Ranking News | South Dakota’s Top 5 for 2028

Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code: digdakotas30 in the coupon code area   <a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigdakotas/?hl=en">Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas</a>   The top five in the Class of 2028 have already begun to separate themselves from the field—and it shows in every phase of the game. These are not just talented athletes; they are impact players who bring intention to every rep and purpose to every touch. College coaches are paying attention because this group consistently plays the game the right way.   Their edge comes from more than physical tools. It's the work ethic behind the scenes, the ability to process the game in real time, and the discipline to make high-level decisions under pressure. They anticipate rather than react. They adjust rather than hesitate. They compete with a maturity well beyond their years.   This group represents what's next in the 2028 class—players who are building complete games, setting a higher standard, and proving they belong in the conversation at the highest levels.    [player_tooltip player_id='722208' first='Josalyn' last='Samuels'] | Setter | Class of 2028 South Dakota Prep Dig No. 1 Overall • No. 1 Setter   [player_tooltip player_id='722208' first='Josalyn' last='Samuels'] is the heartbeat of the 2028 class in South Dakota—and the benchmark everyone else is chasing. As the No. 1 overall prospect and No. 1 setter in the state, she already plays the game at a level that feels years ahead of her age. Every match she touches is controlled by her rhythm, her vision, and her command of the court.   Samuels doesn't just distribute the ball—she engineers offense. Her footwork is precise, allowing her to stay square and balanced under pressure. Her release is clean and repeatable, keeping tempo consistent across every route. Middles stay engaged because she rewards them. Pins stay aggressive because they trust her location. In system or out of system, the ball arrives on time and on target. She turns chaos into order.   Her résumé is national in scope. MaxPreps National Freshman of the Year. Sophomore All-American. Three-time Class AA state champion. Multiple USA Volleyball NTDP selections and involvement with the Girls U19 National Team program. Nearly 3,000 career assists before finishing her sophomore season. Those accolades aren't inflated—they're a reflection of how early and how completely she has taken ownership of the game.   What separates Josalyn even further is her volleyball IQ. She reads blockers before they move. She manipulates defenses with her eyes. She understands match flow and adjusts in real time. In tight sets, she becomes the calm. Teammates breathe easier because she's in control. Opponents feel pressure because she never looks rattled.   Her work ethic fuels it all. Every rep is intentional. Every touch carries purpose. She trains like the standard is higher—because for her, it is.   [player_tooltip player_id='722208' first='Josalyn' last='Samuels'] doesn't just run an offense. She dictates the match.   And the ceiling? It's nowhere in sight. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas   Josalyn's Highlights-Check Them Out: <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2PVyJA">http://www.hudl.com/v/2PVyJA</a>     [player_tooltip player_id='790239' first='Mallory' last='Schneider'] | Right Side / Setter | Class of 2028 South Dakota Prep Dig No. 2 Overall • No. 1 Right Side • Left-Handed   [player_tooltip player_id='790239' first='Mallory' last='Schneider'] is one of the most dynamic weapons in the 2028 class, and her ranking as South Dakota's No. 2 overall prospect and No. 1 right-side hitter reflects just how impactful she already is. A lefty on the right pin, Mallory brings a natural advantage that immediately changes how defenses have to set up. Her swing path, angle creation, and ability to attack against the grain make her a nightmare matchup for opposing blocks.   At 6'1”, she pairs size with versatility, showing the ability to score as a terminal right-side while also stepping in as a setter when needed. That multi-positional value shows up in her court awareness and decision-making—she understands spacing, tempo, and how to keep an offense flowing. Her arm swing is clean and fast, and she does a great job creating high contact, allowing her to attack over and around the block.   Her résumé already includes national-level success: an AAU All-Star, a 15 Premier AAU All-American, and a runner-up finish at AAU Nationals with Kairos. Those moments weren't flashes—they were proof of her ability to perform against elite competition. As a varsity contributor at Sioux Falls Lincoln, she's shown she can impact matches early in her career.   What makes Mallory special is the combination of physical tools and volleyball IQ. She sees the floor well, adjusts in real time, and plays with confidence in big moments. As her approach speed, blocking consistency, and offensive range continue to expand, her ceiling only climbs higher.   [player_tooltip player_id='790239' first='Mallory' last='Schneider'] isn't just a top prospect—she's a left-handed force on the right side who is built to change matches. And in the 2028 class, she's only getting started. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas   Mallory's Highlights-Check Them Out: <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2RgPQJ">http://www.hudl.com/v/2RgPQJ</a>     [player_tooltip player_id='728032' first='Logan' last='McGuire'] | Setter / Right Side | Class of 2028 South Dakota Prep Dig No. 3 Overall • No. 2 Setter   [player_tooltip player_id='728032' first='Logan' last='McGuire'] is one of the most exciting young setters in the Class of 2028, earning her place as South Dakota Prep Dig's No. 3 overall prospect and No. 2 setter in the state. Her command of the offense, competitive edge, and ability to impact every phase of the game make her a player college coaches and evaluators are tracking closely.   What separates Logan is her volleyball IQ and efficiency on the court. She runs a high-tempo offense with confident decision-making, consistently putting hitters in position to be successful. Her footwork allows her to get square early, giving her a quick, clean release that holds up even when plays break down. She reads the game well, understands spacing, and keeps the offense flowing with purpose.   At Brandon Valley, her all-around game shows up across the stat sheet. She already has 800+ career assists, while also contributing as a scorer, server, and defender—demonstrating the multi-phase impact that defines elite setters. Her versatility as both a setter and right-side attacker adds another layer to her value and speaks to her overall court awareness.   Logan continues to develop at a high level through club play, sharpening her tempo, location, and leadership against top competition. As her game matures, her combination of vision, pace control, and competitiveness will keep her at the forefront of the 2028 class.   She doesn't just run an offense—she directs it. And her ceiling continues to rise. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas   Logan's Highlights-Check Them Out: <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2RmYfu">http://www.hudl.com/v/2RmYfu</a>     [player_tooltip player_id='733931' first='Elsa' last='Basel'] | Middle Blocker | Class of 2028 South Dakota Prep Dig No. 4 Overall • No. 1 Middle Blocker   [player_tooltip player_id='733931' first='Elsa' last='Basel'] is a middle blocker who immediately impacts match flow with her ability to control space at the net. As the top-ranked middle in South Dakota's 2028 class, she brings a combination of size, timing, and discipline that translates cleanly to the next level.   At 6'0”, Elsa shows advanced blocking mechanics—strong eye sequencing, efficient lateral movement, and consistent hand penetration over the net. She reads attackers rather than guessing, closes seams with urgency, and takes away high-percentage angles. Offenses are forced to adjust because she changes where and how hitters can score.   Offensively, she is becoming a reliable first-tempo option. Elsa transitions efficiently, runs clean routes, and maintains balance through her approach, allowing for high contact and controlled swings. She presents in system and remains available out of system, creating stability for setters and keeping the middle engaged. Her presence opens space for pins and improves overall offensive efficiency.   What stands out most is her consistency and intent. Elsa stays engaged through long rallies, understands match rhythm, and impacts the game without needing volume. She plays with purpose, processes quickly, and brings a competitive edge that elevates the front line.   [player_tooltip player_id='733931' first='Elsa' last='Basel'] projects as a middle who can anchor a block, stabilize tempo, and influence matches on both sides of the ball. She is a high-upside 2028 prospect with tools that align with collegiate systems and demands. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas   Elsa's Highlights-Check Them Out: <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2TNeSg">http://www.hudl.com/v/2TNeSg</a>     [player_tooltip player_id='758363' first='Jaycee' last='Jung'] | Outside Hitter | Class of 2028 South Dakota Prep Dig No. 5 Overall • No. 1 Outside Hitter   [player_tooltip player_id='758363' first='Jaycee' last='Jung'] is the definition of a complete six-rotation outside, and her ranking as South Dakota's No. 5 overall prospect and No. 1 outside hitter reflects just how impactful she already is. She plays the game with power, pace, and purpose—bringing a presence that shows up in every phase of the match.   Offensively, Jaycee is a high-volume, high-efficiency scorer. With 600+ career kills already to her name, she's proven she can carry an offense and deliver in big moments. Her approach is aggressive, her arm swing is fast, and she isn't afraid to take swings against set blocks. She creates separation with pace and elevation, and she continues to expand her shot range, making her difficult to scheme against.   What elevates her beyond a terminal attacker is her back-row impact. With 700+ career digs, Jaycee is just as influential in serve receive and defense as she is at the pin. She reads hitters well, covers ground with urgency, and keeps rallies alive with effort plays that shift momentum. She's a true six-rotation weapon who never leaves the floor.   Jaycee's competitive edge shows under pressure. She plays with confidence late in sets, embraces responsibility, and maintains composure when matches tighten. That mentality, paired with her production, is what separates her from the field.   She's not just an outside hitter—she's a program cornerstone. [player_tooltip player_id='758363' first='Jaycee' last='Jung'] is a player who changes matches, raises team ceilings, and sets the standard for the 2028 class. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Thank you to all my readers for making this journey possible. My goal has always been simple—to shine a light on athletes at every level, from Division I to NAIA, and give them a platform to keep chasing their love for the game. Every player deserves a shot, and I'm honored to help tell their stories.</h2>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Please help us continue to grow this positive platform for players by spreading the word and encouraging your friends to subscribe at <a href="https://prepdig.com/">PrepDig.com.</a> With your support, we can create unforgettable memories and experiences!</h2>   This journey is created by the village—athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers.   Thank you for making it all possible! ~ Theresa Hickman   Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas

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