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HURON, S.D. (Dakota News Now) -The Mr. Basketball Award goes to Huron’s Blake Ellwein who will take his talents to play in Brookings for South Dakota State.

Ellwein had a great career for the Huron Tigers capped off by his senior season when he led them to the State AA title.

He became the Tigers all-time leading scorer in the process, breaking his father’s record. He averaged 22 points per game his senior season.

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – Rapid City resident Jonasia Nance has been crowned Miss South Dakota for America Strong 2026 and will represent the state at the national Miss for America Strong pageant in August, according to South Dakota America Pageants.

Nance, an active-duty member of the U.S. Air Force, previously competed as Miss Pennington County for America Strong 2026. Her advocacy platform centers on improving access to food and essential resources for underserved families and individuals.

She has volunteered with Feeding South Dakota since 2022, helping with food packaging and distribution efforts in Rapid City and Box Elder. Nance has also supported Fork Real Community Café outreach efforts and remained active with Black Hills Community Theatre since 2021, contributing both on stage and behind the scenes.

Nance is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in business administration through Western Governors University and has earned her CompTIA Security+ certification.

As Miss South Dakota for America 2026, she will continue community advocacy efforts while preparing to compete on the national stage later this year.

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