Yankton Natives Hope to Feel a Draft with MLB, NBA

Upcoming in the month of June, two Yankton natives, Colton Iversen and Layne Somsen could both be drafted. The MLB draft starts Thursday, and the NBA draft is later this month on June 27.

Somsen has been South Dakota State's ace this season, especially after allowing one hit and striking out six in seven innings in a heartbreaking loss to Oregon last weekend at the NCAA Division I Baseball tournament. On the year in 2013, Somsen was 4-5 with a 1.87 ERA and 91 strikeouts. He threw one complete game.

Somsen battled back from missing the 2011 season and most of 2010 due to an arm injury, but has made the most of his opportunity at SDSU the last two years that has caught the eye of MLB scouts.

In 2012 after his injury, the 6'0", 190 pound senior pitcher returned as a starter for the Jackrabbits and led the team in strikeouts (53) in 55.2 innings pitched.

Somsen will look to hear his name called by an MLB team over the next three days, June 6-8 in rounds 1-40.

Meanwhile, another Yankton native, Colorado State senior Colton Iversen participated in the NBA Combine a few weeks ago, and is preparing for the NBA draft on June 27.

The 7'0", 255 pound power forward/center averaged 14.2 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game while shooting 59% from the field in helping lead the Rams to a NCAA tournament appearance and win in the Big Dance. Iversen played in the Big Ten for Minnesota before transferring to Colorado State.

Iversen's strengths are his size and has the ability to take long jumpers.

Iversen worked out with the Denver Nuggets a day ago, which was his sixth draft workout with an NBA team.

The next few days, and month will be an exciting time for Yankton natives Layne Somsen and Colton Iversen as they prepare for potential careers beyond their college playing time at SDSU and CSU.