender.  </p> <p>SG-<strong> [player_tooltip player_id="1266269" first="Lane" last="Tvedt"] 6’1 Castlewood/SD Attack</strong></p> <p>His 3-point shooting is one of the big reasons he made this team. Lane can be an unconscious shooter from downtown. His catch-and-shoot mechanics are flawless with perfect footwork and he always catches ready to shoot. His 3-point shooting would not allow teams to leave him for a double-team somewhere else. Tvedt is also a dynamic player in transition and while playing fast. He would be a quick on-ball defender that would match up on the opposing team’s high-end athletes. </p> <p>SG- <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1266222" first="Porter" last="Ihnen"] 6’4 Lennox/Pentagon Schoolers</strong></p> <p>He might be the leading scorer on this squad. Porter has the strength, skills, and height that would make him a huge mismatch. If a forward matched up with him, Porter would break them down off the bounce or drill triples. If a guard matched up, Ihnen could do work around the basket by posting or cutting. With the height of this team, he would most likely get a guard matched up with him. He would put on a clinic if this team ever assembled. </p> <p>F-  <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1238618" first="Matthew" last="Anderson"] 6’6 Canton</strong></p> <p>This great athlete would strive as a stretch-4. He would be a long defender and a playmaker on O. He would score at the cup, mid-range, and from beyond the arc. With his height and long arms, Anderson can guard about anyone on the defensive end. He would be great at the 4-spot as he could take slower defenders off the bounce and also stretch the floor. He would also thrive at knocking down the trail-3.  </p> <p>C- <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1265221" first="JT" last="Rock"] 7’0 SF Lincoln/SD Attack</strong></p> <p>JT would be the focal point of this team. Obviously because of his height, but also because he can score from outside the lane and share the basketball. With the loaded talent around him, opposing teams would have to pick their poison on if they wanted to double team him or not. If he had single coverage JT would do work on the block, if they double JT would find an open man for a good look. His rim-protecting would be a huge factor as well. </p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>RESERVES</strong></span></p> <p>SG- <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1266228" first="Cole" last="Edberg"] 6’1 Centerville/Pentagon Schoolers</strong></p> <p>He would be the 3-point sniper off the bench. Every great team needs a shooter that you can’t leave open, Cole would be that guy. He has a great shooting stroke and he makes it look easy. Edberg is a strong wing with tight handles and good eyes. His role would be to hit triples and to provide a scoring punch off the bench.  </p> <p>PG- <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1266275" first="Nic" last="Marshall"] 6’1 White River/SD Attack</strong></p> <p>His role would be to value the basketball, direct traffic, control the tempo and manage the game. Marshall would also be tasked with locking up the opposing team’s primary ball-handler. This gritty and tough kid will fill these shoes perfectly. Marshall can do his share of scoring, but with this team, he would be more of a facilitator.  </p> <p>C- <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1266223" first="Alec" last="Squires"] 6’10 Sioux Valley/Pentagon Schoolers</strong></p> <p>The big man will add size, strength, and intimidation. Alec’s imposing size and wingspan will deter players from finishing at the cup. His rebounding and interior defense would also be key components in his role. If he and JT ever played together, they would make a great "twin towers".  Imagine the high-low game that these two could run? Or stick these two big on the bottom of a 1-2-2 zone, wow they could take up some space. Squires would fit in perfectly on this team. </p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>NOTES</strong></span></p> <p>This team would be unreal! They have great size and serious athletes. These players will only be sophomores. They would have plenty of outside shooters to stretch the defense and keep them honest. Don’t forget about the athletic slashers and dynamic players in transition that will slam it. They also would have skilled guards that can handle the rock and create for others. Lastly, they would have long wing defenders and extreme size down low to protect the rim. I know it is wishful thinking, but wow would this be a fun team to watch play!</p>