A Bit Too Early SD Class B Power Rankings
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The AAU season has wrapped up and football practices have started! This means one thing, the basketball season will be here before we know it! Time to take a look at the best of the best in Class B. The…
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Continue ReadingThe AAU season has wrapped up and football practices have started! This means one thing, the basketball season will be here before we know it! Time to take a look at the best of the best in Class B. The De Smet Bulldogs are the reigning champs and they will be one of the best again in B. Who does PHD think should be in the preseason Top 10?
This is our first sort-through of Class B basketball in SD for the 2022-23 season. We will have another Power Ranking update late in the fall before the season beings. See below for the Top 10 in B.
POWER RANKINGS
#1. White River
2021-2022 Record: 21-3 (3rd Place at State)
Team Comments: Legendary coach, Eldon Marshall makes getting to the State Tournament his living!
The Tigers have the best player in Class B w/ Joe Sayler Joe Sayler 6'4" | SG White River | 2023 State #295 Nation SD . A scoring machine that can single-handedly win games.
Nic Marshall Nic Marshall 6'1" | PG White River | 2024 State SD will have a huge season, a facilitator, creator, & playmaker. Expect big things from the junior PG.
A nice supporting cast with skilled players that know how to win. They will be one of the most entertaining teams in SD.
Key Players: Joe Sayler Joe Sayler 6'4" | SG White River | 2023 State #295 Nation SD , Nic Marshall Nic Marshall 6'1" | PG White River | 2024 State SD , Gavin Folkers Gavin Folkers 6'4" | SF White River | 2023 State SD , Kendrell Cuevas Kendrell Cuevas 6'5" | SF White River | 2023 State SD , TJ Beardt, Mackenzie Wike Mackenzie Wike 5'10" | SG White River | 2025 State SD
#2. Aberdeen Christian
2021-2022 Record: 21-5 (7th Place at State)
Team Comments: A new coach this season for ACS w/ Matt Rohrbach. Expect a seamless transition for the Knights.
They bring back the entire starting lineup with experienced players, have been to the State Tournament multiple times.
Malek Wieker Malek Wieker 6'0" | CG Aberdeen Christian | 2023 State SD & Ethan Russell Ethan Russell 6'6" | SF Aberdeen Christian | 2023 State SD w/ be a dynamic scoring threat on offense. Few teams can match that offensive firepower.
Isakson, Brennan, Clark are also talented pieces that know their role & will give team problems. Likely the best start 5 in B.
Key Players: Malek Wieker Malek Wieker 6'0" | CG Aberdeen Christian | 2023 State SD , Ethan Russell Ethan Russell 6'6" | SF Aberdeen Christian | 2023 State SD , Jackson Isakson Jackson Isakson 6'3" | SG Aberdeen Christian | 2023 State SD , Andrew Brennan Andrew Brennan 5'11" | PG Aberdeen Christian | 2023 State SD , Kaden Clark, Abe Holscher, Konnar Furman Konnar Furman 6'6" | SF Aberdeen Christian | 2025 State SD , Joey Johnson
#3. De Smet
2021-2022 Record: 25-1 (State Champions)
Team Comments: Another legendary coach, Jeff Gruenhagen is no stranger to winning Championships!
Damon Wilkinson Damon Wilkinson 6'10" | C De Smet | 2023 State SD the best BIG in B. Will be an automatic double-double, a man amongst boys, a dominant force!
Teams will be forced to double Wilkinson, this will result in many open looks and great opportunities for the Bulldogs.
Look for Kadyn Fast Kadyn Fast 6'1" | PG De Smet | 2024 State SD to have a breakout season and to be the lead guard. Plenty of other talent on the De Smet roster.
Key Players: Damon Wilkinson Damon Wilkinson 6'10" | C De Smet | 2023 State SD , Kadyn Fast Kadyn Fast 6'1" | PG De Smet | 2024 State SD , Gannon Gruenhagen Gannon Gruenhagen 6'0" | SG De Smet | 2023 State SD , George Jensen, Kasen Janssen Kasen Janssen 6'4" | SF De Smet | 2023 State SD , Trace Van Regenmorter Trace Van Regenmorter 6'4" | SF De Smet | 2024 State SD , Tom Aughenbaugh
#4. Castlewood
2021-2022 Record: 18-8 (6th at State)
Team Comments: They will be looking to make a follow-up to their great State Tournament run last season.
Carson Kirwan Carson Kirwan 6'4" | SF Castlewood | 2023 SD will be back from injury & ready to take names! Going to be a STUD. Tough matchup & star athlete.
Lane Tvedt Lane Tvedt 6'0" | PG Castlewood | 2024 State SD & Quincy Thu Quincy Thu 6'1" | SG Castlewood | 2024 State SD will make a tough combo in the backcourt for the Warriors. Will provide a nice scoring punch.
Bryon Laue Bryon Laue 6'9" | PF Castlewood | 2025 State SD , the best BIG in B not named Wilkinson. A force to be reckoned w/. Will get teammates many open looks.
Key Players: Carson Kirwan Carson Kirwan 6'4" | SF Castlewood | 2023 SD , Booker Schooler, Lane Tvedt Lane Tvedt 6'0" | PG Castlewood | 2024 State SD , Quincy Thu Quincy Thu 6'1" | SG Castlewood | 2024 State SD , Jackson Schofield, Bowen Ryan, Bryon Laue Bryon Laue 6'9" | PF Castlewood | 2025 State SD
#5. Bridgewater-Emery
2021-2022 Record: 11-12 (Lost in Region semifinals)
Team Comments: Sutton Arend Sutton Arend 6'3" | CG Bridegewater-Emery | 2023 State SD averaged 18.3 ppg, 9 rpg, 2 apg, 2 spg, 45 FG% last year. He will be an elite player in B.
The Huskies return all 5 starters and they will be ready to take the next step.
Key Players: Sutton Arend Sutton Arend 6'3" | CG Bridegewater-Emery | 2023 State SD , Aguer Van Sickle Aguer Van Sickle 6'4" | SF Bridegewater-Emery | 2023 State SD , Jaxon Koch
#6. Lower Brule
2021-2022 Record: 22-4 (2nd at State)
Team Comments: An experienced team that is full of skilled players. Another excellent coach with Brian LaRoche.
Gavin Thigh Gavin Thigh 5'10" | PG Lower Brule | 2023 State SD is an exceptional shooter that can score in a hurry. Silky smooth with the rock. Lights out from deep.
Brian LaRoche Jr Brian LaRoche Jr 6'0" | PG Lower Brule | 2023 State SD is dynamic in the open court and a playmaker in transition. A lefty 3pt-bucket getter, a true baller.
The Sioux will have a two-headed monster with LaRoche & Thigh. Get ready for another trip to State.
Key Players: Gavin Thigh Gavin Thigh 5'10" | PG Lower Brule | 2023 State SD , Brian LaRoche Jr Brian LaRoche Jr 6'0" | PG Lower Brule | 2023 State SD ., Ellwyn Langdeau Ellwyn Langdeau 6'2" | SG Lower Brule | 2023 State SD
#7. Dell Rapids St. Mary
2021-2022 Record: 15-6 (Lost in Region quarterfinals)
Team Comments: When the Cardinals had their full squad together this summer they looked like a very tough team.
They lost 1 starter and 1 contributor but bring everyone back. They are also a well-coached squad.
Nic Gaspar Nic Gaspar 6'2" | SG Dell Rapids St. Mary | 2024 State SD and Dylan Mathis Dylan Mathis 6'3" | CG Dell Rapids St. Mary | 2023 SD are primed for a big season. Both All-Conference last year, expect them to be impressive.
Maverick LeBrun Maverick LeBrun 6'4" | SG Dell Rapids St. Mary | 2025 State SD is a big addition to this team. Cards will be guard-heavy, play fast, and get up & down in a hurry.
Key Players: Dylan Mathis Dylan Mathis 6'3" | CG Dell Rapids St. Mary | 2023 SD , Nic Gaspar Nic Gaspar 6'2" | SG Dell Rapids St. Mary | 2024 State SD , CJ Smith CJ Smith 5'9" | SG Sheyenne | 2027 State ND , Trevon Beckman Trevon Beckman 6'1" | SG Dell Rapids St. Mary | 2025 State SD , Maverick LeBrun Maverick LeBrun 6'4" | SG Dell Rapids St. Mary | 2025 State SD , Trimmier Hanson
#8. Gregory
2021-2022 Record: 14-8 (Lost in Region semifinals)
Team Comments: Daniel Mitchell Daniel Mitchell 6'7" | SF Gregory | 2024 State SD is a top talent in South Dakota regardless of class. All-State multiple seasons.
Last season stats for Mitchell, 19.8 ppg, 9.4 rpg, 1 apg, 1.2 spg, 2.2 bpg, 51 FG%, 28 3FG%, 68-89 on FT’s, 76 FT%.
Mtichell will be on the top of every opposing teams scouting report. He will still produce!
Thomas, Kenzy, and Klundt are 3 youngsters to keep your eyes on for the Gorillas.
Key Players: Daniel Mitchell Daniel Mitchell 6'7" | SF Gregory | 2024 State SD , Gannon Thomas, Rane Kenzy Rane Kenzy 6'2" | SF Gregory | 2025 State SD , Cruz Klundt Cruz Klundt 6'0" | PG Gregory | 2025 State SD
#9. Canistota
2021-2022 Record: 13-8 (Lost in Region quarterfinals)
Team Comments: Tage Ortman Tage Ortman 6'0" | CG Canistota | 2024 State SD is coming off a very nice AAU season. He will be a DUDE. Exceptional athlete!
Brandon Kjetland Brandon Kjetland 6'6" | PF Canistota | 2024 SD will provide the muscle and be an anchor on the inside. A horse on the glass and a very tough BIG.
Key Players: Tage Ortman Tage Ortman 6'0" | CG Canistota | 2024 State SD , Tye Merril, Brandon Kjetland Brandon Kjetland 6'6" | PF Canistota | 2024 SD , Trace Ortman, Will Ortman
#10. Harding County
2021-2022 Record: 16-6 (Lost in SoDak 16)
Team Comments: The Ranchers had a very nice season in 2021-2022 but came up a game short of the State Tournament.
Keegan Hett Keegan Hett 6'0" | PG Harding County | 2023 State SD was fantastic last season and put up good enough numbers to be an All-State Player. Expects big things!
Dawson Kautzman Dawson Kautzman 6'0" | PG Harding County | 2023 State SD , Kelby Hett Kelby Hett 6'0" | PG Harding County | 2023 State SD , and Keegan Hett Keegan Hett 6'0" | PG Harding County | 2023 State SD will make up a scary 3-headed monster for the Ranchers.
Key Players: Keegan Hett Keegan Hett 6'0" | PG Harding County | 2023 State SD , Kelby Hett Kelby Hett 6'0" | PG Harding County | 2023 State SD , Dawson Kautzman Dawson Kautzman 6'0" | PG Harding County | 2023 State SD , Gage Gilbert, Braden Routier, Brennan Glines.