South Dakota has seen its fair share of elite talent, from arguably the greatest kicker of all time, Adam Vinatieri, to former WNBA standout and current Las Vegas Aces coach Becky Hammon.
With that type of prestige, plenty of high schools in the state have carried the distinction of setting the stage for all the storylines. And that trend continues today…
Which high schools in South Dakota are currently considered the best for athletes?
According to one study conducted by Niche, which surveys students and parents—accounting for “reviews of athletics, number of state championships, student participation in athletics, and the number of sports offered at the school”—and data from the U.S. Department of Education, these are the top 25.
25. Hanson High School (Alexandria)
Total number of sports: 10
24. Mobridge High School
Total number of sports: 11
23. Alcester-Hudson High School (Alcester)
Total number of sports: 5
22. Sully Buttes High School (Onida)
Total number of sports: 4
21. Lennox High School
Total number of sports: 14
20. Central High School (Aberdeen)
Total number of sports: 19
19. Plankinton High School
Total number of sports: 11
18. Gregory High School
Total number of sports: 3
17. Hill City High School
Total number of sports: 12
16. Flandreau High School
Total number of sports: 12
15. Britton-Hecla High School
Total number of sports: 5
14. Groton Area High School
Total number of sports: 13
13. Howard High School
Total number of sports: 9
12. Milbank High School
Total number of sports: 14
11. Parkston High School
Total number of sports: 12
10. Lincoln High School (Sioux Falls)
Total number of sports: 18
9. Sioux Valley High School (Volga)
Total number of sports: 13
8. Washington High School (Sioux Falls)
Total number of sports: 15
7. West Central High School (Hartford)
Total number of sports: 4
6. Harrisburg High School
Total number of sports: 19
5. Yankton High School
Total number of sports: 7
4. Dakota Valley High School (North Sioux City)
Total number of sports: 19
3. T.F. Riggs High School (Pierre)
Total number of sports: 15
2. Sioux Falls Christian School
Total number of sports: 17
1. Brandon Valley High School
Total number of sports: 17
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: South Dakota’s best high schools for athletes in 2026 revealed