News Summary

Sioux Falls will host the fourth annual Who’s Next High School Combine, featuring over 130 young athletes showcasing their talents in front of college coaches. The event will take place over the weekend with both boys’ and girls’ teams participating. Athletes will engage in skill drills and competitive play to impress scouts from various colleges. This combine is crucial for high school athletes aiming for college recruitment, making it an exciting event for participants and basketball fans alike.

Excitement Builds as Over 130 Young Athletes Gear Up for Fourth Annual Who’s Next High School Combine in Sioux Falls

Get Ready for Basketball Action!

This coming weekend, Sioux Falls is set to become the epicenter of high school basketball talent as the Sanford Sports Basketball Academy opens its doors for the fourth annual Who’s Next High School Combine. With more than 130 student-athletes expected to participate, the excitement is palpable, and the stakes are high for these young hopefuls looking to impress college coaches.

Event Details: What to Expect

The combine kicks off at 1 p.m. on Sunday with the boys’ teams taking to the court, followed by the girls’ teams, who will showcase their skills on Monday at the same time. It’s a weekend filled with non-stop action, drills, and games that promise to showcase the very best of local talent.

Under the direction of event coordinator Nate Kaeding, who is returning for his fourth year in this role, the combine offers a fantastic platform for high school athletes not just from Sioux Falls, but also from neighboring states including Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Nebraska. This regional participation underscores the event’s growing importance in the basketball community.

A Chance to Shine for Aspiring College Players

The primary goal of the Who’s Next Combine is simple: to provide young athletes with an opportunity to shine in front of college coaches. Every year, around 8 to 10 colleges attend the event, looking for the next standout players to add to their rosters. Expect to see representatives from Division II schools like Augustana, Sioux Falls, and Northern State, as well as NAIA programs such as Dakota Wesleyan, Dakota State, Mount Marty, Dordt, and Northwestern.

Athletes will participate in a variety of skill-focused drills that include shooting, passing, ball-handling, finishing techniques, and various scoring moves. Beyond drills, the athletes will also engage in competitive play through one-on-one, three-on-three, and live five-on-five games, all designed to allow them to truly display their talents.

Who’s Attending?

This year’s lineup features a balanced mix of approximately 70 boys and 60 girls, all vying for their chance to catch the eye of college scouts. Some key players to watch on the boys’ side include seniors like Sam DeGroot, Will Kuhl, Mason Clark, and Trey Hansen. For the girls, prominent names include senior Ruth Dvoracek and juniors Emory Lems, Braylee Bordewyk, and Leah Landry.

This event is undeniably critical for seniors who are still seeking college commitments, putting extra pressure on them to perform. However, it’s not just about the upperclassmen; younger athletes will also participate in hopes of making a lasting impression, paving their way for future recruitment opportunities, even if they don’t receive immediate scholarship offers.

Joining the Fun!

If you’re a parent, coach, or simply a fan of high school basketball, the Who’s Next High School Combine should not be missed! Registration remains open, with a participation fee of just $60 (plus tax), which includes a stylish Sanford Sports Basketball Academy jersey to take home.

The combine will be hosted on Heritage Court at the Sanford Pentagon, a premier venue that provides the perfect backdrop for athletes and coaches alike. This setting is sure to enhance the whole experience for participants and spectators.

Whether you’re cheering on a family member or a friend, or just interested in scouting the next generation of basketball stars, this weekend promises to be filled with talent, competition, and a communal love for the game.

Make sure to mark your calendars for Sunday and Monday! The Who’s Next Combine is sure to be an unforgettable experience celebrating hard work, dedication, and the love of basketball!

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