WHITE RIVER, S.D. (KELO) — White River has a strong tradition of success in boys basketball. That includes four straight seasons with a finalist for Player of the Year as senior Nic Marshall helped pace another strong year for the Tigers.

Nic Marshall has been around White River basketball for quite some time.

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KELOLAND Sports Update

“Being my son you know, he’s been with the team since he could walk,” White River head coach Eldon Marshall said.

The Tigers boys basketball team has reached 19 straight class ‘B’ state tournaments, a tradition that continues to be instilled each season.

“He sees it, he’s in practice so he sees the success of the team and all of the other guys before him. What they did to get there and get better individually and as a team. They want to be a part of it,” Eldon said.

Nic has followed in the footsteps of former teammate and three time Player of the Year finalist, Joe Sayler, who is now playing at SDSU.

“I learned a lot from him. We got in the gym every day, before school and after school. Just watching him on the court and off the court; he’s just a role model and a leader. You want to be like him, because everyone looks up to him,” Nic Marshall said.

“They were one in the same when it came to work ethic. Their character was just a great duo there last year. Now, that’s carried over with Nic and he’s been leading the way,” Eldon said.

Marshall led the Tigers this season, scoring more than 26 points per contest. That effort, paired with a third place finish in state, helped Nic become a finalist for Player of the Year.

“I just want to win. I wanted to make it back to the state tournament and prove everyone wrong that we could get back there again,” Nic said. “The ball came to me, my teammates trusted me and we just tried to get it done.”

Marshall will join another finalist, Jaxson Wingert and head to Briar Cliff next season.

We’ll continue to unveil our finalists each night this week, leading up to our Player of the Year special, which airs Saturday at 9:30 a.m. CT.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.