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If you attend the state tournament in Sioux Falls (AA) here is a breakdow (my perspective) of kids to watch:
Brandon Valley
Strong team all year and #1 team from start to finish. They have the horses to get it done but will have to handle the pressure and expectations. Don't expect them to run away with it and expect to see many close games. They could win it all but wouldn't be surprised if they are upended along the way.
Dale Moss -- Obvious strong interest from SDSU for those who haven't seen the kid play. He needs to play well for the team to have success. Athletic with lots of bounce and has the capibility of having huge games (for AA standards). If BV wins state and Moss is a key component he'll be in strong consideration for Mr. Basketball, Gatorade POY consideration.
Derek DeZeeuw -- Talented, Athlete Post/Wing who also needs to play well for BV. One of the top five Seniors in the state and a great get for Augie.
Jack Ridgeway -- Outside scoring threat and best shooter on the team. Quality HS athlete and one of the top three on the team.
Mitchell
Subpar year and worst record in tournament finished regular season at 6-14. But in the post season regular season records do not matter and this team is as dangerous as any in the tournament. They are playing well at the right time.......upset in the first round.....wouldn't surprise me a bit:
Jordan Miller -- Son of Allen Miller and cousin of Mike Miller. Great blood lines and the kid is a late bloomer. He's in the starting lineup now and part of the reason for the Kernals recent success.
Brett Young -- Solid young sopomore who will see action and contribute.
Sioux Falls O'Gorman
Boast three of the best big men in the AA ranks on the same team. Played solid all season long and beat Lincoln twice in regular season. Played tough against BV without Scholten. Team has a tendency to be inconsistent at times and lacks a true point guard.
Nathan Truex -- Versitle big man can score from inside and outside. Nothing flashy just positive results. The state tournament will be his chance to prove that he's one of the states top basketball players.
Joe Palmitier -- Has been solid since the halfway part of the season. His strong fourth quarter in the RHS game in District final helped propell OG to the state tournament.
Sturgis
Sturgis was the most consistent AA team west river this season. They have the talent and athletes to win it all despite having to win a play in game to get to the tournament.
Will John Johnson -- Tall, athletic post is the heart and sole of team. He needs to have a huge tournament for Sturgis to have a shot at the title. Has committed to BHSU.
Sioux Falls Lincoln
Lots of expectations for this team all season long and they have proved to be one of the better AA teams all season. They will force the tempo and attempt to run the floor on every posession. If they stick together and play fundamentally sound they could win it all. If they play as individuals they will lose early and often.
Chris Schwartz -- Solid SD HS basketball player who scores from everywhere on the court. Has a decent outside game and if he's on seems to make everything. When he's cold different story. Needs to show leadership next weekend for them to have success.
Mike Pajor -- Solid shooting guard with a knock down jumper. Like Schwartz needs dicipline for team to have success.
Nick Selken -- Shifty guard who resembles at times guards on the And One tour. Not a great shooter but handles well. Best defender on the team.
Rapid City Stevens
Disappointing regular season record but dangerous state tournament team. They have the athletes to win it all. Never could figure out the issues in the regular season but played well in post season. Will give LHS troubles in the first game.
AJ Butt -- Athletic undersized post but complete player. Can step out a little but more effective in the paint. Committed to BHSU
Chad Oetken -- Most athletic and exciting player in the tournament. Best kept secret west of the river due to limited exposure. He can shoot, showing good range and take you off the dribble. If he gets a break away you'll see the dunk on the nightly highlights.
Yankton
Dangerous tournament team that boast the best big man in the state at any level and any class. Nice post season propelled the team to the tournament.
Colton Iverson -- Will be the most sought after player in the Junior class. Louie K gets the headlines while this kid will drawl the college coaches to SD. He's a solid 6'8" - 6'9" and looks to drop step dunk every time he gets the ball. Much improved from last season and only going to get better.
Aberdeen Central
A team that lacks basketball players but has tremendous team speed and athletes. They were solid all season long but struggled due to injuries.
Shane Cunningham -- Solid junior who needs to be healthy and play if Golden Eagles expect a shot at title.
Brandon Valley
Strong team all year and #1 team from start to finish. They have the horses to get it done but will have to handle the pressure and expectations. Don't expect them to run away with it and expect to see many close games. They could win it all but wouldn't be surprised if they are upended along the way.
Dale Moss -- Obvious strong interest from SDSU for those who haven't seen the kid play. He needs to play well for the team to have success. Athletic with lots of bounce and has the capibility of having huge games (for AA standards). If BV wins state and Moss is a key component he'll be in strong consideration for Mr. Basketball, Gatorade POY consideration.
Derek DeZeeuw -- Talented, Athlete Post/Wing who also needs to play well for BV. One of the top five Seniors in the state and a great get for Augie.
Jack Ridgeway -- Outside scoring threat and best shooter on the team. Quality HS athlete and one of the top three on the team.
Mitchell
Subpar year and worst record in tournament finished regular season at 6-14. But in the post season regular season records do not matter and this team is as dangerous as any in the tournament. They are playing well at the right time.......upset in the first round.....wouldn't surprise me a bit:
Jordan Miller -- Son of Allen Miller and cousin of Mike Miller. Great blood lines and the kid is a late bloomer. He's in the starting lineup now and part of the reason for the Kernals recent success.
Brett Young -- Solid young sopomore who will see action and contribute.
Sioux Falls O'Gorman
Boast three of the best big men in the AA ranks on the same team. Played solid all season long and beat Lincoln twice in regular season. Played tough against BV without Scholten. Team has a tendency to be inconsistent at times and lacks a true point guard.
Nathan Truex -- Versitle big man can score from inside and outside. Nothing flashy just positive results. The state tournament will be his chance to prove that he's one of the states top basketball players.
Joe Palmitier -- Has been solid since the halfway part of the season. His strong fourth quarter in the RHS game in District final helped propell OG to the state tournament.
Sturgis
Sturgis was the most consistent AA team west river this season. They have the talent and athletes to win it all despite having to win a play in game to get to the tournament.
Will John Johnson -- Tall, athletic post is the heart and sole of team. He needs to have a huge tournament for Sturgis to have a shot at the title. Has committed to BHSU.
Sioux Falls Lincoln
Lots of expectations for this team all season long and they have proved to be one of the better AA teams all season. They will force the tempo and attempt to run the floor on every posession. If they stick together and play fundamentally sound they could win it all. If they play as individuals they will lose early and often.
Chris Schwartz -- Solid SD HS basketball player who scores from everywhere on the court. Has a decent outside game and if he's on seems to make everything. When he's cold different story. Needs to show leadership next weekend for them to have success.
Mike Pajor -- Solid shooting guard with a knock down jumper. Like Schwartz needs dicipline for team to have success.
Nick Selken -- Shifty guard who resembles at times guards on the And One tour. Not a great shooter but handles well. Best defender on the team.
Rapid City Stevens
Disappointing regular season record but dangerous state tournament team. They have the athletes to win it all. Never could figure out the issues in the regular season but played well in post season. Will give LHS troubles in the first game.
AJ Butt -- Athletic undersized post but complete player. Can step out a little but more effective in the paint. Committed to BHSU
Chad Oetken -- Most athletic and exciting player in the tournament. Best kept secret west of the river due to limited exposure. He can shoot, showing good range and take you off the dribble. If he gets a break away you'll see the dunk on the nightly highlights.
Yankton
Dangerous tournament team that boast the best big man in the state at any level and any class. Nice post season propelled the team to the tournament.
Colton Iverson -- Will be the most sought after player in the Junior class. Louie K gets the headlines while this kid will drawl the college coaches to SD. He's a solid 6'8" - 6'9" and looks to drop step dunk every time he gets the ball. Much improved from last season and only going to get better.
Aberdeen Central
A team that lacks basketball players but has tremendous team speed and athletes. They were solid all season long but struggled due to injuries.
Shane Cunningham -- Solid junior who needs to be healthy and play if Golden Eagles expect a shot at title.
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