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It’s time once again to name our MidcoSN Player of the Year for South Dakota Class A high school basketball.

With every class, it’s not a task I take lightly. I talk to coaches, players, media members and others who follow the game closely. I watch dozens of games throughout the season with subjective eyes and come up with a list of contenders – and ultimately choose the player of the year in each class. 

Every year I think to myself, “Wow there’s never going to be another class as talented as this one.” Then, the following year, I’m surprised and impressed with another great crop of student-athletes. 

Class A Girls 

Haleigh Timmer, Sr.  – St. Thomas More 

20.4 PPG | 7.3 RPG | 3.8 APG | 52 steals | 60.1 FG% | 53.3 3-FG% 

Haleigh Timmer is next in line in a great run of girls basketball players from St. Thomas More. She is the fourth different Cavalier to win the Midco Sports Class A player of the year. Haleigh was at her best in big games. She’s the ultimate competitor who consistently puts up big numbers.

"Dedicated is the first thing that comes to mind when I think of Haleigh and her time at St. Thomas More," said her Head Coach Brandon Kandolin. "She is a model of what every young girl should want to be as a high school basketball player. Haleigh works above and beyond when it comes to making her game better, she doesn't shy away from a challenge and accepts pressure, but always keeps her team in mind. She is an exceptional young lady on and off the court!"

Timmer is going to continue her basketball career at South Dakota State next season. 

Class A Boys

Paul Bruns, Sr. – Dakota Valley 

27.9 PPG | 12.7 RPG | 3.9 APG | 53 steals | 51 FG% | 41 3-FG%

Paul was one of the most explosive scorers we’ve seen in this state. He had 8 games of 30 points or more this year including a season-high 44-point game against Sioux Falls Christian. But it wasn’t just his scoring that makes him the best player in the class. He also hit the boards hard with 19 double-doubles on the season.

"Paul did so many things for our team. He’s an incredible rebounder, played point guard, posted up, and his leadership skills were remarkable. We will have a big hole to fill with him graduating, but we know big things are ahead for him,” said Coach Jason Kleis.

Paul plans to continue his basketball career at the University of North Dakota next year.

MORE SD HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL 

2021 SD High School Basketball Player of the Year: Class AA

2021 SD High School Basketball Player of the Year: Class B