MITCHELL — The Eastern South Dakota Athletic Conference announced its 2026 Boys Basketball All-Conference Team, with Mitchell senior Colton Smith earning recognition for the second straight season.
Smith is averaging 17.3 points and 9.4 rebounds per game while shooting 54% from the field. The senior continues to be a key force for the Kernels on both ends of the floor.
Joining Smith on the All-ESD first team were Ayuel Deng of Brandon Valle; Crayton Jibben and Stellen Larson of Harrisburg; Davis Chase and Blake Ellwein of Huron; Gavin Shawd and Grifin Wiebenga of Tea Area; and Carter Buisker and Jackson McClemans of Watertown.
Honorable mention honors went to sophomore Jackson Kudera of Yankton High School.
Mitchell now turns its attention to postseason play. The No. 12 Kernels will travel to No. 5 Watertown for the Class AA SoDAK 16 at 6 p.m. Saturday. Pregame coverage begins at 5:45 p.m. on KORN News Radio.
The teams met earlier this season on Dec. 16, when Watertown edged Mitchell 59-55 in overtime. The winner Saturday advances to the Class AA state tournament in Rapid City.