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.
Braylee Bordewyk – Corsica-Stickney (Jr.), Basketball and Track
A dynamic two-sport standout, Bordewyk has established herself as one of the area’s most accomplished all-around athletes through elite performances in basketball and track, paired with leadership in school and community activities.
On the basketball court, the 5-foot-9 junior guard earned Class B second-team all-state honors after averaging 19 points, 6.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 81 steals for the Jaguars. Her versatility impacts every facet of the game, from scoring and playmaking to defense, while helping lead Corsica-Stickney to the Class B state tournament. Bordewyk delivered one of her signature performances on the biggest stage, scoring 26 points with five rebounds and five assists in the Jaguars’ upset of top-seeded Lyman in the state quarterfinals. Her leadership and steady play have been central to Corsica-Stickney’s success.
In track and field, Bordewyk has been equally accomplished. She is a three-time team MVP and already owns school records in the 400-meter and 800-meter runs. She placed second in the Class B state meet in the 400 and 800 as both a freshman and sophomore, while anchoring Corsica-Stickney’s state champion sprint medley relay and a school-record 1,600-meter relay. Her range, competitiveness and consistency have made her one of Class B’s premier runners and a cornerstone of the Jaguars’ program since seventh grade.
Beyond athletics, Bordewyk is active in National Honor Society, choir, one-act and all-school play, volleyball, church youth group and honor roll. She has also helped organize fundraisers for the Be You nonprofit in honor of her late brother, reflecting a commitment to service beyond sports. Coaches praise her as a dedicated teammate, positive role model and respectful, highly coachable competitor whose energy and example elevate those around her.
Liz Boschee – Sanborn Central/Woonsocket (Sr.), Basketball
Boschee closed out a standout high school career as one of the most accomplished players in Sanborn Central/Woonsocket history, finishing with 1,618 career points, third all-time in program history behind only Myah and Shelby Selland. A consistent two-way force, she helped lead the Blackhawks while earning Second Team All-State and 281 Conference Tournament MVP honors.
As a senior, Boschee averaged 14.7 points, 10.5 rebounds, 3.8 steals, 2.5 assists and 1.9 blocks per game, showcasing her ability to impact every facet of the game. She recorded nine double-doubles and one triple-double, anchoring both ends of the floor with her versatility, rebounding and defensive pressure.
“Liz is an extremely hard worker in all aspects of her life,” said head coach Krista Robinson. “She maintains a great attitude and provides positive leadership to those around her.”
Boschee’s leadership extended beyond basketball. A multi-sport athlete in volleyball, cross country, basketball and track, she balanced a demanding schedule while maintaining consistent academic excellence. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Chess Club and Spirit of Faith Youth Group, and regularly volunteers in her community through youth sports, officiating, concession work and service projects.
Her impact was recognized throughout the season with first-team all-conference honors and a second-team all-state selection, as she established herself as one of the most complete players in Class B.
Liz will continue her academic and athletic career at Northern State University, where she will join the women’s basketball and track programs.
Ashlyn Koupal – Wagner (Sr.), Basketball
Koupal capped one of the most decorated careers in South Dakota girls basketball history with a dominant senior season, earning Class A Player of the Year honors for the second straight year while leading Wagner back to the state tournament for the fourth time in five seasons. The 6-foot-3 Nebraska signee averaged 28.3 points, 14.4 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 4.4 blocks and 2.7 steals per game, showcasing her ability to impact every facet of the game.
A four-time first-team all-state selection, Koupal finished her career with 2,610 points (fifth all-time in South Dakota history), 1,210 rebounds (second all-time) and 463 assists (seventh all-time), while setting Wagner school records in scoring, rebounding and blocked shots. She also holds the program’s single-game records for points (42) and rebounds (24), consistently producing at a high level with 20 or more points in 22 of 24 games this season.
Koupal’s national recognition matched her in-state dominance. She became the first South Dakota girls basketball player selected to the McDonald’s All-American Game and also earned Jordan Brand All-American honors. A five-star recruit ranked among the top players in the country, she was named South Dakota Gatorade Player of the Year for a second consecutive season.
A true all-around athlete, Koupal is also a five-time state champion in the high jump and contributed to Wagner’s volleyball program. Off the court, she maintains a 4.0 GPA and is deeply involved in her community, volunteering through student council, youth basketball programs, Special Olympics and local service efforts.
Keeara Oakley – Parkston (Jr.), Basketball and Volleyball
Oakley has emerged as one of the top all-around athletes in Class B, excelling as a dominant presence on both the basketball court and volleyball floor for Parkston. A versatile and physical competitor, she has consistently been a go-to performer, leading her teams with production, toughness and leadership.
On the basketball court, Oakley surpassed the 1,000-point milestone during her junior season and has continued to build on that success as a senior. She averaged 15.1 points and 8.0 rebounds per game, earning All-Conference honors and a Class B all-state selection while helping lead the Trojans to a fourth-place finish at the state tournament. Her ability to impact the game inside and out, from scoring and rebounding to pushing the pace, has made her one of the most complete players in her class.
In volleyball, Oakley has been one of the most productive hitters in the state. She recorded 635 kills during her junior season alone, powering Parkston to a 31-8 record and a berth in the Class B state tournament. She earned all-state honors and was named to the all-tournament team after leading the event in kills per set and total scoring. Over her career, she has established herself among the program’s top players and surpassed the 1,000-kill mark as a senior.
Beyond athletics, Oakley is active in a wide range of school and community activities, including National Honor Society, FCCLA, HOSA, Ed Rising, youth group and Meals on Wheels. She has maintained a 3.9 GPA while balancing the demands of multiple sports and extracurricular involvement.
Rylee Peters – Freeman (Jr.), Basketball and Track
A standout multi-sport athlete and emerging leader, Peters has built one of the area’s strongest junior résumés through excellence in basketball, track and field, academics and school involvement. Her combination of production, consistency and character has made her a key figure in Freeman athletics.
On the basketball court, Peters turned in an outstanding junior season while leading the Flyers in nearly every major category. The 5-foot-9 guard averaged 16.6 points, 6 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 3.9 steals per game, while reaching the 1,000-point milestone for her career. She earned Cornbelt Conference MVP honors, first-team all-conference recognition and Class B third-team all-state honors after helping pace Freeman with her scoring, defensive intensity and all-around play. Coaches praise her coachability, basketball IQ and drive to improve, while her leadership has continued to grow both on and off the floor.
In track and field, Peters has been one of Class B’s premier hurdlers for several seasons. She has never finished lower than fourth at the state meet in either hurdles event over the past four years, including a third-place finish in the 100-meter hurdles and fourth in the 300-meter hurdles last season. She has also played a major role in Freeman’s relay success, helping the Flyers reach the finals in both the 4×200 and 4×400 relays at the state meet. Her versatility and consistency have made her a cornerstone of Freeman’s track program.
Beyond athletics, Peters is active in band and choir, excels in the classroom and is involved in her church. She is regarded as a positive role model for younger students, carrying herself with maturity in the classroom, hallways and competition. Coaches cite her strong character, work ethic and willingness to lead by example as qualities that separate her.
Olivia Prunty – Mitchell (Sr.), Gymnastics
Prunty concluded a remarkable career as one of the most accomplished gymnasts in Mitchell history, helping lead the Kernels to three state championships and three runner-up finishes while consistently performing at an elite level. A cornerstone of the program, she delivered one of her best seasons as a senior, placing in the top three in vault, bars and the all-around at the Class AA state meet.
Prunty’s all-around score of 37.683 earned her a third-place finish at state, while she also took third on both bars and vault and added a top finish on floor. She was a six-time all-tournament team selection during her career and earned an individual state title on vault, while finishing with record board placements in every event.
Beyond the scores, Prunty’s leadership stood out throughout her career. She consistently pushed herself while elevating her teammates, playing a key role in Mitchell’s sustained success, which includes 13 consecutive top-two team finishes at the state meet. Her final state performance was a full-circle moment, sharing the podium with longtime teammate Kyanna Gropper after years of competing together.
In the classroom, Prunty has maintained a 4.0 GPA and is a member of both the National Honor Society and National Spanish Honor Society. She is a five-year member of HOSA, qualifying for nationals in 2025 with her project focused on nutrition in athletes.
Prunty is also deeply involved in her school and community, contributing through student council, Green Team, Pen Pals and local organizations such as Big Friend Little Friend and youth group initiatives. A track and field letter winner as well, she has demonstrated excellence across multiple areas.
Britany Rueb – Scotland (Sr.), Wrestling
Rueb completed one of the most dominant careers in South Dakota girls wrestling history, capping her senior season with a perfect 29-0 record and her fourth state championship. A pioneer in the sport, she was also the first-ever girls state wrestling champion in South Dakota and finishes her career with a remarkable 162-9 record.
Competing for Bon Homme/Scotland/Avon, Rueb became just the third wrestler in state history to win four state titles, cementing her place among the elite athletes in the sport’s early years. Her senior title run was especially meaningful, as it came following a significant knee injury that ended her junior season. Through months of rehab and determination, she returned to the mat and never lost, earning Mitchell Republic Girls Wrestler of the Year honors in 2026.
“Britney is very deserving of this award because she is definitely an elite athlete and person,” said coach Jim Kocer.
Rueb’s impact goes beyond her accomplishments on the mat. A key part of the early growth of girls wrestling in South Dakota, she helped set the standard for future athletes while training alongside former standout Peyton Hellmann, pushing each other to elite levels.
In the classroom, Rueb has maintained a 3.7 GPA and is a member of the National Honor Society. She is also active in Scotland FFA, was a two-time state qualifier in cross country, and is involved in her church’s Luther League, contributing to numerous service projects.
Rueb will continue her wrestling career at Southeast Community College in Beatrice, Nebraska, but leaves behind a legacy as one of the foundational stars of girls wrestling in South Dakota.
Addie Siemsen – Mitchell (Sr.), Basketball and Volleyball
Siemsen put together a standout senior year as one of the top multi-sport athletes in the state, earning Class AA all-state honors in both basketball and volleyball while continuing to excel in track and field for Mitchell. A leader for the Kernels across all three sports, Siemsen’s versatility and consistency helped elevate her teams while cementing her place among Mitchell’s top all-around athletes.
On the basketball court, Siemsen averaged 18.4 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game. She finished her career with 1,315 points, ranking fifth in program history, and capped her senior season with a Class AA all-state second team selection. She will continue her basketball career collegiately at Augustana University in Sioux Falls.
In volleyball, Siemsen was equally impactful, guiding Mitchell back to the Class AA state tournament for the first time in eight seasons. The senior setter recorded 623 assists, 198 kills, 54 aces, 76 blocks and 263 digs, earning all-state second team honors and Mitchell Republic Player of the Year recognition. She finished her career among the program’s top performers in assists, blocks and aces.
A three-sport standout, Siemsen has also made her mark in track and field, earning multiple state medals and placing among the top 10 in school history in three different relay events. Her dedication in all areas was further recognized with selection as an All-American strength and conditioning athlete by the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
“Addie represents the very best of what a student athlete can be,” said Mitchell head coach Dave Brooks. “I have no doubt she will continue to achieve great success in whatever she chooses to pursue in the future. She is selfless, team oriented and leads by example both on and off the court. Her work ethic, character and commitment to her teammates truly set her apart.”
Off the court, Siemsen is heavily involved in her school and community, participating in student council, National Honor Society and Pen Pals, while volunteering with organizations such as Big Friend Little Friend, Angel Tree, youth sports programs and local service initiatives. She has maintained a 3.955 GPA throughout her high school career.