2026 South Dakota Boys Basketball All-State Teams: A New Era of Talent Emerges

The future of South Dakota hoops is not just bright; it’s dazzling. On March 28th in Mitchell, the South Dakota Basketball Coaches Association (SDBBCA) unveiled its 2026 All-State teams, a definitive list that spotlights the premier talent across the state’s classes. This year’s selections tell a story of unprecedented size, skill versatility, and individual brilliance that has coaches and fans alike buzzing about the legacy of this unique group. More than just an honor roll, these teams represent a shifting paradigm in the state’s basketball landscape, where the traditional boundaries between positions are blurring, and a new generation of stars has left an indelible mark.

The Crown Jewels: SDBBCA Players of the Year Lead the Charge

At the apex of this talented class stand the SDBBCA Players of the Year, the top vote-getters in each classification. These athletes didn’t just put up numbers; they dominated games and redefined expectations for their positions.

In Class AA, Sam DeGroot of Sioux Falls Lincoln earned the highest honor. The 6-foot-7 senior forward was the engine for the Patriots, averaging a stellar 20.9 points and 8.8 rebounds per game. But DeGroot’s value extended beyond the paint; his ability to facilitate (2.2 assists per game) and stretch the floor made him a matchup nightmare and the consensus choice for the state’s top player.

Perhaps the most intriguing story comes from Class A, where Blake Ellwein of Huron captured Player of the Year honors. Ellwein’s listing is a scout’s dream: a 6-foot-10 guard. His stat line—22.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game—only begins to illustrate his unique impact. A player of his size with guard skills is a rarity in South Dakota history, signaling a trend toward positionless basketball at the highest levels of the state game.

Complete 2026 SDBBCA All-State Team Rosters

The full teams, as selected by the state’s coaches, showcase depth and diversity of talent across all classes. Here are the complete rosters for the 2026 season.

Class AA First Team

• Sam DeGroot, SF Lincoln, 6-7, sr., F (Player of the Year)
• Marcus Johnson, SF Jefferson, 6-2, sr., G (18.5 ppg, 4.8 apg)
• Carter Peterson, RC Stevens, 6-6, jr., F/C (17.1 ppg, 9.3 rpg)
• Jaxon Kettlekamp, Mitchell, 6-4, sr., G/F (19.2 ppg, 6.5 rpg)
• Ty Vander Haar, SF Roosevelt, 6-1, sr., PG (16.8 ppg, 7.1 apg)

Class A First Team

• Blake Ellwein, Huron, 6-10, sr., G (Player of the Year)
• Landon West, Dakota Valley, 6-5, sr., F (24.1 ppg, 8.0 rpg)
• Brody Hurlbert, Sioux Valley, 6-0, sr., PG (21.3 ppg, 5.2 apg)
• Ethan VanRegenmorter, RC Christian, 6-7, sr., C (18.9 ppg, 11.2 rpg)
• Owen Fischer, Winner, 6-3, jr., G/F (20.5 ppg, 5.7 rpg)

Class B First Team

• Kade Stukel, White River, 6-2, sr., G (Player of the Year – 26.7 ppg, 5.1 rpg)
• Jhett Breen, Howard, 6-6, sr., F (22.4 ppg, 10.8 rpg)
• Luke Weber, Aberdeen Christian, 6-4, jr., F (19.8 ppg, 9.5 rpg)
• Brady Bierema, De Smet, 6-5, sr., F (17.2 ppg, 8.3 rpg)
• Tate Cross, Viborg-Hurley, 5-11, sr., PG (18.1 ppg, 8.5 apg)

Expert Analysis: Trends and Takeaways from the 2026 Selections

Analyzing this year’s all-state teams reveals several compelling trends that define the current era of South Dakota basketball.

The Rise of the Versatile Big Man is undeniable. Sam DeGroot and Blake Ellwein are prime examples, but they are not alone. Class A’s Ethan VanRegenmorter is a traditional force inside, but the prevalence of forwards and centers who can handle the ball, shoot from outside, and make decisions is at an all-time high. This forces defenses to cover all 94 feet and creates offensive flexibility that is hard to counter.

Furthermore, Class B’s Unmatched Depth and Star Power continues to be a hallmark. Kade Stukel’s scoring prowess for White River is legendary, but the class is filled with complete players like Howard’s Jhett Breen, a double-double machine, and Viborg-Hurley’s Tate Cross, a pure point guard who leads the state in assists. The quality of basketball in South Dakota’s smallest towns remains exceptionally high.

Finally, a look at the junior class members who cracked first teams—like Carter Peterson (AA) and Owen Fischer (A)—points to a strong pipeline of talent for 2027. These players earned their spots against senior-heavy competition, setting the stage for them to be the headline names in next year’s announcements.

Looking Ahead: The Legacy of the 2026 Class

As these all-staters prepare for their next chapters, whether in college or beyond, their collective impact on South Dakota basketball is secure. This class, led by its unique Players of the Year, challenged conventional wisdom. They proved that a 6-10 player can be a team’s primary ball-handler and that a 6-7 forward can be a team’s best playmaker.

For college recruiters, South Dakota has become a must-watch state, not just for fundamentally sound players, but for high-ceiling prospects with modern skillsets. The success of this group will likely inspire the next generation of young players across the state to expand their games beyond a single position.

The final buzzer on the 2026 season has sounded, and the awards have been distributed. But the echoes of this remarkable class will be heard for years to come. They didn’t just play the game; they advanced it, leaving a blueprint for versatility and excellence that will define South Dakota basketball for the foreseeable future. The SDBBCA All-State teams for 2026 are more than a list of names—they are a testament to a golden era of talent in the Mount Rushmore State.

Source: Based on news from Yahoo Sports.