Athletes must be a Junior or a Senior, have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, be involved in community and school activities, be an elite athlete, and be nominated by their coach or administration. The Elite Eight Committee votes on the nominations based on criteria.
21st Annual Elite Eight Athlete of the Year Award made possible by KORN News Radio, Q107-3 and KORN Country 92-1
Luke Koepsell – Howard (Jr.), Basketball and Football
Koepsell led Howard basketball to its first state championship in 60 years this past March, being named Class B all-state second-team averaging 15.5 ppg, 7 rpg on 58 percent shooting. Luke was also a leader on Howard’s runner-up Class 9AA football team where he was named all-state with 90 tackles and 10 sacks.
“Luke’s versatility on both ends of the court makes him invaluable to his team. For Luke to put up the offensive numbers he did while only averaging 10.5 shot attempts per game shows how efficient his is.” – Nick Koepsell, Howard Boys Basketball Coach
Kasen Konstanz – Platte-Geddes (Sr.), Wrestling
Konstanz capped his senior season with a state wrestling championship at 120 pounds after runner-up finishes as a junior and sophomore. A five-time state place winner, Konstanz compiled over 200 career wins while setting school records including most team points scored and career winning percentage for Kimball/White Lake/Platte-Geddes. Kasen was a three-sport athlete at Platte-Geddes, being named all-conference and all-state honorable mention in football.
“It has been a pleasure to coach Kasen during his high school career. He has many accomplishments to show for his hard work and determination, but I will remember him most as a great leader and teammate.” – Thomas Konechne, Kimball/White Lake/Platte-Geddes Wrestling Coach
Blake Leiferman – Kimball/White Lake (Sr.), Football and Basketball
Leiferman was honored as a member of the Argus Leader Elite 45 after catching 33 passes for 419 yards and seven touchdowns, while adding another score on the ground for Kimball/White Lake in 2023. He also earned Class 9AA all-state honors as a defensive end as a senior. In addition to football, Leiferman has been an all-region performer in baseball, as well as an all-conference selection in basketball after averaging 17.8 points and 13.8 rebounds per game his senior season. Leiferman broke the school record with 36 points in a single game, while being the school career leader in rebounds. A member of the National Honor Society, he plans to major in agricultural business at South Dakota State to continue his football career.
“Blake is an incredibly hardworking and dedicated athlete who holds himself to a high standard. It has always been an honor and privilege to coach Blake.” – Will Gottlob, Kimball/White Lake Boys Basketball Coach
Aiden Lieber – Mitchell Christian (Sr.), Basketball
Lieber finished his senior season with one of the best state lines in Mitchell Christian history, averaging 30.4 points, 10.2 rebounds and 4.1 steals per game. On February 13th, Lieber scored a career-high 50 points vs. Colman-Egan. A Class B all-state third team selection, Lieber is also the president of the National Honor Society after enrolling his sophomore year.
“The whole student body looks up to Aiden as a leader because of his basketball skill, but his character makes a great example to the underclassmen.” – David Beukelman, Mitchell Christian Assistant Boys Basketball Coach
Jackson Remmers – Howard (Sr.), Wrestling
Remmers completed one of the most decorated careers in South Dakota wrestling history. He amassed 286 wins, which matches the all-time career wins record. Jackson finished his career as a six-time state place winner, four-time state finalist and three-time state champion. As a senior, Remmers secured 110 takedowns, while only surrendering one. He ended his career with 98 consecutive wins, a 286-29 career record and a 47-0 record as a senior, winning at state title at 157 pounds.
“Aside from all his accolades, Jackson is one of the most selfless individuals and always put him teammates ahead of himself. Jackson cares deeply about leaving an impact on and making those around him better. It has been a pleasure to have him part of the Howard wrestling family.” – Corbin Surat, Howard Wrestling Coach
Gavin Soukup – Mitchell (Sr.), Basketball
Soukup was a Class AA second-team all-state selection, ending his Kernels career with a state championship. Averaging 12.1 ppg during the regular season, Soukup led Mitchell at the state tournament with a team best 17.3 ppg and 4.7 apg on 54 percent shooting. Providing the Kernels with senior leadership all season long, Soukup currently has offers from Dakota Wesleyan and Mt. Marty.
“Gavin will go down as the unquestionable leader of the team that kicked the last door down in the Kernel Basketball rebuild, winning a State Championship. During his senior year, Gavin was awarded with All-ESD, All-State, and All-Tournament. The “trifecta” of awards for a AA basketball player. In our program, Gavin was voted, by his teammates, as the winner of our “Spirit of the Kernel” award. This is the highest honor in our program. The definition of this award is “This player best exemplifies values and leadership on and off the court. This person is recognized as the face of Mitchell Kernel Basketball and leads by example both on the court and off”. All of these awards, yet you won’t hear Gavin talk about them – he puts the team first always.” – Ryker Kreutzfeldt, Mitchell Basketball Coach
Markus Talley – Mitchell (Jr.), Basketball
The Mitchell point guard led the Kernels to their first state championship in 19 years this past March, ending the season with a 23-1 record and a Class AA first-team all-state selection. Talley averaged 17.3 ppg, 6.2 rpg and 4.1 apg will being named to the All-ESD and AA All-Tournament teams. Talley will return next season as a senior for Mitchell, in pursuit of back-to-back state championships.
“Markus is the definition of humble. He plays the game the right way, treats his opponents with respect, and has worked hard to get to this point. Markus is going to be the type of player the community of Mitchell is saying ‘remember when’ about long after his career is over. He has earned all the accolades he is receiving but his priority has always been putting the team first. We would not have been in the position we were in at the end of the year if it were not for Markus Talley’s efforts.” – Ryker Kreutzfeldt, Mitchell Basketball Coach
Brock Tuttle – Hanson (Sr.), Football
Tuttle has been a four-year starter for Hanson football, being named to the 9-AA first-team all-state team three times, including as a fullback as a senior. The past fall, Tuttle was voted as the South Dakota 9AA All-American candidate. Brock ends his career with 2,050 rushing yards and 33 touchdowns, along with 349 tackles and 12 sacks.
“Brock is one of the most intense and passionate football players that has ever put on a Hanson uniform. Brock has not only been a leader on the football field, but off the field as well in the Hanson community and school.” – Jim Haskamp, Hanson Football Coach