Argus Leader First/Second Five: Meet South Dakota's best in boys high school basketball

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The Argus Leader highlights the top boys and girls high school basketball players in South Dakota regardless of class with our annual First and Second Five teams.

Here’s who made this year’s boys squads:

The 2019 Argus Leader Player of the Year, Freidel contributed in all phases of the game while also maintaining a prominent leadership role for the Titans juggernaut. The 6-foot-4 guard/forward averaged nearly 23 points, over eight rebounds and two steals for the Class A state champions, knocking down shots from the field at a 47% clip with a .367 mark from behind the arc.

Freidel preserved the team's perfect record against in-state competition with a buzzer-beating layup against Lennox, then battled through injury to accumulate a state tournament-high 65 points and 30 rebounds over three games to capture the title, beating Sioux Falls Christian in the finals.

MORE:Refuse to Lose: Noah Freidel polished his game to reach the pinnacle

AOTW presented by Sanford Health: Noah Freidel, Tea Area

“Noah is one of the fiercest competitors that I have had the opportunity to coach,” Tea coach Chris Fechner said. “When we needed a basket he would get it, if we needed a rebound he went and got it. He created opportunities for other guys because most game plans were designed to limit his touches.”

Freidel graduates as the program's all-time leading scorer with more than 1,800 points. He will continue his career at the Division I level, playing for Scott Nagy at Wright State in Dayton, Ohio.

Mors didn't have to score at a ridiculous clip for the Bucks to flourish in 2018-19.

The sophomore sensation still did, of course, finishing as the only Class AA player to average over 20 points, but what really stood out was the continued expansion of his game.

Yankton coach Chris Haynes said the 6-foot-7 forward was stronger, quicker and more explosive in his fourth season, and the statistics back it up. In addition to scoring 23 a night (.450 FG%), Mors tallied rebounds, four assists and two steals per game.

The coveted recruit dazzled at the state tournament, leading the way in scoring (23.0 ppg) rebounding (8.7 rpg) and blocks (9 total). His weekend was highlighted by 26-point performances against O'Gorman and Harrisburg to close out the year.

"Our opponents always got up for the challenge of playing against Matthew," Haynes said. "He's handled it well and answered the call night in and night out."

MORE ON MORS: Garry: Matthew Mors handles the spotlight without a hitch

As Mors continues drawing interest from major Division I colleges, he is also cementing his status as one of the most prolific scorers in state history. With a program-record 1,719 points through his first four seasons, he trails only Mike Miller (1,724), Jason Sutherland (1,899) and Eric Kline (2,025) on the AA all-time scoring list.

"I hate to think where we'd be at if Matthew wasn't a part of our program," Haynes said. "Obviously, he has some God-given talents, but he does not take that for granted. His work ethic and his intangibles are just as impressive as his natural ability, which is what makes him so special."

Bridgewater-Emery coach Scott Schultz admits there were ups and downs during his time coaching his son, but there were significantly more bright moments than challenges.

"When we were at the gym, we would take care of the coaching part," Scott explained. "When we got home afterwards, we rarely would ever dwell on it or talk about it... That worked great for us."

Sawyer developed into an exceptional leader for the Huskies. He was the first to step up in a huddle, offering words of encouragement before helping his father map out a strategy. The other players looked up to the senior standout.

Beyond his leadership ability, Sawyer also established himself as a do-it-all talent. The 6-foot-3 guard could dazzle with his skill and athleticism, but was also willing to bang bodies and fight for points and rebounds in the paint. He finished his season with a well-rounded line of 22.3 points, 9.5 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 2.4 steals per game.

A Dakota Wesleyan signee, Sawyer graduates with 1,876 points, 709 rebounds, 411 assists, 267 steals and 103 blocks over 99 career games. In his four varsity seasons, Schultz and the Huskies lost just seven total games to Class B competition (84-15 overall) with a state championship in 2017.

"As a coach, you think about being able to coach your son or daughter," Scott said. "I started out with Sawyer and the other two seniors (Jamin Arend and Carter Dye) as second graders, going to 3-on-3s and different tournaments... It's been a great pleasure."

A lot of weight was lifted off Hohn's shoulders when California-Irvine offered him a scholarship last August. Not that he was ever lacking in confidence, but the Division I  offer left him one less thing to worry about going into the season, a reward for the countless hours he had put in over the offseason.

"His confidence was off the charts," Tea coach Chris Fechner said, praising Hohn's growth as a leader and with his decision-making. "Everything that he had been working for, it finally came true."

After officially committing to the Anteaters in September and leading the soccer team to a second consecutive Class A title in October, Hohn put on a show on the hardwood.

The 6-foot-1 guard, arguably the state's best playmaker, averaged 13.2 points, 7.9 assists, 5.4 rebounds and 3.2 steals over 25 games. He posted an assist-to-turnover ratio of nearly 3-to-1 (198 assists to 68 turnovers), a strong shooting percentage (.485) and also blocked 32 shots.

"His overall basketball IQ on the offensive and defensive end was impressive," Fechner said. "I don't know if I've coached many kids who've (understood) the game as well as Justin."

Hohn went out with a bang in the Class A championship game against Sioux Falls Christian, erupting for 18 points, six assists, a couple blocks and three rebounds — almost all of which came in the second half. An all-tournament selection, he was a perfect 7-for-7 from the field, 2-for-2 from 3-point range and 3-for-4 from the line.

"That championship game proved just how valuable he was to us," said Fechner, whose team won its second title in three years with a 68-57 victory. "He put that game on his shoulders in the second half. We played at a completely different level with him on the court."

When you first walk into the gym and see Clark/Willow Lake senior Jacob Prouty, it's obvious that he's a farm boy. He certainly looks the part, checking in at 6-foot-1, 185 pounds, and his skill set fits the mold, too, according to coach Jerome Neishem, who described his standout guard as "farmer strong."

But that's not all Prouty brings to the table. While he may not overwhelm opponents with athleticism, Nesheim said he possesses the type of intangibles you can't teach or coach.

"No matter what team he's on, he's going to win," Neishem said. "He just has that leadership ability and that competitiveness to make people around him better and want to compete with him."

Prouty dazzled at the Class B state tournament, pouring in 81 points on 31 of 57 shooting (10-for-20 from 3-point range) to lead the Cyclones to their first state title as a co-op.

In the semifinals against Sully Buttes, Prouty tallied 37 points, eight rebounds, three steals and an assist, before accumulating 35 points and six rebounds in the championship against De Smet.

Those final two games put an exclamation point on an already-impressive senior campaign that saw Prouty average nearly 20 points, six rebounds and five assists.

#SDHOOPS19: Prouty scores 35 points to lead Clark/Willow Lake to Class B title

Asked what's impressed him most about Prouty, Nesheim cited his ball-handling skills, but noted he's not like a Sawyer Schultz who can "rise above and bounce around."

"Jacob just does it by basic skills," he explained. "He'll be dribbling and the next thing you know, he's in the middle of the lane shooting a layup and you have no idea how he got there."

JARED JAROS, LINCOLN

Senior | 6-2 | Guard

An electrifying scorer, Jaros served as the Patriots' "offensive mastermind" according to coach Jeff Halseth, who praised the senior standout for always looking for the best shot – even if it wasn't his.

The 6-foot-2 guard was good for 18.0 points per game with a .466 field goal percentage and a 37 percent mark from beyond the arc. He rounded out his line with 95 rebounds and 43 assists for the Patriots, who finished as Class AA consolation champs.

“Jared is a great kid not just on the court, but in the classroom and community,” Halseth said of Jaros. “He is the first to volunteer for any community events that we may have scheduled.”

MORE: AOTW Presented by Sanford Health: Jared Jaros, Lincoln

ALEJANDRO RAMA, RED CLOUD

Senior | 6-1 | Guard

A standout both on the floor and off, Rama was the state's leading scorer at 26 points per game before suffering a season-ending ankle injury against St. Thomas More in early February. The School of Mines signee finished the season averaging 9.9 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 4.2 steals, with a gaudy .481 shooting percentage.

In what was ultimately his final full game as a Crusader, Rama matched Josh Mueller's Class A single-game scoring record with a 60-point outburst against St. Francis Indian. The 6-foot-1 guard scored 30 or more points in nine of 15 games in 2018-19.

"Alejandro is a coach's dream," Red Cloud coach Christian McGhee said. "He leads by example on and off the court... When your best player is your hardest worker, that helps a team tremendously."

MORE: Up Close: Fast-rising Alejandro Rama sees culture as key

EVAN TALCOTT, BRANDON VALLEY

Senior | 6-3 | Guard

A tireless worker, Talcott was a key contributor for the Class AA state champion Lynx. The 6-foot-4 guard led the team in rebounds (6.3) and assists (2.5) while also pouring in nearly 15 points per game.

Talcott, who shot over 70 percent in the month of February, put together a strong state tournament, accumulating 23 points, 21 rebounds, three assists and three steals.

“Evan carried us offensively for most of the year,” Brandon Valley coach Brent Deckert said, calling Talcott one of the most consistent performers he had ever seen. “I’m so pleased to see him have an excellent year. He truly loves to play and easily put in more time than anyone else in our senior class.”

MORE: 'Welcome to Brandon': Lynx complete historic trifecta

KOBE BUSCH, HURON

Junior | 6-5 | Guard/Forward

Busch expanded his defensive game in his junior season. The 6-foot-5 guard/forward, who logged nearly two steals per game, rose to the challenge of guarding the opposing team's top player, regardless of position.

The Huron standout's defensive growth did not come hamper his performance on the offensive end, where he averaged nearly 17 points, eight rebounds and three assists.

“One of Kobe’s best attributes is his basketball IQ,” coach Jon Schouten said. “With three years of varsity experience under his belt, he can see a play or two ahead. He reads defenders well and understands how he and his teammates need to attack the defense based on what he is seeing.”

TREY KING, IRENE-WAKONDA

Senior | 6-1 | Guard

Arguably the state's top dual-threat quarterback on the gridiron, King brought a similarly diverse skill set to the basketball court for Irene-Wakonda.

A 6-foot-1 senior guard, King averaged 23.5 points and 8.0 rebounds over 22 games this season for the 13-9 Eagles. He was a dependable shooter, posting a .490 mark from the field with 63 made 3-pointers, and an aggressive defender, piling up 55 total steals.

“Trey is the best on-ball defender I have coached in my 24 years,” Irene-Wakonda coach Mike King, Trey's father, said. “He is a unique player. It was always an honor and a privilege to coach my kids through high school.”

A Northern State football signee, King graduates as the program's all-time leader in points (2,016) and steals (324).

Follow Brian Haenchen on Twitter at @Brian_Haenchen.