Blake Ellwein, a standout senior guard from Huron, has been honored with the prestigious 2026 South Dakota Mr. Basketball award by Hansen Anderson Basketball. The 6-foot-10 athlete, who is set to join South Dakota State University, was instrumental in leading Huron to an impressive 20-4 season, culminating in a state Class AA boys basketball championship. His exceptional performance included a near-perfect 25-of-27 free throw record during the state tournament, underscoring his pivotal role in the team's success.
Ellwein's remarkable career at Huron High School saw him become the all-time leading scorer with 1,535 points, averaging an outstanding 21.5 points per game in his final season. This recognition marks him as only the third player from Huron to receive the award since its inception in 1978, following in the footsteps of Rod Merriam (1980) and Eric Hall (2004). The annual award, determined by a vote from boys basketball coaches across the state, celebrates the most distinguished high school basketball player, highlighting a season of dominance and leadership on the court.
Blake Ellwein's Illustrious High School Career
Blake Ellwein's journey to becoming South Dakota's Mr. Basketball is marked by consistent excellence and significant achievements throughout his high school tenure. As a 6-foot-10 senior guard, Ellwein showcased a versatile skill set that propelled his team, Huron High School, to an impressive 20-4 record and ultimately to the state Class AA boys basketball championship. His leadership and clutch performances were evident, particularly in the state tournament where he demonstrated remarkable composure by converting 25 of 27 free throws. This award not only recognizes his individual brilliance but also his profound impact on his team's success, making him a deserving recipient of this esteemed honor.
Ellwein's impact extends beyond his senior year, as he cemented his legacy as Huron High School's all-time leading scorer with a remarkable 1,535 career points. During his senior season, he averaged an impressive 21.5 points per game, a testament to his scoring prowess and offensive efficiency. His talent was consistently recognized, earning him three Class AA all-state selections and three All-Eastern South Dakota Conference awards. Furthermore, he was a three-time all-tournament honoree at the state AA tournaments, consistently performing at a high level when it mattered most. Ellwein's remarkable achievements place him among the elite players in South Dakota high school basketball history, solidifying his status as a true legend of the game.
The Legacy of South Dakota's Mr. Basketball Award
The Mr. Basketball award in South Dakota holds a rich history, celebrating exceptional talent and leadership on the basketball court since its establishment in 1978. Blake Ellwein's win in 2026 places him in an exclusive club, as he becomes only the third player from Huron High School to receive this prestigious honor. He joins Rod Merriam, who was recognized in 1980, and Eric Hall, who earned the award in 2004, highlighting a tradition of excellence within the Huron basketball program. This continuity underscores the enduring legacy of the award in identifying and celebrating the state's most outstanding high school athletes, whose contributions transcend individual statistics to inspire their teams and communities.
The selection process for the Mr. Basketball award involves a vote by all boys basketball coaches across the state, ensuring that the recipient is widely acknowledged and respected within the high school basketball community. This peer recognition adds significant weight to the award, making it a true testament to a player's skill, sportsmanship, and overall impact. The award ceremony, held annually, serves as a significant event, honoring the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. By celebrating players like Ellwein, the Mr. Basketball award continues to foster a culture of athletic achievement and competitive spirit in South Dakota high school basketball, inspiring future generations of athletes to strive for similar levels of distinction.
