South Dakota – Fierce Defenders
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I am sure we have all heard the phrase “defense wins championships”. You may or may not agree with this phrase. However, I am sure we can all agree that defense is vital to every team’s success. Team defense is…
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Continue ReadingI am sure we have all heard the phrase “defense wins championships”. You may or may not agree with this phrase. However, I am sure we can all agree that defense is vital to every team’s success. Team defense is vital and you also need strong individual players that can get a stop. Now it’s time to look at some standout defenders from SD.
FIERCE DEFENDERS
(alphabetically arranged)
Aiden Barfuss (2024) |5-11 G| Winner
This youngster is one of the best defenders on the undefeated and #3 team in Class B. As a sophomore, he is a strong player who mixes it up with every opponent. When Aiden is on the floor the tempo of the Warrior defense changes for the better. Barfuss is physical with bigger players and quick enough to match up with smaller guards. Aiden brings extreme energy to the Warriors.
Aiden Erickson (2022) |5-9 G| Elkton-Lake Benton
He is a real cerebral player on the defensive end. Aiden is one of the Elks leaders in deflections, steals, and he always seems to be coming up with loose balls. Erickson rotates well to gaps and he helps contain the basketball. When he is in weakside position he helps our defense be solid throughout and then closes out well on shooters to contest when they do kick out. Last game, Aiden took 3 charges because he is always anticipating and knowing/seeing a play happen/unfold before it does.
Alec Squires Alec Squires 6'10" | C Sioux Valley | 2024 State #280 Nation SD (2024) |6-10 C| Sioux Valley
His height and long arms make him a rim and lane protector. If Squires does not block the shot he is certainly challenging it. He moves very well laterally as well as north and south. Squires will get out on the perimeter and handle the screen-n-roll action with the correct coverage that the Cossacks are using. Alec does not back down from stronger older players. He is always ready to step up to the challenge. An important part of defense is limiting a team to one shot. Squires is a top-notch rebounder. He has had a few 15 plus rebound games and he is only a sophomore.
Andrew Brennan Andrew Brennan 5'11" | PG Aberdeen Christian | 2023 State SD (2023) |5-9 G| Aberdeen Christian
He has played a big role in the Knights being 9-2 and #4 in Class B. Brennan will often pick up the opposing team’s primary ball-handler in the fullcourt. Andrew knows how to apply pressure, get multiple turns, and make them work. Brennan is a relentless defender that never seems to get tired.
Booker Schooley (2023) |5-10 G/F| Castlewood
He is a very versatile defender that will do whatever is asked of him. The Warriors will often throw him on the opponent’s best player no matter the size discrepancy. Schooley is a strong player that works hard. Booker is always attempting to take charges and he forces many jump balls. This kid is always on the floor trying to make a play for his team.
Blake Larson Blake Larson 5'10" | SG Wessington Springs | 2024 State SD (2024) |5-10 G| Wessington Springs
He almost tries too hard defensively by trying to prevent anything from happening whether it’s his man or when he’s in help side. Larson is a solid and disciplined defender who has locked dudes up this season. Blake is holding big-time scorers to single digits in a man-to-man defensive setting while playing every minute of the game. Blake has great anticipation and awareness on both ends of the floor and he’s by no means afraid to stick his nose into anything. Larson gives all-out effort all the time. I watched him take a charge earlier this season. His speed and quick hands stuck out to me. His athleticism was also noteworthy.
Braden Dierickx (2022) |5-9 G| West Central
I watched him play the other night, oh man, he sure is quick and full of NRG! For the Trojans, he is the best on-ball defender that coach Sittig has ever been around. At times, opponents can’t even bring the ball up the floor against him 1-on-1. Braden is blessed with great lateral quickness and anticipation instincts that you can’t teach. This goes to show that it doesn’t take great size to be a great defender.
Brady Bauer (2022) |5-11 G| Mobridge-Pollock
He has been one of the best defenders for the Tigers this year. This senior has been a great worker that defends the other team’s best athlete. Bauer is committed to defending! Brady has stepped up and has been a leader for the Tiger defense. Bauer has a toughness about him and great anticipation skills. He plans to play defensive back at Northern State University next fall, obviously, Bauer is a gifted athlete.
Brayden Pankonen Brayden Pankonen 5'11" | PG Dell Rapids | 2023 State SD (2023) |5-9 SG| Dell Rapids
He is a fierce defender in many ways. Pankonen gets multiple steals a game and deflections like crazy. Brayden may only be 5’9 but his anticipation is top-notch and his drive to make winning plays on the defensive side helps the Quarrier active defense go! Brayden is as quick as a cat. His closing speed when going after a pass is scary. Pankonen can turn a TO into 2-points in the blink of an eye. He is a fun player to watch on both sides of the basketball.
Dylan Marshall Dylan Marshall 6'0" | PG White River | 2022 State SD (2022) |6-0 G| White River
He is a strong defender for White River because he knows how to jump to the ball and get in a good position. Dylan always sees the ball, stays in his stance, and he’s very vocal for the Tigers. Marshall is quick and fast enough to guard smaller guards and he’s strong enough to bang with the bigger forward/centers. Dylan is a strong leader for White River and it’s because of the tone he sets for them defensively. The Tigers are a top team in Class-B and are currently ranked #2.
Elijah Peterson Elijah Peterson 5'11" | PG Winner | 2022 State SD (2023) |6-0 F| Winner
He is the senior that is always tasked with guarding the other team’s best guy whether it be their point guard or power forward. Peterson is a nice athlete and a versatile individual. Elijah could also be described as a lockdown defender. As a D-stopper, Peterson has the Warriors perfect on the season with a 10-0 record and the #3 ranking in the State B Polls.
Jackson Isakson Jackson Isakson 6'3" | SG Aberdeen Christian | 2023 State SD (2023) |6-3 G| Aberdeen Christian
In the Knights’ biggest games, they will often put him on the other team’s best player. Jackson is a gamer and he is known to make plays at crucial moments in the game. Isakson has good size and athleticism and loves to take on the challenge. Aberdeen Christian is having a very good year, they are ranked #4 in Class B and they have a 9-2 record. Expect Jackson and the Knights to keep up with their winning ways.
Jacob Zak Jacob Zak 5'11" | SG Groton Area | 2024 State SD (2024) |6-1 SG| Groton Area
The Tigers are 8-0 on the year and Zak is a big part of that success! Jacob is tenacious in his approach to guard the opposing team’s best player every night. His size and length disrupt shots. He uses his length and anticipation to play the passing lanes and create turnovers. He’s always willing to beat a defender to a spot, plant his feet, and take one on the chest. Everyone loves a player that will take a charge.
Joey Bryan (2022) |6-6 F| Dakota Valley
This kid is absolutely a fierce defender for the #1 team in Class A. Bryan is long, fast, athletic, and more importantly, the Panther’s best box out/closeout guy. Joey is the best talker and energy ‘motor’ guy that coach Kleis has coached in his 15 years at Dakota Valley. Bryan is an agitator, some opponents, and even officials are annoyed by him because he is always in the mix and hustling. His spirit is always great and the Panthers love having him on their side.
Jonah Kocer Jonah Kocer 6'1" | PG Tea Area | 2023 State SD (2023) |6-1 G| Tea Area
The Titans are one of the top teams in Class A and they are currently ranked #4. Kocer guards the opposing team’s best perimeter player, which is often one of the top players in the state. Jonah has the speed & length to cause issues but is also one of the best team defenders for Tea. Kocer practices hard to get the reps that it takes and he knows the Titan defensive philosophy inside & out.
Liam Streitz (2022) |6-3 G| Flandreau
The Fliers are 11-1 on the season and receiving votes in the State Polls. Liam can use his size and athletic ability to guard a variety of positions for the Fliers. Streitz has great feet that allow him to stay in front of smaller quick guards. This combo of size, athleticism, and great feet make him a fierce defender. Streitz length also makes it hard for players to get off clean looks at the hoop.
Kalen Garry Kalen Garry 6'3" | SG De Smet | 2022 State SD (2022) |6-3 G| De Smet
If you follow high school basketball in South Dakota, you have heard of him. He is the top dog in all of SD Class-B basketball and he just so happens to play on the best team, the De Smet Bulldogs. Kalen is also a fierce defensive player. He can guard PG, F, or a Post. His quickness and strength literally stop opponents from getting to the basket. Garry is quick enough to cut you off and strong enough to keep you from getting it in the lane. Get ready for another deep post-season run from De Smet and Garry.
Mandalla Mohamed (2023) |6-2 G/F| Sioux Falls Washington
He brings contagious energy on the defensive end that rubs off on the rest of the Warriors. Mandalla does this through both his voice and his physical presence. Mohamed has great instincts for what the opposing offense is trying to do and he combines that with intense competitiveness to win his match-up on each possession. When I watched him play, I was impressed with Mandall’s athleticism and defensive pressure.
Matt Anderson Matt Anderson 6'6" | SF Canton | 2024 State SD (2024) |6-5 G/F| Canton
If you have watched the C-Hawks, he is one of the first players that stands out. Anderson is long, quick, strong, and impressively athletic. Matt has locked up just about everyone that the C-Hawks have played so far. Anderson held one of the best sophomores in SD to 1 field goal earlier in the season. One of the best parts about Anderson’s game is that he can match up with anyone position 1-5. Matthew’s future is very bright.
Miles Harming (2022) |6-2 G| Elkton-Lake Benton
He is the Elks kid that usually gets the other team’s best offensive player each night. Miles is long, lanky, and has good quickness so he can stay in front of people. He uses his length to disrupt shots. Harming gets himself positioned well early and is able to dictate what the offense has to do with his awareness. Miles really understands the game and is in the right spots when off the ball and able to be in help gaps or weakside position when he is supposed to be.
Oliver Vincent Oliver Vincent 6'1" | PG Sioux Valley | 2023 State SD (2023) |6-1 G| Sioux Valley
He is the lead guard for the highly-ranked and vaunted Cossacks. Sioux Valley is fresh off a big win last night at the Hanson Classic over Tea Area. Most nights Vincent is tasked with guarding the opposing team’s top guard. Oli is a tireless worker and a hardnosed player. He is not afraid to scrap it up and get his hands on a jump ball or lunge to save a ball from going out of bounds. Vincent creates many TO’s on defense and when he does it turns into instant offense on the other end. He also seems to be very vocal and not afraid to communicate with teammates on the defensive end.
Peyton Peterson (2022) |5-10 G| Beresford
He has stepped up in an unexpected role due to others being injured for the Watchdogs. Since Peyton has been in the starting lineup his energy and tenacity have led to more turnovers and fast-break opportunities for Beresford. Peterson is great with on-ball pressure and he has natural instincts. He is always seeming to be in the right place at the right time (help-side defense/backside rebounding). Peyton’s efforts are starting to rub off on his teammates in a positive way.
Randy Rosenquist Randy Rosenquist 6'0" | PG Dakota Valley | 2023 State SD (2023) |6-0 G| Dakota Valley
He is the best perimeter defender on the undefeated 11-0 Panther team. Rosenquist is one of the quickest players in South Dakota. He has a great sense and understanding of the game. Randy is always in the right spot on the floor and his motor never stops. He will typically guard the best backcourt player on the opposing team. Rosenquist will also take a charge, he does everything well.
Rett Osthus Rett Osthus 6'0" | PG DeSmet | 2022 State SD (2022) |6-1 G| De Smet
He has always had exceptional footspeed and uncanny anticipation making him able to cut people off and be uptight on them the entire time. As a freshman at 5’10 150 lbs Rett was able to give people fits as a defender. Now, at 6’1 175 his size and strength let him guard people much larger and taller if he needs to. Osthus is relentless in getting over screens so he does not have to switch much. He can deny the ball and keep it from getting to his man and he has a long wingspan that gets him a lot of blocked shots and tipped passes. Rett’s hustle and quick thinking got the Bulldogs a win early this season vs. CWL. Osthus truly is an amazing defender for the #1 team in SD Class-B basketball.
Ryan Benson (2022) |6-0 G| Chester Area
Last year this kid took 14 charges! For the past 3 years, Benson typically has guarded the 2nd best guard or best guard depending on matchups. He is typically outsized with everyone he guards because he is a leaner guard. Benson’s greatest asset is his jumping ability and on-the-floor toughness. Ryan is also fearless. He broke his arm in early October this fall and has not missed a single practice or game. This year his defensive stats are 16 deflections, 11 steals, 3 blocks, 2 charges, and 76 rebounds.
Seth Gaikowski (2022) |6-2 G/F| Waubay/Summit
He always guards the other team’s best player. Seth is always in the right position from where the ball is on the floor. Gaikowski can defend a point guard or a post. He gives his body up for the team, game in and game out. Seth takes pride in his D and he watches film religiously on the next guy he will face in the upcoming game! Seth is very deserving to be considered a “Fierce Defender”!
Simon Bowar (2022) |6-1 G/F | Faulkton
The Trojans are off to a nice start this season with a 9-3 record and Bowar is a key cog in Faulkton’s success. Ever since Simon was a freshman, Faulkton has been able to stick him Bowar on the best perimeter defender from the opposing team. He always takes the job with pride. Simon does his best and usually takes his guy out of rhythm. The Trojan coaches love the fact that Simon never takes a play off.
Stratton Eppard Stratton Eppard 6'0" | PG Chester Area | 2022 State SD (2022) |6-1 G/F| Chester Area
For the past 3 years, he has always guarded the opponent’s best player. Stratton is the ultimate on-ball defender. Eppard’s greatest asset defensively is that he can guard anyone on the floor. The Flyers ask him to guard posts that are 6’9 to smaller/quicker guards and he always accepts the challenge and has never backed down. This year alone he has 25 deflections, 27 steals, 5 blocks, 5 charges taken, 92 rebounds.
Trey Huber Trey Huber 5'11" | CG Clark/Willow Lake | 2023 State SD (2023) |5-11 G| Clark/Willow Lake
The Cyclones try to take great pride in their man-to-man defense. Huber has been starting since his freshman season and since then he has always guarded the opposing team’s best players. Trey is relentless on the defensive side of the ball. Huber gets to guard guys like Oliver Vincent Oliver Vincent 6'1" | PG Sioux Valley | 2023 State SD , Kalen Garry Kalen Garry 6'3" | SG De Smet | 2022 State SD , Tristan Nielsen Tristan Nielsen 6'0" | SG Castlewood | 2022 State SD , and Chase LeBrun Chase LeBrun 6'5" | SG Flandreau | 2022 State SD . He takes great pride in trying to take away what they do best!
Trey Smith (2022) |5-11 F| Madison
He was the Class 11A Football Player of the year, so you know the kid is a stud athlete! Trey is an undersized forward that is constantly guarding 6’4” and 6’5” guys and he is effective because he embraces his physicality. Smith is effective on the boards despite the size difference. He plays very hard and is always in the right position. Trey proved himself to be the toughest player on the football field this past fall and is proving himself to be the toughest player on the basketball court this winter for the Bulldogs!