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.
23rd Annual Elite Eight Athlete of the Year Award made possible by KORN News Radio, Q107-3 and KORN Country 92-1.
Wyatt Anderson – Parkston (Sr.), Wrestling
Wyatt Anderson capped one of the most accomplished wrestling careers in South Dakota with a dominant senior season that solidified his place among the state’s elite. Anderson finished 52-0 as a senior, won a Class B state championship, and remarkably did not surrender a single takedown all season. He led his team in wins, takedowns and pins, combining technical excellence with overwhelming consistency.
A five-time state placewinner, two-time state finalist, and state champion, Anderson’s sustained excellence over the course of his career speaks to both his talent and dedication. His unbeaten senior campaign was the culmination of years of work and positioned him among the top wrestlers in the state, finishing with a 198-48 career record.
Beyond his accomplishments on the mat, Anderson’s leadership set him apart. Described by his coach Dan Bonte as the best leader he has had the privilege to coach, Anderson made a lasting impact on Parkston’s program through mentorship and selflessness. He invested in younger teammates by lifting with them, helping them prepare, and supporting them in high-pressure moments, while treating every member of the program with equal respect.
His commitment to wrestling extended beyond the high school level. Anderson attended youth wrestling practices consistently over several years and regularly volunteered at youth tournaments, helping coach and encourage the next generation of wrestlers. His dedication to developing others reflected the same character and leadership he brought to competition.
Brycen Bruening – Parkston (Jr.), Basketball
Brycen Bruening established himself as one of the premier players in Class B basketball during his junior season, leading Parkston to an 18-4 record and a Southeast South Dakota Conference championship. A SESD Conference MVP and Class B All-State Second Team selection, Bruening was the driving force behind the Trojans’ success.
The 6-foot-2 guard averaged 19.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game, while also leading the team in steals with 61 on the season. A dynamic offensive threat, Bruening can score at all three levels; finishing at the rim, hitting from the perimeter, and creating his own shot, making him one of the most versatile scorers in the region.
Beyond his individual production, Bruening reached a major milestone by surpassing 1,000 career points during his junior campaign. His athleticism, competitiveness, and ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor make him a true difference-maker.
Off the court, Bruening is deeply involved in both school and community activities. He participates in National Honor Society, FBLA, FFA, Hope Squad, and Student Council, while also competing in multiple sports including football, track, and baseball. His community involvement includes volunteering at The Banquet in Yankton, coaching youth football, officiating youth sports, and participating in church youth group activities.
Colby Flowers – Wessington Springs (Sr.), Basketball
Colby Flowers has built a reputation as one of the most complete and hardest-working players in Class B basketball, combining production, leadership and character into an exceptional senior season. The 6-foot-5 post averaged 19 points and 9 rebounds per game, using relentless effort and physical play to establish himself as a dominant presence in the paint. A two-time all-state selection, Flowers has consistently performed among the top players in South Dakota.
His development and commitment have been central to his success. After dedicating himself to adding 25 pounds of muscle in the offseason, Flowers elevated his game even further, turning work ethic into results. His rebounding, toughness and consistency have been defining traits, while his leadership as a basketball and football team captain helped set the standard for his teammates.
Off the court, Flowers has matched that excellence in the classroom and throughout his school community. He carries a 3.59 GPA, serves as class president, and is active in FCCLA and choir, while also dedicating time to tutoring fellow students. His leadership extends into every part of school life.
In the community, Flowers has demonstrated a strong commitment to service. He is involved in his church youth group, serves as a sports lifting coordinator, volunteers coaching youth baseball and basketball, officiates youth sports, and assists with camps, tournaments and community cleanup efforts.
Adding to his athletic résumé, Flowers also earned all-state honors in Class 11B football, underscoring his versatility as a multi-sport standout.
Silas Holdeman – Mitchell Christian (Jr.), Cross Country and Track
Silas Holdeman has established himself as one of the premier distance runners in South Dakota, combining sustained championship success in both cross country and track with leadership, service and academic achievement. A dominant force in Class B, Holdeman is a two-time state cross country champion, winning titles as a freshman and junior, while finishing runner-up by less than a second as a sophomore. He owns a 5K personal best of 15:43 and led Mitchell Christian to three consecutive Class B team runner-up finishes.
In track, Holdeman has been equally impressive as a two-time defending state champion in both the 1,600 and 3,200-meter runs, while also placing third in the 800 meters and helping Mitchell Christian to a sixth-place team finish at the state meet. His consistency across multiple distance events has made him the top Class B distance runner in the state for the past three years.
Beyond competition, Holdeman carries a 3.62 GPA and is deeply committed to serving others. He is active in his church youth group, volunteers through Salvation Army meal service, participates in Meals on Wheels, and recently completed a mission trip to Honduras, where he assisted with children’s ministry, food distribution and community outreach.
As a competitor, teammate and person, Holdeman leads by example. Mitchell Christian head track and field coach Paul Wieczorek cites his dedication, humility and willingness to serve as defining qualities, while his faith, character and work ethic have made him a role model for younger students and peers alike.
Gannon Knebel – Wagner (Sr.), Football and Wrestling
Gannon Knebel capped off a remarkable high school career as one of the most dominant and driven multi-sport athletes in the region, combining elite production on the football field with a breakthrough, championship finish on the wrestling mat.
On the gridiron, Knebel was the engine behind Wagner’s offense, showcasing true dual-threat ability at quarterback. As a senior, he rushed for 1,286 yards and 22 touchdowns while throwing for 1,639 yards and 16 more scores. Over his career, he accounted for 6,144 total yards and 76 touchdowns, earning first-team all-state honors and recognition as an 11B All-American. His impact extended beyond statistics, as his leadership and command of the offense set the tone for the program.
In wrestling, Knebel’s senior season was defined by dominance and determination. After back-to-back runner-up finishes, he completed a perfect 37-0 season, capturing the Class B 215-pound state championship. He recorded 17 pins and 15 technical falls, with only one match going the distance all year. His performance earned him Mitchell Republic Wrestler of the Year honors and the Class B Most Outstanding Senior award.
Knebel’s journey to the top was built on resilience. After falling just short in previous state finals, he committed to elevating every aspect of his performance, turning past disappointments into motivation. His relentless work ethic and refusal to settle culminated in one of the most dominant seasons in the state.
Beyond the accolades, Knebel leaves a lasting legacy at Wagner. A product of a storied wrestling program, he embraced its championship standard and added his name to its history. Whether on the mat or the field, his toughness, leadership, and consistency made him a cornerstone athlete and a model for future competitors.
Colton Smith – Mitchell (Sr.), Basketball & Football
Colton Smith capped off an outstanding multi-sport career as one of the most impactful and respected athletes in Mitchell High School history, combining elite production, relentless effort, and strong leadership.
On the basketball court, Smith was a cornerstone of the Mitchell program for four seasons, helping lead the Kernels to three consecutive Class AA state tournament appearances. As a senior, he averaged 17.3 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game, leading the team in every major statistical category. He earned Class AA second-team all-state honors, marking his third career all-state selection.
Smith finished his career with 1,331 points, ranking third all-time in Mitchell history behind only Mike Miller and Caden Hinker, and added 743 rebounds, likely placing him among the program’s all-time leaders in that category as well. Known for his relentless motor, he routinely played entire games, bringing a level of intensity and consistency that defined the Kernels’ identity. As a senior, he also embraced a leadership role, serving as a steady, calming presence while continuing to compete at a high level.
In football, Smith made an immediate impact in his lone season on the field. He earned Class 11AA all-state honors and was named to the ESD All-Conference Team after leading Mitchell in tackles (43), tackles for loss (6.5), interceptions (4), defensive touchdowns (3), and blocked kicks (4). His playmaking ability was evident on both sides of the ball, contributing 196 receiving yards and a touchdown at tight end.
Beyond athletics, Smith demonstrated strong character and community involvement. Through the Big Friend Little Friend program, he mentored younger students, and he consistently showed support for others, including attending Special Olympics events to cheer on fellow members of the school community.
Riley Tschetter – Freeman/Marion/Freeman Academy (Sr.), Football
Riley Tschetter leaves behind one of the most accomplished and impactful football careers in recent South Dakota nine-man history, serving as the driving force behind Freeman/Marion/Freeman Academy’s rapid rise to a state championship program.
A four-year starting quarterback, Tschetter guided the Phoenix from a brand-new program to a perfect 12-0 season and the Class 9AA state title in 2025. His senior campaign was exceptional, throwing for 2,385 yards and 29 touchdowns while adding 491 rushing yards and 14 more scores. He finished with a remarkable 29-to-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio, showcasing elite decision-making and efficiency.
Over the course of his career, Tschetter totaled more than 7,600 passing yards, 1,300 rushing yards, and 124 total touchdowns, setting school records in completions, passing yards, and passing touchdowns. His performance earned him All-State quarterback honors and the Mitchell Republic Football Player of the Year award.
Tschetter’s impact extended beyond offense. He contributed defensively with 75 tackles, an interception, and a forced fumble as a senior, demonstrating his all-around value and toughness.
His journey also highlighted resilience. After suffering a torn ACL during his sophomore season, Tschetter battled through a demanding recovery process and returned stronger, ultimately leading his team to sustained success and a championship finish. The Phoenix went 30-6 in his starts, including a dominant 19-1 stretch to close his career.
Beyond the numbers, Tschetter’s leadership defined the program. A quiet, composed presence, he led by example through preparation, consistency, and work ethic. Coaches praised his football IQ, poise, and ability to elevate teammates, helping build a culture that transformed a startup program into a champion.
In the classroom and other activities, Tschetter maintained strong academic performance and competed in additional sports, further reflecting his dedication and discipline.
Tschetter’s legacy is not just in records or wins, but in establishing a standard for Freeman/Marion/Freeman Academy football, one built on accountability, growth, and championship-level execution.
Ben Weber – Bridgewater-Emery (Sr.), Basketball
Ben Weber emerged as one of the most complete players in Class B basketball during his senior season. The 6-foot-6 forward led Bridgewater-Emery with 19 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists per game, showcasing his ability to impact every facet of the game. He added 2.1 steals and 2 blocks per contest, while shooting an efficient 56% from the field, highlighting his dominance on both ends of the floor.
A Cornbelt Conference MVP and Class B All-State Second Team selection, Weber powered the Huskies to a 16-6 record, consistently drawing the opponent’s top defensive assignment while also guarding the other team’s best player. His versatility allowed him to score inside, stretch the floor, facilitate offense, and anchor the defense.
Beyond the numbers, Weber’s leadership and effort stood out. He played with intensity and competitiveness, serving as a role model for younger players and helping set the standard within the program. His energy, often sparked by momentum-shifting plays like dunks, was a catalyst for his team.
Off the court, Weber is equally involved, participating in FFA, National Honor Society, and numerous community service efforts, including local clean-up events, blood drives, and volunteering at community fundraisers.