The heart of college basketball beats strong in South Dakota, as two remarkable athletes, Grace Larkins and Brooklyn Meyer, continue to shine in their respective teams. South Dakota and its vibrant sports culture are witnessing an exceptional display of talent and dedication from these young women, who are making headlines both nationally and locally.
Grace Larkins, a formidable guard for the University of South Dakota Coyotes, recently etched her name into history books by scoring 45 points on a record-setting 19 field goals against Omaha. This outstanding performance not only set a new program record but also propelled Larkins into the national spotlight. She was rightfully added to the midseason watch list for the Becky Hammon Mid-Major Player of the Year Award, presented by Her Hoop Stats.
Grace Larkins
Larkins’ accomplishments are a testament to her prowess as a player, having already secured three Summit League Peak Performer of the Week awards. Her recent accolades also include being the first mid-major player this season to receive The Associated Press Player of the Week honor, alongside national recognition from the USBWA. She boasts an impressive average of 25.5 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game against Division I opponents, showcasing her all-around capability on the court.
The University of South Dakota, known for nurturing talent, sees Larkins as a beacon of hope and professionalism. Through 18 games, she has led the Coyotes in scoring 16 times and has achieved nine double-doubles, underscoring her consistency and tenacity. Her remarkable ability to score 20-plus points in 12 games and 30-plus in four games this season is indicative of her relentless drive.
At South Dakota State University, another basketball star is making waves. Brooklyn Meyer, a junior forward for the Jackrabbits, also made it to the Becky Hammon Mid-Major Player of the Year Award midseason list. Known for her defensive prowess and scoring abilities, Meyer has been pivotal for the Jackrabbits this season, earning the Summit League Player and Defensive Player of the Year honors.
Brooklyn Meyer
Meyer stands tall at 6’2″, bringing immense presence and skill to her team as they march forward in various competitions, including conference matchups where she averaged over 18 points with an impressive shooting percentage. Her contributions to the South Dakota State University Jackrabbits are not just on the scoreboard, but also on defense, setting a sophomore record with 556 points in a season.
Both Larkins and Meyer find themselves as embodiments of South Dakota’s commendable sporting spirit, one that is supported by solid partnerships and a community that cherishes its athletes’ hard work. From the Jackrabbit Sports Network coverage to local support at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, South Dakota continually showcases its commitment to developing and celebrating sporting excellence.
As we delve deeper into this basketball season, all eyes will remain on these talented athletes, Larkins and Meyer, who are propelling their teams and South Dakota into the national spotlight. Their achievements not only bring pride to their universities but elevate South Dakota’s status as a formidable region for nurturing sporting talent.
Ciara Duffy
In their journeys, they follow the footsteps of South Dakota’s Ciara Duffy, the inaugural winner of the Becky Hammon Award, a beacon for future talents in the state. Duffy’s legacy still resonates, inspiring players like Larkins and Meyer to push boundaries and achieve greatness.
Looking ahead, South Dakota’s basketball scene promises excitement and opportunities for young athletes ready to make their mark. With the support of passionate fans, reliable networks, and outstanding educational institutions, the state is indeed a crucial player in the backdrop of American college sports. As they continue to perform, both Grace Larkins and Brooklyn Meyer reaffirm the potential and resilience that South Dakota brings to the sports arena.
For more updates and live coverage of South Dakota’s thrilling basketball season, tune into the Jackrabbit Sports Network and follow your favorite players’ incredible journeys.