SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – South Dakota State's Davis Kern claimed the initial Summit League Men’s Basketball Peak Performer of the Week accolade of the season, league officials announced Tuesday. Kern's weekly nod is the first of his career. 
 
In his redshirt freshman season with the Jackrabbits, the forward averaged 17.0 ppg and 5.5 rpg as SDSU opened the season with a road win at Kansas State and a home victory against Briar Cliff. 
 
Kern was dialed in against the Wildcats, scoring 24 points and grabbing eight boards in 37 minutes while going 5 of 8 from deep. It was the most points in a game by a Jackrabbit debut since 2019 and the most points by an SDSU freshman in the program's D1 era. 

The Marion, Iowa, native finished off his week with 10 points, three rebounds, two steals and a block in SDSU's home-opener against the Chargers.  
 
PEAK PERFORMER OF THE WEEK 
Davis Kern, South Dakota State 
RFr. | F | Marion, Iowa. 

• Scored 24 points (7-15 FG, 5-8 3FG, 5-6 FT) in SDSU's season-opening win at Kansas State; also had 8 rebounds in 37 minutes 

• Most points by a Jackrabbit in their SDSU debut since Douglas Wilson in 2019 

• Most points by an SDSU freshman in their debut in program's Division I era 

• Scored 10 points in 21 minutes in Nov. 6 victory against Briar Cliff; had 3 rebounds, 2 steals and a block 

• This is the first career Summit League weekly honor for Burke 

Also nominated: Lincoln Goodwin (Kansas City), Samuel Hincapie (North Dakota), Rob Diaz III (North Dakota State), Deke Thompson (Omaha), Luke Gray (Oral Roberts), Vince Buzelis (South Dakota), Jeremy Lorenz (St. Thomas). 
 
2026-27 Men’s Basketball Peak Performers of the Week 
November 10
Davis Kern, South Dakota State 
 
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