HURON — Blake Ellwein is joining the Jackrabbits, and their other recent prized in-state basketball recruits. 

Ellwein, a senior-to-be at Huron High School, committed to play basketball at South Dakota State University on Monday, June 30.

Ellwein continues a trend of recent in-state stars like De Smet’s Kalen Garry and Damon Wilkinson (Ellwein’s cousin), White River’s Joe Sayler, Yankton’s Matthew Mors and Sioux Valley’s Alec Squires to play for the Jacks. 

Ellwein is now the next highly sought-after South Dakotan to play for the Jacks, and he’s playing with players he grew up watching. 

“It was very special seeing that and seeing where they ended up,” Ellwein said. “Now I am having a chance to go play with them. It was honestly just very cool that I could represent South Dakota.”

Huron's Blake Ellwein, left, attacks the basket against Mitchell on Jan. 11, 2025 in Mitchell. (Ryan Deal / 605 Sports)

Ellwein, a 6-foot-9 skilled forward, picked the Jacks over Division I programs Drake University (Iowa), South Dakota and North Dakota State University. Division II programs Northern State University and Augustana University also offered, along with NAIA’s Dakota Wesleyan University.  

But SDSU’s winning culture, proximity to Huron (75 miles) and the relationships built during the recruiting process tipped Ellwein’s decision toward the Jacks. 

“South Dakota State is just a special place with it being so close to home,” Ellwein said. “My family can go watch my games with it being so close, and the guys, it’s just a special group. The players and coaches are what honestly made my decision. So it was honestly very easy to make the decision after being around them, and then just the winning culture that’s there.”

Ellwein also developed relationships with both of SDSU’s recent coaching staffs. Previous SDSU coach, Eric Henderson, was named the head coach at Drake University in March. 

Former SDSU assistant coach, Bryan Peterson, was promoted to head coach shortly thereafter. 

Henderson later offered Ellwein a scholarship at Drake, and that weighed heavily into his decision. 

Huron's Blake Ellwein, right, attacks the basket against Mitchell on Jan. 11, 2025 in Mitchell. (Ryan Deal / 605 Sports)

“It was very tough because that’s a special place down there as well,” Ellwein said. “They are expected to win games, and win big time at the tournament. But you kind of know where you belong when you go on campuses.”

Ellwein said the SDSU staff envisions him playing the small forward and power forward positions. Ellwein intends on majoring in business at SDSU. 

Ellwein, who plays AAU basketball with Team Warwick, can now focus on playing hoops this summer and his senior season for the Tigers. 

“It’s definitely some weight lifted off my shoulders,” Ellwein said. “It was honestly a pleasure getting to talk to all these amazing people and connect with so many different people. But now you can just focus on the present and not the future.”

Ellwein is a two-time Class AA all-state first-team selection. Last season, he averaged 20.7 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game. He added 41 steals, 23 blocked shots and numerous slam dunks. For his career, Ellwein has totaled 1,061 points, 363 rebounds, 165 assists, 92 steals and 78 blocked shots. 

“Blake is a unique player at 6-9 with guard skills,” Huron coach Tim Buddenhagen said in March. “He is a tough match up because of his size, athleticism, and skill set.”