Tea Area’s Payton Conrad weaves through West Central defends during the 11A quarterfinal game on Thursday, Oct. 27, 2016 in Tea.

Class 11A should provide some high-quality entertainment Friday night with a Week 4 rematch in one semifinal and a first-ever meeting in the other.

Here’s a quick look at the two games.

No. 1 Tea vs. No. 5 Dell Rapids, 7 p.m.

In the weeks since Tea shutout Dell Rapids 19-0, the two teams have followed along identical trajectories. Both have won out, with the Titans’ run being highlighted by an improbable win over Madison, and Dell Rapids’ continuing last Thursday with a 35-18 dismantling of Sioux Falls Christian.

Both squads are trending in a positive direction, though the Quarriers appear to have some serious momentum as they challenge the top-seeded Titans.

“Dell Rapids is playing well right now,” Tea coach Craig Clayberg said. “They have guys who can run the ball, and offensive line that blocks well, and Hansen can throw it pretty well.”

Though it works to get a variety of players involved in its offensive attack, quarterback Hunter Hansen is the centerpiece of Dell Rapids’ offense.

Against the Chargers, the senior signal caller carried the ball 10 times for 121 yards and a touchdown. He also passed for a touchdown, hitting Jeffrey Schuch on a 1-yard pass to open the scoring in the second quarter.

It should be noted that Tanner Heim (15 carries, 128 yards) and Seth Spielmann (16 carries, 100 yards) also had big games against Sioux Falls Christian, but it’s the quarterback that has Clayberg’s attention.

Hunter Hansen of Dell Rapids returns an interception in the first quarter Friday, Oct. 7, against Milbank Area at Dell Rapids.

A key player in containing the dual-threat QB is senior linebacker Jeremiah Maka, who drew high praise from Dell Rapids coach Steven Hansen.

“They are surrounded by good athletes and one of the best linebackers in the state with Maka,” he said. “They cause a lot of problems with their athleticism.”

Offensively, the Titans’ fortunes will go with quarterback Payton Conrad. He is averaging 91 rush yards and 177 pass yards per game.

“He has done a great job of managing the game and making plays when we need him,” Clayberg said of his QB. “He is our offensive leader.”

“Offensively, Conrad can do a lot of things for them,” Hansen added. “He throws the ball very well and has some really good receivers, then he can pull it and run as well as any running back.”

11AAA: OG, BV look to challenge Warriors, Riders

No. 2 St. Thomas More vs. No. 3 Madison, 7 p.m.

Whereas the Tea-Dell Rapids semifinal features the top dog taking on a team on the rise, the opposing semifinal features a pair of 11A heavyweights battling it out.

Second-seeded St. Thomas More’s 9-0 finish to the regular season proved to be just enough to get it ahead of No. 3 Madison, which finished 0.556 points shy of claiming homefield advantage.

It’s the first ever meeting between the two squads.

“It is hard judge overall speed and the physicality of the line play from film,” Madison coach Max Hodgen said. “Couple that with the fact that we don’t share a common opponent and there are a lot of unknowns.”

Madison’s Mason Leighton struggles to gain control of a pass in the end zone during a game against Sioux Falls Christian Friday, Sept. 30, 2016, at Bob Young Field in Sioux Falls.

Friday’s showdown will feature a pair of high-scoring offenses.

The Bulldogs arrive averaging 40.6 points and 354.1 total yards per game. Not unlike their opponent, theirs is a balanced offense, led by tailback Riley Janke and quarterback Josh Giles.

As for St. Thomas More, it uses four-receiver sets to spread the defense before gashing it with its rapid-strike offense.

“They have the ability to score quick,” Hodgen said. “We need to pressure their quarterback and make him feel uncomfortable, which is easier said than done.”

“They just get to places fast,” Hot Springs coach Ben Kramer told the Rapid City Journal following his team’s 33-7 quarterfinal loss to STM. “They’re a great football team. They’re well coached, they’re disciplined.”

11AA: Cross-state foes set to battle

Though Madison brings some experience having won the 2015 state title, it will have to contend with the cross-state drive to Rapid City.

“Preparation and the practice week has remained exactly same as any other week,” Hodgen said. “However, game day will change significantly with 5.5 hours of travel, eating, and the walk through, which is new for us.”

Follow Brian Haenchen on Twitter at @Brian_Haenchen .

Tea Area’s Payton Conrad escapes from West Central’s Wyatt Powers during the 11A quarterfinal game on Thursday, Oct. 27, 2016 in Tea.

Harrisburg’s Hunter Headlee looks to pass against the Lynx at Brandon Valley High School on Friday, Sept. 23, 2016.

There will be some serious travel involved for No. 5 Pierre and No. 3 Spearfish as they look to upset top-seeded Mitchell and second-seeded Harrisburg, respectively, Friday night in the 11AA semifinals.

Below are previews of the two matchups.

No. 2 Harrisburg vs. No. 3 Spearfish, 6 p.m.

When No. 2 Harrisburg and No. 3 Spearfish take to the field Friday night, it will have been exactly four years and two days since they last met. That 2012 matchup also came in the 11AA semifinals and saw the Tigers punch their ticket to the Dome with a 35-17 win.

11AAA: OG, BV look to challenge Warriors, Riders

The unfamiliarity between the two programs presents its own layer of challenges for the coaches. Sure, game film helps to reveal schemes and expose tendencies, but until the teams take the field, it’s impossible to know the speed at which the opponent operates.

“They are very physical and are very aggressive,” Harrisburg coach Brandon White said of Spearfish. “They run they schemes very well. We expect a very hard-fought game that may come right down to the wire.”

Theoretically, the Spartans’ aggressiveness could work in the Tigers’ favor — at least offensively. Harrisburg features a three-headed monster with quarterback Jack Anderson, tailback Hunter Headlee and receiver Justis Clayton.

In last week’s 53-15 rout of Yankton, the trio combined for seven total touchdowns, with Anderson and Headlee going for 296 total rushing yards and Clayton accounting for 88 of Headlee’s 175 passing yards.

“These 3 gentlemen allow us to be very balanced offensively,” White said. “It is hard to load the box with our ability to move the ball through the air. Then when teams start to roll coverages to Justis then we are able to get Jack and Hunter going on the ground.”

The three players compliment one another on the field. Sealing off one creates opportunities for the others. Their success is rooted in the team’s depth along the offensive line, where Harrisburg rolls eight-deep.

“They all understand that none of their success comes without out the big boys in the trenches,” White said. “The depth that we have built has been probably our most overlooked asset to our success.”

Harrisburg overpowers Yankton to advance in 11AA

However, for as dynamic as the Tigers’ offense is, they do not score an abundance of points. In fact, they average just 31 points per game (Spearfish averages 26). Harrisburg is looking to control the clock and grind down its opponent.

“We will approach this game very similar to the previous 10 games,” White said. “We hope to be very balanced(run/pass)… We need to control the clock and keep their offense on the sidelines.”

Though there’s no head-to-head matchups to gleam information from, Harrisburg and Spearfish do share three common opponents: Huron, Mitchell and Douglas. Both teams beat Douglas. Harrisburg also beat Mitchell and Huron, while Spearfish lost to both teams.

No. 1 Mitchell vs. No. 5 Pierre, 7 p.m.

Last year, Mitchell had its season derailed in the semifinals. That run, which featured a win over Pierre in the quarterfinals, has served as a significant motivating factor for the Kernels as they prepared for this year’s tournament.

11A: Streaking Quarriers ready for Tea rematch, Madison heads West

“Playing in the semifinal game a year ago fueled our preparation for this season. There is no substitute for experience,” Mitchell coach Kent VanOverschelde said. “We experienced a loss to open 2016, which forced us to evaluate our process. We have worked to not look back, because we wanted our direction to forward. We have adopted a mentality to play ‘em one game at time, and that has helped us focus each week.”

Mitchell emerged with a 42-13 victory when the two teams went head-to-head in Week 8. That victory was keyed offensively by the Kernels’ ability to chew up yards on the ground. Defensively, their linemen’s ability to get pressure on the quarterback allowed the secondary to settle in and start building some confidence as the game progressed.

“In general, Pierre brings toughness to playing field,” VanOverschelde said. “A few of the names change, but the resiliency and toughness is part of their culture. We know that Pierre has had time to prepare and eager at another shot at the Kernels.”

Led by running back/linebacker Spencer Neugebauer, Mitchell’s offense relies heavily on its ability to run the ball. It averages over 325 rushing yards per game and puts up nearly 45 points every time it takes the field.

“Spencer has broken all of our program’s rushing and scoring records,” VanOverschedle said. “Defensively, his understanding of the game and athleticism has been complimented by our defensive play forward mentality… Spencer is a special player in that his number one focus is his team and teammates.”

Follow Brian Haenchen on Twitter at @Brian_Haenchen .

Harrisburg head coach Brandon White looks on during a game against Huron at Harrisburg High School Friday, Sept. 2, 2016, in Harrisburg, S.D.

Sanborn Central/Woonsocket’s Myah Selland poses for a portrait Monday, March 27, 2017, at the Sanborn Central School in Forestburg, S.D.

FORESTBURG – Members of the Sanborn Central track team began shuffling into the gym Monday afternoon about the time Myah Selland was patiently completing a lengthy photo and interview session.

When the session ended, Selland left and came back a few minutes later in her workout gear. While waiting for track coach Corey Flatten to finish up with a few custodial issues involving equipment, she led the stretching for the team.

This was a collection of boys and girls and younger and older students, and if you wanted to know what the best girls high school basketball player in the state does on late March afternoons, this would have been the answer.

“People just kind of rally around her,” Sanborn Central/Woonsocket co-basketball coach Tim McCain said of Selland, the 2017 Argus Leader Girls Basketball Player of the Year. “They look for her. She’s been the guiding force for us the last three years since her sister graduated.”

MEET THE TEAM:  Girls First and Second Five

HISTORY: Argus Leader First Five: A tradition through the years

Selland, a South Dakota State recruit who tallied 2,219 points, 964 rebounds and more than 500 assists for her high school career, hits all the marks as the kind of person the state wants to claim as its own.

Was she introduced to basketball in a barn loft on the family farm? Check. A great student? Yes, with a GPA of 4.09 and plenty of academic honors. Does she understand the charms of growing up in the sticks? Double-check.

“I love the small-town atmosphere and the small town-community,” said the 6-foot-1 Sanborn Central/Woonsocket senior. “To be able to represent that means a lot to me. I wouldn’t have wanted to grow up anywhere else.”

Making her mark

Sanborn Central/Woonsocket’s Myah Selland poses for a portrait Monday, March 27, 2017, at the Sanborn Central School in Forestburg, S.D.

Selland, whose sister Shelby was also an Argus Leader First Five member and just completed her sophomore season at Augustana, began playing varsity basketball as a seventh-grader and was a starter by the time she was a ninth-grader. Being the focus of attention, be it from a defense intent on shutting her down or an intense home crowd trying to build her up, has been a challenge dealt with gracefully.

“She made others around her better with her passing ability,” McCain said. “The attention she drew created open shots for other people. Other players rallied around her and got themselves better.”

It was the other way around, though, if you ask Selland. She averaged 20.1 points, 8.1 rebounds and 4.9 assists as a senior, but she was the one rallying around the rest of them.

“We had a lot of fun this year,” she said. “Obviously we had a pretty successful season, but if you look past that, this was a great bunch of girls. We got along. We had fun with each other at practice, on the bus, in the locker room. It was something that was not very easy to say goodbye to. It was pretty special and something I’m going to remember a long time.”

It became apparent during the interview that it’s impossible for Selland to talk about those teammates without smiling. She was asked to explain that if she could. What made this the kind of team that so consistently caused this kind of reaction?

She then summoned her memories of “Gibby.”

“One year for the state tournament we bought a fish,” she began. “We kept the fish for almost a year. When our pet fish died, it was traumatic for all of us. Those are the kinds of memories I’m going to remember more than anything.”

But what about the fish?

“It was a betta fish,” she continued. “We named him Gibby. He had a good life. We kept him in a gallon ice cream bucket during that state tournament all weekend. Then we found him a good home when we got back.”

Loving the game

The Sellands have a barn loft on the farm where indoor basketball takes place year-round. Shelby and Myah would play up there as youngsters, welcoming cousins, neighbors and friends in for pickup games. Sometimes they still do. There were no coaches barking about defense and rebounding, no wind sprints and no whistles in the loft.

It was a fine way to be introduced to basketball. Not unlike how their grandfather learned on the way to playing at Letcher High School or how their father picked it up on the way to Woonsocket.

“We’ve been playing in the loft as long as I can remember,” Selland said. “It was never like ‘You have to play basketball because we played basketball.’ We played basketball for fun in the loft. On our Christmas Eves sometimes we’ll still bundle up and play some family basketball.”

Sanborn Central/Woonsocket’s Myah Selland

Selland played on five state tournament teams, losing to Sully Buttes in the Class B final this year while putting together a do-everything kind of a season. She began making her first major impact as a freshman while still claiming her sister as a teammate. With the height and the skill level to play several spots on the court – she often brought the ball up the court for the Blackhawks – she also made an impression on college coaches.

“Everything about her background fits in well for us in Brookings and at SDSU,” said Jackrabbits coach Aaron Johnston. “She wants to stay close to home and be connected with her family; those things are very important to her and they fit into our plan really well. She’s a little on the quiet side, but I love the fact that she’s competitive – she’s a driven person. She’s not brash, she doesn’t need to be the center of attention, but she’s very competitive. That’s going to fit in well with our roster, too.”

It’s good when a center of attention gains that distinction without seeking it. And it’s even better when that center can also play point guard and power forward. It has all been about supplying whatever it takes. That’s not necessarily something that small-school players do best, but it’s definitely what the best small-school players do.

“My summer coach Kenny Vermillion said something that’s always stuck with me: Everybody has to come from somewhere,” Selland said. “I thought that was a pretty neat quote. I don’t think it matters where you come from. You put the time in, you put the effort in, you can be the best at anything you want to be.”

Follow Mick Garry on Twitter at @MickGarry .

ABOUT MYAH SELLAND

School/year: Sanborn Central, senior

Position/Height: Guard/forward/center, 6-1

College choice: SDSU

2016-17 stats: Averaged 20.1 points, 8.1 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game while shooting nearly 60 percent from the field.

Highlights: Selland finished with more than 2,000 points, nearly 1,000 rebounds and more than 500 assists for her career while playing in five state tournaments and maintaining a 4.09 GPA. Her sister Shelby is a starter at Augustana.

Sanborn Central/Woonsocket’s Myah Selland poses for a portrait Monday, March 27, 2017, at the Sanborn Central School in Forestburg, S.D.

Sanborn Central/Woonsocket’s Myah Selland poses for a portrait Monday, March 27, 2017, at the Sanborn Central School in Forestburg, S.D.

Sanborn Central/Woonsocket’s Myah Selland poses for a portrait Monday, March 27, 2017, at the Sanborn Central School in Forestburg, S.D.

Sarah Morgan (left) is congratulated by teammate Myah Selland during Friday’s Class B semifinal in Huron.

Mitchell standout and eventual NBA veteran Mike Miller was Argus Leader Player of the Year in 1997.

Nearly 40 years ago, a tradition was born to honor the top high school basketball players in South Dakota, regardless of class.

The Argus Leader First Five.

The concept, brought forth by legendary former sports editor John Egan in 1979, was to go beyond all-state teams to highlight abilities from all classes and corners of the state in one all-star “starting” five.

Joe Ashley, a 7-foot senior for Pierre who recorded 405 career blocked shots and led the Governors to a state title as a senior, headlined that inaugural 1979 group.

“I’m leaving tonight to visit Nebraska,” he told Egan as part of a First Five cover feature. “And from there I’m going over to Ames to visit Iowa State.”

Ashley ended up signing with Iowa State but later transferred to South Dakota State, playing for the Jackrabbits from 1981-84 and earning a sociology degree.

Other members of the inaugural First Five were Mark Payne of O’Gorman, Mark Smidt of Washington, Terry Domino of Douglas and Dan Duffy of Stanley County.

More: First Five: Myah Selland’s small-town appeal looms large

More: Argus Leader First/Second Five: Meet the state’s best

Girls honorees were added in 1993, as were Player of the Year designations that spotlight the year’s top performer.

Past honorees include NBA success stories Mike Miller (1997) and Eric Piatkowski (1989), WNBA star Becky Hammon (1994), all-time leading prep scorer Louie Krogman (2007-08) and current SDSU standout Macy Miller (2013-14).

The 2009 feature on White River’s Krogman shed light on “Louie Legend” by recalling a moment between player and coach before a key home game against Little Wound.

“I talked to Louie about really getting the other guys involved,” said coach Eldon Marshall.  “And then he went out and didn’t shoot at all for the first five minutes. So we’re down 16 or 18 points, and I call him over and say, `Well, all right – forget that other stuff. Do what you’ve got to do.’ “

Krogman went on to score 55 points that game. Sometimes it’s just time to shine.

Photo gallery: Photos: Argus Leader First Five boys captains

PAST ARGUS LEADER FIRST FIVE LISTS

HIGH SCHOOL BOYS

1979 – Joe Ashley, Pierre; Mark Payne, O’Gorman; Mark Smidt, Washington; Terry Domino, Douglas; Dan Duffy, Stanley County.

1980 – Kevin King, Lyman; Dan Freidel, Armour; Rod Merriam, Huron; Rick Bruflat, Lincoln; Jim Ferrie, Lincoln.

1981 – Dave Gustafson, Washington; Mark Tetzlaff, Hamlin; Mike Busch, Huron; Keith Larson, Beresford; Alan Miller, Stickney.

1982 – Mark Schultz, De Smet; Steve Gapp, Summit; Lonni Stover, Webster; Brad Ferrie, Lincoln; Troy Schaefer, Pierre.

1983 – Troy Schaefer, Pierre; Jim Dunkelberger, Lincoln; Luther Hippe, Washington; Marty Branch, Rapid City Central; Rick Weber, Salem.

1984 – Bart Friedrick, Mitchell; Randy Leslie, Washington; Steve Duncan, Lemmon; Gary Carlson, Hamlin; Todd Smith, Wakonda.

1985 – Bart Friedrick, Mitchell; Randy Leslie, Washington; Chad Andersen, Mitchell; Greg Ching, Castlewood; Pat Freidel, Armour.

1986 – Chad Kiger, Lincoln; Dean Jacobsen, Mitchell; Mark Rozell, Warner, Sam Goodhope, Winner; Mike Sebern, Beresford.

1987 – Willie White, Pine Ridge; Kyle Jordre, Platte; Wes Morgan, Mitchell; Kelly Kramer, Elkton; Eric Piatkowski, Rapid City Stevens.

1988 – Maurice Petersen, Deubrook; Eric Piatkowski, Rapid City Stevens; Jeff Booher, Brookings; Scott Beckstrand, Lincoln; Jason McDonald, Vermillion.

1989 – Eric Piatkowski, Rapid City Stevens; Scott Beckstrand, Lincoln; Scott Morgan, Mitchell; Eric Kline, Aberdeen Central; Travis Martin, Scotland.

1990 – Eric Kline, Aberdeen Central; Trevor Long, Custer; Brent Lindskov, Isabel; Ryan Higgason, Lincoln; Rob Christensen, Harrisburg.

1991 – Eric Kline, Aberdeen Central; Skip Wood, Lennox; Chad Boekelheide, Northwestern; Chad Pokorny, Winner; Tyson Theeler, Mitchell.

1992 – Jason Sutherland, Watertown; Lance Luitjens, Custer; Tom Rops, Lennox; Eric Lappe, Harrold; Chris Rozell, Warner.

1993 – Sean Piatkowski, Rapid City Stevens; Jason Sutherland, Watertown; Mac Rops, Lennox; Chuck Welke, Warner; Tommy Brown, Lincoln.

1994 – Chuck Welke*, Warner; Ryan Van Zee, Armour; Jay Ellwein, Huron; Mark Rich, Aberdeen Central; Landon Klock, Lennox.

1995 – Chris Janssen*, Emery; Troy Piatkowski, Rapid City Stevens; Brian Norberg, Watertown; Brian Goertz, Freeman; John Sivesind, Roosevelt.

1996 – John Sivesind*, Roosevelt; Todd Schlekeway, Mobridge; Cody Volmer, Lyman; Jeremy Kudera, Dell Rapids; Josh Thorpe, Hecla.

1997 – Mike Miller*, Mitchell; Bobby George, Lincoln; Dwayne Pean, Douglas; Brad Hansen, Lennox; Travis Palmer, Ipswich. Second team: Mike Smith, Flandreau; Mickey Dennis, Hot Springs; Austin Ledeboer, Armour; Brook Begeman, Isabel; Leigh Severyn, Lyman.

1998 – Austin Hansen*, Brandon Valley; Mike Miller, Mitchell; Shane Burnison, Spearfish; Brady Hyde, Sully Buttes; Chris Stoebner, Harrisburg. Second team: Ben Rops, Lennox; Derek Paulsen, Custer; Rich Crow Eagle, Todd County; Matt Seivert, Alcester-Hudson; Denver TenBroek, McIntosh.

1999 – Chris Stoebner*, Harrisburg; Derek Paulsen, Custer; Denver TenBroek, McIntosh; Steve Anderson, Rapid City Central; Jess Heart, Little Wound. Second team: Beau Fitts, Brandon Valley; Cory Roth, De Smet; Justin Fries, Washington; Elijah Sazue, Crow Creek; Josh Mueller, West Central.

2000 – Jared Reiner*, Tripp-Delmont; Steve Anderson, Rapid City Central; Josh Mueller, West Central; Doug Hanson, Yankton; Justin Lacher, Ipswich. Second Five: Luke Tibbetts, Roosevelt; Marc Forbush, Watertown; J.F. Jensen, Sioux Valley; Kyle Nelson, Lincoln; Kory Petoske, Midland.

2001 – Josh Mueller*, West Central; Kyle Nelson, Lincoln; Shad Carney, Washington; Dave Medema, Washington; Matt Jones, Alpena-Wessington Springs. Second Five: Dallas Sikkink, Castlewood; David Nour, Armour; Jon Walder, Watertown; Paige Paulsen, Custer; Adam Estrup, Rapid City Central.

2002 – Andy Kleinjan*, Sioux Valley; Deming Haugland, Spearfish; Charlie Johnston, Aberdeen Central; Mike Warren, Clark; Matt Hammer, Elkton. Second Five: Aaron Croff, Spearfish; Rob VanDemark, Lincoln; Paige Paulsen, Custer; Chris Haynes, Winner; Tyler Lee, Roslyn.

2003 – Paige Paulsen*, Custer; Matt Martin, Spearfish; J.J. Heyden, Washington; Colby Fitzgerald, Dell Rapids St. Mary’s; Kyle Schwan, Aberdeen Roncalli. Second Five: Derrick McCauley, Waubay; Clayton Wulf, Lennox; Derek Gearman, Lennox; Nathan Graves, Mitchell Christian; Brandon Swenson, Castlewood.

2004 – Colby Fitzgerald*, Dell Rapids St. Mary; Derrick McCauley, Aberdeen Central; Matt Martin, Spearfish; Eric Hall, Huron; Joe Backus, Chester. Second Five: Caleb Veldhouse, Sioux Falls Christian; Steve Smith, O’Gorman; Mitch Begeman, O’Gorman; Blake Yackley, Sully Buttes; Dustin Little, Castlewood.

2005 – Eric Krogman*, Elkton; Caleb Veldhouse, SF Christian; Blake Yackley, Sully Buttes; Mitch Begeman, O’Gorman; Joe Krabbenhoft, Roosevelt. Second Five: Mike Steffen, Mount Vernon; Adam Templeton, Rapid City Central; Jesse Clark, O’Gorman; Ryan Krome, Mitchell; Michael Tveidt, Pierre.

2006 – Zach Finley*, St. Thomas More; Michael Tveidt, Pierre; Zach Seefeldt, Clark; Louie Krogman, White River; Mitch Boeck, Arlington. Second Five: Jordan King, Arlington; Tate Pesicka, Yankton; Anthony Cordova, Roosevelt; Bryce Kreutzfeldt, Chester Area; Dusty Coleman, O’Gorman.

2007 – Louie Krogman*, White River; Dale Moss, Brandon Valley; Nate Truex, O’Gorman; Matt Malloy, Parkston; Kyle Doerr, St. Thomas More. Second Five: Chris Schwartz, Lincoln; Sam Willard, Pierre; Chase Walder, Castlewood; Luke Enos, Faith; Brady Wiebe, Madison.

2008 – Louie Krogman*, White River; Colton Iverson, Yankton; Jared Vlastuin, Lennox; Jordan Miller, Mitchell; Josh Hanson, Watertown. Second Five: Jared Odens, Mitchell Christian; Tony Fiegen, Madison; Anthony Muilenburg, Lincoln; Brice Hornbeck, Little Wound; Skyler Bloch, Scotland.

2009 – Chad White*, Madison; Tony Fiegen*, Madison; Dustin Tetzlaff, Watertown; Cody Larson, Roosevelt; Brayden Carlson, Brookings. Second Five: Tyson Gau, Hanson; Keith Cutler, Platte-Geddes; David Maxwell, Parkston; Anthony Muilenburg, Lincoln; Ben Miller, Sioux Valley.

2010 – Jared Hannigan*, Aberdeen Central; Carl Swallow, Red Cloud; Cory Jacobsen, Viborg; Sterling Nielsen, O’Gorman; Terrell Newton, Huron. Second Five: Cody Larson, Roosevelt; Jesse Tolsma, Mitchell Christian; Derek Brown, Clark-Willow Lake; Zach Horstman, Winner; Glenn Jackson, Rapid City Central.

2011 – Zach Horstman, Winner*; Cedrick Lang, O’Gorman; Sterling Nielsen, O’Gorman; Cory Jacobsen, Viborg-Hurley; Joey Mitchell, Hitchcock-Tulare. Second Five: Keaton Moffitt, O’Gorman; Liam Duffy, St. Thomas More; Will Hieber, Lincoln; Mitchell White, Madison; Orie Brown, Pine Ridge.

2012 – Skye Warwick*, St. Thomas More; Joey Habtemariam, Washington; Zach Hanson, Pierre; Darin Peterka, Miller; Connor Schaefbauer, O’Gorman. Second Five: Skyler Flatten, Clark-Willow Lake; Tanner Heiser, Watertown; Wyatt Krogman, White River; Cole Langer, Dell Rapids; Ben Schultz, Brandon Valley.

2013 – Lane Severyn*, Pierre; Zach Hanson@, Pierre; Skyler Flatten, Clark-Willow Lake; Wyatt Krogman, White River; Tanner Heiser, Watertown. Second Five: Chase Marso, Brandon Valley; Jordan Baker, Sioux Falls Christian; Adam Hofer, James Valley Christian; Tyler Howard, Roosevelt; Nate Widow, Dupree.

2014 – Steven Schaefer*, Rapid City Stevens; Trae VandeBerg, Madison; Justin Decker, Huron; Colton Kooima, Roosevelt; Nathan Wedel, James Valley Christian. Second Five: Brett Stanley, Washington; Tyler Nagy, Brookings; Jordan Cornelius, Sisseton; Cody Willett, Canton; Chris Phillips, Roosevelt.

2015 – Deng Geu*, Washington; Braxton Elliott, O’Gorman; Sam McCloud, Rapid City Stevens; Addison Park, Lincoln; Larenzo Williams, Wolsey-Wessington. Second Five: Nathan Brown Bull, Little Wound; Beau Brown, Mitchell; Bo Fries, Langford Area; Jordan Marquardt, Hanson; Brayden McNeary, Aberdeen Roncalli.

2016 – Ty Hoglund*, Dell Rapids; Chad Barkema, Sioux Falls Christian; Nate Davis, Watertown; Gabe King, Irene-Wakonda; Sam Siganos, Washington. Second Five: Brevin Kaiser, Pierre; Mason Archambault, Rapid City Stevens; Michael Rogers, Warner; Tristan Teichmeier, Roosevelt; Dylan LeBrun, Flandreau.

@ – Player of the Year

HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS

1993 – Courtney Stapp*, Newell; Roxie Harter, Colome; Becky Hammon, Rapid City Stevens; Jenni Larson, Yankton; Tascha Dawson, Howard.

1994 – Becky Hammon*, Rapid City Stevens; Jenni Larson, Yankton; Tascha Dawson, Howard; Erin Olson, Mitchell; Erin Engel, Tri-Valley.

1995 – Jayne Even*, O’Gorman; Tascha Dawson, Howard; Jammie Coyle, Belle Fourche; Amanda Mikuska, Platte; Kari Stratton, Madison.

1996 – Sherri Brende*, Baltic; Jaime Berry, Watertown; Nicole Tendler, Roosevelt; Mandy Koupal, Wagner; Erin Erickson, Rapid City Stevens. Second Five: Memory Johannsen, Hoven; Katie Heine, Yankton; Heather Nelson, Yankton; Brittani Janssen, De Smet; Tamera Oltmanns, Lennox.

1997 – Tamera Oltmanns*, Lennox; Mandy Koupal, Wagner; Donni Luecke, Roosevelt; Heather Nelson, Yankton; Holly Bordewyk, Rapid City Stevens. Second Five: Mandy Kappel, Roosevelt; Jennifer DeGroot, Ipswich; Holly Schaunaman, Leola; Megan Mahoney, Sturgis; Dawn Sudbeck, Parkston.

1998 – Mandy Koupal*, Wagner; Heather Nelson, Yankton; Holly Bordewyk, Rapid City Stevens; Mandy Kappel, Roosevelt; Megan Mahoney, Sturgis. Second Five: Karly Hegge, Baltic; Nina Rozell, Elk Point-Jefferson; Amanda Iverson, Vermillion; Dawn Sudbeck, Parkston; Krista Orsack, Roosevelt.

1999 – Mandy Kappel*, Roosevelt; Megan Mahoney, Sturgis; Lacey Johnson, Wessington Springs; Brenda Davis, Tri-Valley; Randi Morgan, Mitchell. Second Five: Jodi Schroeder, Tulare; Sarita DeBoer, Huron; Miaken Zeigler, Sturgis; Lindsey Schneiderman; Krista Orsack, Roosevelt.

2000 – Megan Mahoney*, Sturgis; Lacey Johnson, Wessington Springs; Shannon Schlagel, Clark; Katie Krauth, West Central; Sarita DeBoer, Huron. Second Five: Laura Hensley, Washington; Michelle Bruns, Frederick-Hecla; Erin Case, Roosevelt; Renae Luecke, Roosevelt; Lindsay Thomas, Roosevelt.

2001 – Lindsay Thomas*, Roosevelt; Renae Luecke, Roosevelt; Sara Jensen, Waverly-South Shore; Meghan Woster, O’Gorman; Heather Sieler, Huron. Second Five: Courtney Grimsrud, Sisseton; Ashley Bjorkman, Vermillion; Jessica Klein, Dell Rapids St. Mary’s; Jenna Hoffman, Mitchell; Vanessa Yanez, Wagner.

2002 – No awards due to season switch from fall to winter.

2003 – Jeana Hoffman*, Mitchell; Jenna Hoffman*, Mitchell; Laura Legge, Aberdeen Central; Jenny Bridge, Hanson; Courtney Grimsrud, Sisseton. Second Five: Ashley Bjorkman, Vermillion; Laura Doshier, Rapid City Stevens; Kara Overweg, Mount Vernon; Chelsea DeVille, Watertown; Brittnee Powell, Parkston.

2004 – Courtney Grimsrud*, Sisseton; Jeana Hoffman, Mitchell; Jenna Hoffman, Mitchell; Jordan Stapp, Newell; Laura Big Crow, Pine Ridge. Second Five: Kristin Kirby, O’Gorman; Amanda Brack, Baltic; Chelsea DeVille, Watertown; Jennifer Warkenthien, Willow Lake; Natalie Carda, Beresford.

2005 – Jennifer Warkenthien*, Willow Lake; Natalie Carda, Beresford; Calla Sharping, Roosevelt; Jill Young, Mitchell Christian; Allison Johnson, Mount Vernon. Second Five: Jessica Deinert, Mount Vernon; Nicole Helsper, Brookings; Jenn Lammers, O’Gorman; Kristen McMahon, West Central; Teresa Case, Roosevelt.

2006 – Jill Young*, Mitchell Christian; Ketty Cornemann, Yankton; Kristin Rotert, McCook Central; Teresa Case, Roosevelt; Tiffany Moe, Brookings. Second Five: Tessa Wilka, O’Gorman; Jenny Miller, O’Gorman; Allison Johnson, Stickney-Mount Vernon; Abby Kratovil, Bennett County; Liz Helsper, Brookings.

2007 – Jill Young*, Mitchell Christian; Kristin Rotert, McCook Central; Megan Doyle, Hanson; Abby Plucker, Parker; Jenny Miller, O’Gorman. Second Five: Tessa Wilka, O’Gorman; Amber Wollschlager, Milbank; Brianna Bauer, Lincoln; Vanessa Johnson, West Central; Annie Roche, Vermillion.

2008 – Alexis Yackley*, Sully Buttes; Amber Wollschlager, Milbank; Vanessa Johnson, West Central; Ashley Eide, Washington; Cami Koehn, Colman-Egan. Second Five: Maggie Malloy, Parkston; Mikayla Barondeau, Leola-Frederick; Tara Heiser, Watertown; Steph Paluch, Pierre; Val Kleinjan, Sioux Valley.

2009 – Tara Heiser*, Watertown; Ashley Eide, Washington; Stephanie Paluch, Pierre; Sam Ostarello, Stanley County; Christian Janis, Pine Ridge. Second Five: Shaunteva Ashley, Roosevelt; Taylor Forsch, Baltic; Taylor Richter, Dell Rapids; Alex Kneeland, Summit; Carsey Barden, Sturgis.

2010 – Shaunteva Ashley*, Roosevelt; Carsey Barden, Sturgis; Alex Kneeland, Summit; Hillary Paulson, Freeman; Rachel Walters, Washington. Second Five: Christian Janis, Pine Ridge; Allyssa Wall, Dakota Valley; Justine Blade, Rapid City Stevens; Alison Kusler, Aberdeen Central; Rachel Krogman, Elkton-Lake Benton.

2011 – Alex Kneeland*, Summit; Rachel Walters, Washington; Sadie Stotesbery, Washington; Amber Huntington, Sisseton; Heidi Hoff, Brandon Valley. Second Five: Megan Mutchler, Newell; Margaret McCloud, Rapid City Stevens; Chandler Nielsen, O’Gorman; Caitlin Duffy, St. Thomas More; Devon Brecke, Wagner.

2012 – Heidi Hoff*, Brandon Valley; Devon Brecke, Wagner; Caitlin Duffy, St. Thomas More; Chandler Nielsen, O’Gorman; Kerri Young, Mitchell. Second Five: Macy Miller, Mitchell; Tia Hemiller, Watertown; Margaret McCloud, Rapid City Stevens; Kieran O’Malley, Centerville; Marie Malloy, Parkston.

2013 – Kerri Young*, Mitchell; Macy Miller*, Mitchell; Kieran O’Malley, Centerville; Tagyn Larson, Roosevelt; Chynna Stevens, Clark-Willow Lake. Second Five: Sami Knecht, Aberdeen Central; Taylor Trohkimoinen, Newell; Logan O’Farrell, Summit; Hayley McCarron, Sioux Falls Christian; Emma Hanson, Washington.

2014 – Macy Miller*, Mitchell; Ellie Benson, Washington; Alexys Swedlund, St. Thomas More; Keely Bertram, Elk Point-Jefferson; Shelby Selland, Sanborn Central-Woonsocket. Second Five: Miranda Ristau, Warner; Tagyn Larson, Roosevelt; Dalee Stene, O’Gorman; Josie Huber, Vermillion; Lynsey Prosser, Sturgis.

2015 – Alexys Swedlund*, St. Thomas More; Tagyn Larson, Roosevelt; Jessica Mieras, O’Gorman; Sydney Palmer, Pierre; Myah Selland, Sanborn-Central/Woonsocket. Second Five: Kelsey Bertram, Winner; Ellie Brecht, Lincoln; Ciara Duffy, St. Thomas More; Darbi Gustafson, Ethan; Dalee Stene, O’Gorman.

2016 – Ciara Duffy*, St. Thomas More; Myah Selland, Sanborn Central/Woonsocket; Anna Goodhope, Washington; Brianna Kusler, Aberdeen Central; Anna Brecht, Lincoln. Second Five: Paiton Burckhard, Aberdeen Central; Morgan Koepsell, McCook Central/Montrose; Abby Hora, Viborg-Hurley; Sydney Arrington, Washington, Megan Bultsma, Mt. Vernon/Plankinton.

* – Player of the Year

West Central’s Josh Mueller was Argus Leader Player of the Year for 2001.

Mitchell Christian’s Jill Young and White River’s Louie Krogman earned Player of the Year honors in 2007.

Boys First Five

The Argus Leader highlights the top girls and boys basketball players of the year with its annual First and Second Five teams.

Here’s who made this year’s boys First and Second Five teams. The list is being announced throughout the morning on @ArgusSports. Check back every 10 minutes for a new player announced.

HISTORY: Argus Leader First Five: A tradition through the years

GIRLS: First/Second Five Teams

Players are listed in alphabetical order.

FIRST FIVE

Matt Cartwright

Senior | 6-1 | Guard

Matt Cartwright will go down as one of the best shooters in state history.

The Argus Leader First Five Player of the Year matched a school record with 68 3-pointers. He shot 56 percent from the field overall and racked up 505 total points – second most in school history

Cartwright, along with Second Five honoree JP Costello, formed a lethal one-two punch for Sioux Falls O’Gorman, which compiled a 22-3 record on its way to the Class AA championship.

“There’s no question he’s going to go down as the most decorated player we’ve ever had to wear a Knights uniform – and we’ve had some really good ones,” coach Derek Robey said. “Just his scoring and shooting ability and the run we’ve had here – he’s very deserving of all the awards coming his way.”

Senior | 6-1 | Guard

The Class A championship provided a fitting conclusion to Ethan Freidel’s career at Tea Area, but not for the reasons you might expect.

There were, of course, the 3-pointers – the long-range sharpshooter had six of ‘em – but it was a couple of shots he hit late in regulation that demonstrated just how far he’d come as a player.

With top-seeded Madison surging, Freidel put the ball on the deck and attacked the basket. It was a skill he had been working to improve over the course of his career, and in its waning moments, he put it to good use, picking up a couple of crucial 3-point plays to stifle the Bulldogs’ momentum.

“From his sophomore to senior year, I would say the biggest transition offensively was his being able to get by guys rather than just trying to shoot over them,” coach Chris Fechner said. “It really stood out for him in that state championship game. Two of the biggest baskets he hit down the stretch were when he put the ball on the floor, got in there and drew some and-ones.”

For the season, Freidel averaged nearly 22 points per game, knocking down field goals at a 45 percent clip and 3-pointers at a 37 percent rate. He graduates with 1,427 points, only five of which came during his freshman year. He also hit 40 percent of the 690 treys he attempted.

Senior | 6-2 | Guard

Coach Jay Drake knew he was getting a good player in A.J. Plitzuweit. A steady contributor at Dixie Plains (Ky.), which won 19 games last season, the 6-foot-1 guard appeared poised for a breakout junior campaign. But it was during a two-game road swing in late December that Drake realized Plitzuweit was a special talent.

In the team’s final game before the Christmas holiday, he dropped 18 second-half points in a come-from-behind win over Tri-Valley. A little over a week later, he dropped 30 in a 71-56 win over Tea Area.

“A.J. has a very high basketball IQ and understands the game,” Drake said. “He is a very complete player who is capable of scoring in a variety of ways, but it was his play on the defensive end of the floor and his rebounding as a guard that really helped elevate our team.”

Plitzuweit finished the season averaging 23.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game for a Vermillion squad which compiled a 16-4 record. For his efforts, Plitzuweit was recognized by the Dak 12 coaches as the conference MVP.

“He had a very nice season for us and was a great addition to our program,” Drake said. “But we feel he still has a tremendous upside and will continue to improve.”

Senior | 6-3 | Guard

Tayt Vincent went out guns blazing in the Sweet 16 against Dakota Valley, dropping 27 points, including the game-tying 3-pointer at the end of regulation.

Though his efforts that night did not result in a tournament berth, the outcome does not detract from Vincent’s performance in his final season. The Augustana commit accumulated 450 points on 56 percent shooting. He was dependable both as a long-range threat, knocking down 51 of his 119 3-point tries, and as a passer, averaging over seven assists per contest.

“It started out where he made the varsity team because of his ability to shoot the basketball,” SV coach Bill Vincent said of his son. “Now he is more of a complete player, a leader on the floor, making players around him better.”

Tayt graduates with his name attached to eight school records. He is the all-time leader in points (1,837), assists (511), 3-pointers (247), steals (241) and free-throw percentage (84.74 percent), and owns single-game records in 3-pointers (9) and steals (14) and the single-season mark for free throw percentage (88 percent).

“Tayt became the face of our program over his career,” Bill Vincent said. “He was our leader on and off the court. He has made a lasting impact on the youth of our program and our communities.”

Senior | 6-2 | Guard/forward

A crucial cog for the Class B runner-up, Bennett White averaged a double-double, accounting for 19 points and over 11 rebounds per game. He was a reliable shooter from the field (52 percent FG%), but also wreaked havoc defensively, totaling 75 steals in his final season.

At the state tournament in Aberdeen, White accumulated 42 points, highlighted by a 17-point, 16-rebound effort against Parker in the semifinals. His performance that night was especially impressive considering the 6-foot-2 guard/forward was 5-6 inches shorter than most of the players he was battling with inside.

“Bennett’s an outside player. On anybody else’s team he’d be a guard, playing from the outside,” coach Gordon Hooks explained. “But on our team, he’s got to be a post player because he’s the best player down to do it. It’s just desire… They’re playing hard, following the game and playing team defense, that’s the way you have to play with these big kids.”

SECOND FIVE

Senior | 6-1 | Guard

Mason Archambault made a statement in early January. The 6-foot-1 senior scored a game-high 32 points, leading his team to an upset of top-ranked O’Gorman – in their barn.

“That performance kind of really showed people that he’s one of the best players in the state,” coach Chris Stoebner said. “That was a pretty special night, especially with the year they had.”

For the season, Archambault accumulated 379 points (18 ppg). He shot better than 40 percent from both the field and 3-point land, and owned an 88 percent mark at the free throw line.

He erupted for 32 points in the state quarterfinals against Pierre, then played a role in keeping the team focused following that heartbreaking double overtime loss. He scored 43 points over the next two games – which came against No. 2 Brookings and No. 4 Huron – to help the Raiders to the consolation championship.

For his career, Archambault graduates with 1,130 points, 215 rebounds, 252 assists and 146 steals.

“The big thing with Mason is he knows teams are going to be out to stop him, so he’ll get other guys going,” Stoebner said. “But when the game is on the line, he’s going to take control and try to win it for you.”

Senior | 6-6 | Forward

February was challenging for O’Gorman senior J.P. Costello.

The 6-foot-6 forward missed the final five games of the regular season with a broken hand. Upon his return at the start of district play, he came down with Influenza B, which limited his productivity against Roosevelt and Brookings.

But with a couple of weeks between the district championship game and the start of the state tournament, Costello was able to regain his strength, and in Rapid City, he hit his stride. The recipient of the Spirit of Sioux award and an All-Tournament pick, Costello tallied 69 points on 16 of 37 shooting with 22 rebounds over his final three games.

Costello shined in the AA championship against Aberdeen Central, stuffing the statsheet with 27 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, three blocks and two steals. His presence inside that night proved to be the difference for the Knights.

“The big difference in the second half was we got the ball inside to J.P. Costello,” coach Derek Robey said. “He just had a great night, a great tournament. He’s a great kid.”

For the season, Costello finished with 219 points and an average of 7.7 rebounds per game.

Senior | 6-0 | guard

After earning first team All-State honors in his final season on the gridiron, Bradley Dean made sure he also closed out his high school hoops career in style. The 6-foot guard led the Governors in scoring with 19 points per game on 42 percent shooting.

At the state tournament in Rapid City, Dean totaled 52 points, including a game-high 25 in the semifinals against Aberdeen Central, to help Pierre finish fourth. He also knocked down nine 3-pointers, giving him 77 on the year and pushing him past Nic Hogan for the school’s single-season record (76 in 2001-02).

For his career, Dean finishes second on the all-time list, behind only Lance Severyn, the 2013 Argus Leader First Five Player of the Year.

“Bradley is one of the best shooters to ever come out of Riggs High School,” coach Terry Becker said. “In our program, he displayed an exceptional work ethic, a flare for the dramatic, and tremendous success, all while demonstrating such humility.”

Senior | 6-1 | guard

A 6-foot-1 guard, Seth Friesz’s physicality, paired with his ability to knock down shots from the perimeter, made him a difficult matchup for opposing defenses. However, it was his workman-like attitude that resulted in the strong finish to his senior year.

Simply put, he was the definition of a gym rat.

“Seth attended every open gym and was always the last to leave every practice as he stuck around to put in extra to work on his game,” coach Adam Nelson said. “All of his success was due to the amount of time he put in.”

In his final high school season, the Concordia College commit accounted for nearly 24 points per game. His willingness to attack the basket and play through contact resulted in over 100 trips to the free-throw line, where he converted on 86 percent of his opportunities.

Friesz graduates as the program’s all-time leading scorer with 1,556 points.

“He has been a great example of how we want to build our program,” Nelson said. “Seth has helped with summer camps and spends time before practice leading his younger teammates through drills. He will be missed in Chamberlain, but we are anxious to see who that next kid will be that has that same passion for the game because of Seth.”

Sophomore | 6-3 | Guard

The leading scorer on a Bridgewater-Emery team that at one point had four players averaging in double figures, Sawyer Schultz exemplified what allowed the Huskies to run the table and claim the Class B championship. what made the Class B champions such a successful bunch in 2016-17.

“He had a very good season from start to end,” coach Scott Schultz said of his son. “He was the kind of player that would give an assist to his teammate and feel just as good about that as he would scoring the ball.”

A testament to his father’s analysis, Sawyer averaged 5.0 assists and 14.3 assists per game. A year older and a year stronger, he maintained a physical presence on the glass, averaging seven boards per game, and in the paint.

“He’s gotten a little bit stronger physically, so he’s able to be more aggressive around the basket,” Schultz said.

At the state tournament, the sophomore guard racked up 43 points, highlighted by a 16-point effort in the semifinals versus Sully Buttes.