- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 393,229
- Reaction score
- 43
Repeat Class A first-team honorees Krista Langager of Sisseton and Addison Neuendorf of Hamlin and Class B first-team selection Jaelyn Huntimer of Arlington spearhead the group of area players named to the South Dakota Basketball Coaches Association's 2025 all-state girls basketball teams.
Other area selections include Lauryn Burckhard of Aberdeen Central (Class AA, second team), Addie Steffensen of Hamlin (Class A, second team), Kailey Cradduck and Keyra Kruse of Sioux Valley (Class A, third team), Blake Thompson of Mobridge-Pollock (Class A, third team), Hazel Luethmers of De Smet (Class B, second team) and Addison Heinje of Wilmot (Class B, third team).
Six other area players received honorable mention: Taryn Hermansen of Aberdeen Central (Class AA), Talya Vincent of Sioux Valley, Ava Hanson of Aberdeen Roncalli and Isabella Anderson of Milbank (Class A), as well as Mataya Gouws of Deubrook Area and Amree Vander Vorst of North Central (Class B).
COMPLETE ALL-STATE GBB TEAMS: The South Dakota Basketball Coaches Association's all-state girls basketball teams released
Here's more on the area honorees:
A half-court prayer by Sioux Falls Jefferson's Abby Horner ended the Golden Eagles' bid to make it to the state Class AA tournament, but it didn't erase an outstanding season for the 6-foot-1 sophomore.
Burckhard averaged 15.1 points and 7.8 rebounds per game for a Golden Eagles' team that went 11-9 under first-year head coach and former Aberdeen Central standout Paiton Burckhard, Lauryn's older sister.
"Lauryn had a phenomenal sophomore season. She was presented with some tough defensive matchups and ended up guarding some of the best players in the state," Paiton Burckhard said. "She was a great asset to our team and continuously showed up every day and competed hard."
The 6-2 junior was also a very strong presence inside for the Golden Eagles and averaged 12.8 points per game.
"Taryn was a strong force in the post for us," Paiton Burckhard said. "She handled a lot of pressure in the post, which created openings on the perimeter. She fought through adversity and did it well."
The University of Sioux Falls recruit and 6-2 senior earned all-state honors for a third straight year (also third team in 2023) by averaging 23 points and 12 rebounds per game while recording 50 blocks.
The Redmen went 16-8 and advanced to the SoDak 16 before losing to Hamlin, which finished third in the state A tourney.
"Krista is a fierce competitor who always gave 100%. However, her greatest achievement in life won't just be her basketball accolades — it's the way she carries herself off the court that truly sets her apart," Sisseton coach Sara Lincoln said. "She will be missed, but we're excited to see her on the floor with USF."
Like Langager, Neuendorf is also a three-time all-state honoree who made the third team in 2023. The 5-6 junior guard was a leader for a Hamlin team that went 21-4 and finished third in the state tourney.
The Northern State University commit produced 14.1 points, 3.9 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game to go along with 61 steals.
"Addie is the ultimate point guard. She makes great decisions with the ball in her hands," Hamlin coach Tim Koisti said. "She can push the pace to start a fast break or she can slow us down and get us into a set. She scores in clutch moments and knows how to get her teammates easy looks."
The 5-8 senior came to Hamlin after earning second-team Class B all-state honors for state runner-up Arlington last winter and helped the Chargers make a similar run in Class A.
Steffensen tallied 16.9 points and 4.6 rebounds per game as part of the Addie-Addie tandem for Hamlin.
"Together their leadership, scoring and ballhandling abilities were a key to our success this season," Koisti said. "Addie Steffensen is a great scorer and is so tough to defend. She can knock down the outside shots and take her defender off the dribble. She is also a great rebounder and tough defender."
The 5-11 sophomore committed to the University of South Dakota over the summer and showed why the Coyotes were interested by helping lead the Cossacks to a 21-5 record and the consolation title in the state tourney.
Cradduck made 71 steals while recording 14.1 points, 7.6 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game.
"One of the best all-around players in Class A, Kailey impact the games on both ends and can score at all three levels," Sioux Valley coach Jamie Granum said. "She is one of the most talented players to come out of Sioux Valley."
2024 AREA ALL-STATERS: South Dakota Basketball Coaches Association's All-State teams include 11 area players
The 6-0 senior also did her part for the Cossacks and contributed 11.4 points, 8.2 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game. She capped her career with three double-doubles in the state tourney.
"Keyra had a great senior season and was a key reason her team went to a state tournament," Granum said. "Keyra is a great rebounder, and her ability to rebound out of her area is unique."
Mobridge-Pollock's 19-5 season ended with a loss to Sioux Valley in the consolation championship of the state Class A tournament.
The 5-8 junior led the way for the Tigers with 17.1 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game.
"Blake had standout year and was a big part of our team's success," Mobridge-Pollock coach Stephen Hettick said. "We are very proud of her accomplishment, and it's awesome to see her recognized for her achievements."
2024 AREA ALL-STATERS: South Dakota Basketball Coaches Association's All-State teams include 11 area players
Cradduck scored inside and out and Kruse mainly inside for the Cossacks, who also benefitted from the 3-point shooting of 5-6 junior Vincent.
Vincent drained more than 100 3's (fifth best in state history) while compiling 13.6 points, 2.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game.
"Talya is one of the top catch-and-shoot shooters in the state and can really stretch defenses with her range," Granum said. "She makes great decisions as the point guard spot and has a great feel for the game."
The Northern State University recruit is a 5-10 senior and five-year varsity regular for the Cavaliers, who went 16-6 and advanced to a SoDak 16 state-qualifying game.
Hanson averaged 14.2 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game. She is one of only six players in school history to score more than 1,000 points and leaves as the third all-time leading scorer in school history.
"Ava has put in a tremendous among of time since she started playing at the varsity level as an eighth-grader. She has a work ethic outside practice like I have never seen before," Roncalli coach Derek Hanson said. "She's not only a good baskeball player, she's a better person."
The Bulldogs went 13-9 as a member of the Northeast Conference that also includes Sisseton, Hamlin and Roncalli.
The 5-7 senior closed out her career by averaging 14.5 points and 3.3 rebounds per game. She also made 48 steals.
"Isabella is one of the most dedicated players I've coached," Milbank coach Brian Pauli said. "She was a six-year starter who led us in scoring the past two seasons and finished with more than 1,000 points in her career."
With three Steffensen sisters moving over to Hamlin, the 5-8 junior became the top returnee for the Cardinals and did her part to lead Arlington to a 13-9 record.
Huntimer set a school record with 37 points in a game, one of a number of 30-point performances in a season in which she tallied 23.6 points, six rebounds and three assists per game.
"Jaelyn was the heart and soul of our team, leading us in every statistical category both on offense and defense this past season," Arlington coach Tara King said. "Her tireless work ethic and unmatched passion for the game continues to set a standard for our basketball program. She's not just an incredible player but a role model showing others what it means to give everything for your team, school and community."
The 6-0 junior led the Bulldogs to a 15-8 record and a SoDak 16 appearance by producing 21.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game to go along with 87 steals. Luethmers received honorable mention on the all-state team as a sophomore.
"Hazel has the ability to score many different ways, which makes her a tough player to guard. We saw multiple types of defenses designed to slow her down throughout the year, and she still managed to put up impressive numbers," De Smet coach Brendon Pitts said. "As the year progressed, Hazel became a big threat in transition. She has the ability to positively impact the game and make a play every time she touches the ball."
The 5-11 sophomore surpassed the 1,000-point mark her career and continued her pace to reach 2,000 by tallying 27.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 5.6 steals and 2.6 assists per game for a Wilmot team that went 11-11 overall.
"Addison is a guard who drives to the basket or steps back and shoots from the outside. She is a solid all-around player with length and quickness," Wilmot coach Shelly Ammann said. "She is going to be exciting to watch the next two yaers as she matures and refines her skills."
The 5-11 junior proved to be a big reason why the Dolphins went 18-8 and qualified for the state tournament for the first time in the 50-year history of the program.
Gouws averaged 13.3 points and six rebounds per game.
"Mataya had a fantastic year for us and really dedicated herself to become a solid post player," Deubrook Area coach Brad DeBeer said. "Because of her presence in the post this year, other players were able to get more one-on-one opportunities and find open shots. I am excited to watch her learn and develop even more heading into her senior season."
The 5-9 sophomore tallied 19.4 points and six rebounds per game and also recorded 65 steals for a North Central team that compiled a 14-7 record.
"Amree's success this season is a direct result of her dedications and hard work, both in and out of season. She studies the game, watches film and has developed into a versatile player on both offense and defense," her mom and North Central coach Kaci Vander Vorst said. "A true leader, she gives everything for her team and plays with a deep love for the game."
Follow Watertown Public Opinion sports reporter Roger Merriam on X (formerly known as Twitter) @PO_Sports or email: [email protected]
This article originally appeared on Watertown Public Opinion: Area players named to South Dakota's all-state girls basketball teams
Continue reading...
Other area selections include Lauryn Burckhard of Aberdeen Central (Class AA, second team), Addie Steffensen of Hamlin (Class A, second team), Kailey Cradduck and Keyra Kruse of Sioux Valley (Class A, third team), Blake Thompson of Mobridge-Pollock (Class A, third team), Hazel Luethmers of De Smet (Class B, second team) and Addison Heinje of Wilmot (Class B, third team).
Six other area players received honorable mention: Taryn Hermansen of Aberdeen Central (Class AA), Talya Vincent of Sioux Valley, Ava Hanson of Aberdeen Roncalli and Isabella Anderson of Milbank (Class A), as well as Mataya Gouws of Deubrook Area and Amree Vander Vorst of North Central (Class B).
COMPLETE ALL-STATE GBB TEAMS: The South Dakota Basketball Coaches Association's all-state girls basketball teams released
Here's more on the area honorees:
Lauryn Burckhard, Aberdeen Central
A half-court prayer by Sioux Falls Jefferson's Abby Horner ended the Golden Eagles' bid to make it to the state Class AA tournament, but it didn't erase an outstanding season for the 6-foot-1 sophomore.
Burckhard averaged 15.1 points and 7.8 rebounds per game for a Golden Eagles' team that went 11-9 under first-year head coach and former Aberdeen Central standout Paiton Burckhard, Lauryn's older sister.
"Lauryn had a phenomenal sophomore season. She was presented with some tough defensive matchups and ended up guarding some of the best players in the state," Paiton Burckhard said. "She was a great asset to our team and continuously showed up every day and competed hard."
You must be registered for see images attach
Taryn Hermansen, Aberdeen Central
The 6-2 junior was also a very strong presence inside for the Golden Eagles and averaged 12.8 points per game.
"Taryn was a strong force in the post for us," Paiton Burckhard said. "She handled a lot of pressure in the post, which created openings on the perimeter. She fought through adversity and did it well."
Krista Langager, Sisseton
The University of Sioux Falls recruit and 6-2 senior earned all-state honors for a third straight year (also third team in 2023) by averaging 23 points and 12 rebounds per game while recording 50 blocks.
The Redmen went 16-8 and advanced to the SoDak 16 before losing to Hamlin, which finished third in the state A tourney.
"Krista is a fierce competitor who always gave 100%. However, her greatest achievement in life won't just be her basketball accolades — it's the way she carries herself off the court that truly sets her apart," Sisseton coach Sara Lincoln said. "She will be missed, but we're excited to see her on the floor with USF."
You must be registered for see images
Addie Neuendorf, Hamlin
Like Langager, Neuendorf is also a three-time all-state honoree who made the third team in 2023. The 5-6 junior guard was a leader for a Hamlin team that went 21-4 and finished third in the state tourney.
The Northern State University commit produced 14.1 points, 3.9 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game to go along with 61 steals.
"Addie is the ultimate point guard. She makes great decisions with the ball in her hands," Hamlin coach Tim Koisti said. "She can push the pace to start a fast break or she can slow us down and get us into a set. She scores in clutch moments and knows how to get her teammates easy looks."
You must be registered for see images attach
Addie Steffensen, Hamlin
The 5-8 senior came to Hamlin after earning second-team Class B all-state honors for state runner-up Arlington last winter and helped the Chargers make a similar run in Class A.
Steffensen tallied 16.9 points and 4.6 rebounds per game as part of the Addie-Addie tandem for Hamlin.
"Together their leadership, scoring and ballhandling abilities were a key to our success this season," Koisti said. "Addie Steffensen is a great scorer and is so tough to defend. She can knock down the outside shots and take her defender off the dribble. She is also a great rebounder and tough defender."
Kailey Cradduck, Sioux Valley
The 5-11 sophomore committed to the University of South Dakota over the summer and showed why the Coyotes were interested by helping lead the Cossacks to a 21-5 record and the consolation title in the state tourney.
Cradduck made 71 steals while recording 14.1 points, 7.6 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game.
"One of the best all-around players in Class A, Kailey impact the games on both ends and can score at all three levels," Sioux Valley coach Jamie Granum said. "She is one of the most talented players to come out of Sioux Valley."
2024 AREA ALL-STATERS: South Dakota Basketball Coaches Association's All-State teams include 11 area players
Keyra Kruse, Sioux Valley
The 6-0 senior also did her part for the Cossacks and contributed 11.4 points, 8.2 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game. She capped her career with three double-doubles in the state tourney.
"Keyra had a great senior season and was a key reason her team went to a state tournament," Granum said. "Keyra is a great rebounder, and her ability to rebound out of her area is unique."
You must be registered for see images attach
Blake Thompson, Mobridge-Pollock
Mobridge-Pollock's 19-5 season ended with a loss to Sioux Valley in the consolation championship of the state Class A tournament.
The 5-8 junior led the way for the Tigers with 17.1 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game.
"Blake had standout year and was a big part of our team's success," Mobridge-Pollock coach Stephen Hettick said. "We are very proud of her accomplishment, and it's awesome to see her recognized for her achievements."
2024 AREA ALL-STATERS: South Dakota Basketball Coaches Association's All-State teams include 11 area players
Talya Vincent, Sioux Valley
Cradduck scored inside and out and Kruse mainly inside for the Cossacks, who also benefitted from the 3-point shooting of 5-6 junior Vincent.
Vincent drained more than 100 3's (fifth best in state history) while compiling 13.6 points, 2.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game.
"Talya is one of the top catch-and-shoot shooters in the state and can really stretch defenses with her range," Granum said. "She makes great decisions as the point guard spot and has a great feel for the game."
Ava Hanson, Aberdeen Roncalli
The Northern State University recruit is a 5-10 senior and five-year varsity regular for the Cavaliers, who went 16-6 and advanced to a SoDak 16 state-qualifying game.
Hanson averaged 14.2 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game. She is one of only six players in school history to score more than 1,000 points and leaves as the third all-time leading scorer in school history.
"Ava has put in a tremendous among of time since she started playing at the varsity level as an eighth-grader. She has a work ethic outside practice like I have never seen before," Roncalli coach Derek Hanson said. "She's not only a good baskeball player, she's a better person."
Isabella Anderson, Milbank
The Bulldogs went 13-9 as a member of the Northeast Conference that also includes Sisseton, Hamlin and Roncalli.
The 5-7 senior closed out her career by averaging 14.5 points and 3.3 rebounds per game. She also made 48 steals.
"Isabella is one of the most dedicated players I've coached," Milbank coach Brian Pauli said. "She was a six-year starter who led us in scoring the past two seasons and finished with more than 1,000 points in her career."
Jaelyn Huntimer, Arlington
With three Steffensen sisters moving over to Hamlin, the 5-8 junior became the top returnee for the Cardinals and did her part to lead Arlington to a 13-9 record.
Huntimer set a school record with 37 points in a game, one of a number of 30-point performances in a season in which she tallied 23.6 points, six rebounds and three assists per game.
"Jaelyn was the heart and soul of our team, leading us in every statistical category both on offense and defense this past season," Arlington coach Tara King said. "Her tireless work ethic and unmatched passion for the game continues to set a standard for our basketball program. She's not just an incredible player but a role model showing others what it means to give everything for your team, school and community."
Hazel Luethmers, De Smet
The 6-0 junior led the Bulldogs to a 15-8 record and a SoDak 16 appearance by producing 21.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game to go along with 87 steals. Luethmers received honorable mention on the all-state team as a sophomore.
"Hazel has the ability to score many different ways, which makes her a tough player to guard. We saw multiple types of defenses designed to slow her down throughout the year, and she still managed to put up impressive numbers," De Smet coach Brendon Pitts said. "As the year progressed, Hazel became a big threat in transition. She has the ability to positively impact the game and make a play every time she touches the ball."
You must be registered for see images attach
Addison Heinje, Wilmot
The 5-11 sophomore surpassed the 1,000-point mark her career and continued her pace to reach 2,000 by tallying 27.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 5.6 steals and 2.6 assists per game for a Wilmot team that went 11-11 overall.
"Addison is a guard who drives to the basket or steps back and shoots from the outside. She is a solid all-around player with length and quickness," Wilmot coach Shelly Ammann said. "She is going to be exciting to watch the next two yaers as she matures and refines her skills."
Mataya Gouws, Deubrook Area
The 5-11 junior proved to be a big reason why the Dolphins went 18-8 and qualified for the state tournament for the first time in the 50-year history of the program.
Gouws averaged 13.3 points and six rebounds per game.
"Mataya had a fantastic year for us and really dedicated herself to become a solid post player," Deubrook Area coach Brad DeBeer said. "Because of her presence in the post this year, other players were able to get more one-on-one opportunities and find open shots. I am excited to watch her learn and develop even more heading into her senior season."
You must be registered for see images attach
Amree Vander Vorst, North Central
The 5-9 sophomore tallied 19.4 points and six rebounds per game and also recorded 65 steals for a North Central team that compiled a 14-7 record.
"Amree's success this season is a direct result of her dedications and hard work, both in and out of season. She studies the game, watches film and has developed into a versatile player on both offense and defense," her mom and North Central coach Kaci Vander Vorst said. "A true leader, she gives everything for her team and plays with a deep love for the game."
Follow Watertown Public Opinion sports reporter Roger Merriam on X (formerly known as Twitter) @PO_Sports or email: [email protected]
This article originally appeared on Watertown Public Opinion: Area players named to South Dakota's all-state girls basketball teams
Continue reading...
