The LHS boys’ basketball team had a very successful 2024-2025 season, with only two games lost to Mitchell, for a record of 22-2. This left them with third place in the State Tournament in Rapid City. Two main players were the key to leading this team to where they are now and where they want to go. Those two players are Brody Schafer, a sophomore, and Sam DeGroot, a junior.
These two athletes received a prestigious award, the All-Tournament Team, this year during the State Tournament.
“It’s a pretty cool award to have. I mean, I get to show a little bit of how I played during the State Tournament. It showed how our team played because I wouldn’t be able to do that without them,” said Schafer.
“I think it’s nice that I was able to play well during the tournament. Obviously, we didn’t achieve our main goal, but it’s still a good award to have,” said DeGroot.
As the season goes on, it may be difficult to stay focused and motivated. The basketball season does not just start in the winter. The hard work is put in the spring before, with open gyms, lifting weights and team camps.
“You just gotta keep striving to get better, not to be complacent [and] keep working because you always can get better,” said Schafer.
“I think knowing we haven’t made our goal fully gives everyone motivation to be better for next year, ”said DeGroot.
(Photo used with permission by Sam DeGroot)
Along the way, these athletes meet special people who help them and guide them in the right direction. All of the coaches, teammates and family members provide them with the resources they need to be successful.
“I thank just the whole team, coaching staff for pushing every day during the whole season to get better and better, and our players just starting to play together with each other, improving every day to be successful,” said Schafer.
“I’d thank my coaches, parents; they are always supporting me and helping me become what I am today,” said DeGroot.
Growing up and maturing come with advice and wisdom to help the generation below. Teaching younger athletes how to become successful and how not to be, as Schafer would say, “complacent.”
“Keep working, you know never be complacent, never wanna stop getting better, never thinking you’re too good to do something because you always want to keep getting better,” said Schafer.
On their journey in their basketball career, certain moments or times that have helped these young, inspiring athletes have shaped them into who they are today and how they play.
“I think just growing up, getting pushed by my brothers and my family members to understand to be as good as possible. I think they pushed me to be successful and learn how to work hard, and I think that’s why I’m where I am today,” said Schafer.
The LHS boys’ basketball team overcame many challenges and adversity with a new coach and several new young players stepping up to play in new roles and showing leadership. Everyone knows that there is room for improvement every day and every season.
“I want to as a team to keep them better, keep being able to play together, know when the right time to shoot, pass and be successful on the big stage,” said Schafer.
“I’d like to work on my dribbling more, do some conditioning just so I can play as long as possible on the court,” said DeGroot.
