Vote for Argus Leader Athlete of the Week from Oct. 5-10

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The first full week of October provided more outstanding performances in all high school sports in South Dakota.

Here are the nominees for the Argus Leader’s high school Athletes of the Week for Oct. 5-10. ArgusLeader.com readers vote to decide this week’s winner. Voting closes at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 16.

Athletes are listed in alphabetical order by last name.

Lincoln running back Brayden Jackson (21) carries the ball against Washington during the first quarter on Friday, Oct. 9, 2026, at Howard Wood Field in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

(TJ Rhodes / Argus Leader)

Boys

Ben Bruns, Jr., Tea Area

Bruns was in the Mitchell backfield constantly during Tea Area’s 41-21 win. The junior defensive lineman had three tackles for a loss, including 1.5 sacks for for 14.5 yards, eight tackles and a fumble recovery.

Tea Area quarterback Mitch Grant, center, follows through after making a throw at a Tea Area football practice on Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026, at Tea Area High School in Tea, South Dakota.

Mitch Grant, Jr., Tea Area

Grant made an impact on both sides of the ball in Tea Area’s 41-21 win over Mitchell. The junior QB went 5-for-8 passing for 46 yards with a touchdown and an interception, while adding seven rushes for 49 yards and a score. He also had a 92-yard pick six and a sack, another assisted tackle for a loss and nine total tackles defensively.

Darius Harrison, Jr., Sioux Falls Washington

Harrison had a standout day on defense and special teams for Sioux Falls Washington in its 57-21 loss to Sioux Falls Lincoln. The junior defensive back made a team-high eight tackles in the game and returned a punt 30 yards for a touchdown.

Brayden Jackson, Sr., Sioux Falls Lincoln

Jackson had a banner day against his former team in Sioux Falls Lincoln’s 57-21 win over Sioux Falls Washington. The senior running back recorded three touchdowns on eight carries, going for 62 yards.

Jefferson wide receiver Tyson Tycz (40) stiff arms the Westview High Omaha defender during the first half on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026, at Howard Wood Field in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Tyson Tycz, Sr., Sioux Falls Jefferson

Tycz went for three touchdowns in Sioux Falls Jefferson’s 41-0 win over Sioux Falls Roosevelt. The senior wideout had four catches for 51 yards and a pair of touchdowns, and also took a 34-yard reverse to the house.

Girls

Kennedi Boomsma, Sr., Brandon Valley

Boomsma had a consistent week for Brandon Valley in a pair of sweeps over Sioux Falls Jefferson and Pierre. The senior recorded seven kills in each match, good for second on the team.

Hope Gabel, So., Harrisburg

Gabel won the second singles Class AA tennis state championship this week in Rapid City, beating three consecutive opponents without dropping a set. She was then partnered with Noa Lovro in first doubles, and the duo placed fifth.

Emily Lease, Fr., Sioux Falls Lincoln

Lease became a two-time Class AA tennis state champion in Rapid City by winning the fourth singles crown and second doubles title. Lease was the No. 2 seed in fourth singles and swept her way to the finals before winning in three, then teamed up with Lily Statema to win doubles.

Brianna Reilly, Fr., Harrisburg

Reilly won the ESD Conference Cross Country Meet by exactly 40 seconds over teammate Hannah Genrich. The standout freshman ran the 5,000 meters in 17:30.7, falling 20.8 seconds short of her season best.

Lincoln Patriots outside hitter Ella Smith (2) celebrates after winning a match against the Washington Warriors on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, at Washington High School in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Ella Smith, Sr., Sioux Falls Lincoln

Smith led Sioux Falls Lincoln’s offense in a 3-0 sweep of Tea Area this week. The senior outside hitter notched 10 kills, two blocks and three digs in the winning effort.

This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Vote for Argus Leader Athlete of the Week from Oct. 5-10

Vote for Argus Leader Athlete of the Week from Oct. 5-10