The Argus Leader recently unveiled a "Mount Rushmore" of South Dakota basketball, a poll that pits the state's most iconic high school stars against each other in a celebration of legacy and achievement.
The Boys' Mount Rushmore
Among the boys, four names stand out: Mike Miller, Eric Piatkowski, Louie Krogman and Jason Sutherland. Each brought a distinct brand of excellence to the court, from Miller's 17‑year NBA odyssey to Piatkowski's 1,517‑point high school career and Krogman's record‑setting scoring feats.
Miller, the sole South Dakota native to log a decade and a half in the NBA, captured two championships with the Miami Heat and earned both Rookie of the Year and Sixth Man honors, having once poured in 1,724 points as a high school senior.
Piatkowski, drafted 15th overall in 1994, amassed 7.5 points per game over 789 NBA appearances while his senior year at Rapid City Stevens saw him average 25.6 points and 10.3 rebounds, a testament to his all‑around prowess.
Krogman, the state's all‑time leading scorer with 3,521 points and a three‑point record of 388, famously dropped 56 points in a single game and helped White River claim the 2008 Class B championship.
Sutherland led Watertown to a Class AA title in 1992 and posted a 29.5‑point per game average as a senior, cementing his place among the elite.
The Girls' Mount Rushmore
On the girls' side, the poll honored Becky Hammon, Becky Flynn, Mandy Koupal and Jill Young, each of whom left an indelible imprint on South Dakota's hardwood history.
Hammon, a Colorado State alum who scored 1,417 points and later became a WNBA Hall of Famer, also enjoyed a 16‑year professional career punctuated by three championships and a stint as an assistant coach for the San Antonio Spurs.
Flynn, the second‑leading scorer in state history with 3,268 points, guided Wakonda to three straight state titles and later shone at Creighton, earning First‑Team All‑Missouri Valley honors.
Koupal, a three‑time Gatorade Player of the Year, tallied 2,095 points and helped the South Dakota Coyotes capture multiple conference crowns, while Young stands as the all‑time leading scorer in girls basketball with 3,317 points, having led Mitchell Christian to a 2005‑06 championship.
Together, these eight athletes illustrate a century‑spanning narrative of talent, perseverance and community pride, a story that continues to inspire the next generation of South Dakota players.