WHITE RIVER — Jimmy Plooster epitomized being a White River Tiger. 

The White River High School boys basketball team has produced all-time prolific scorers and all-staters during its 18-year state tournament streak. The Tigers have also won with unheralded players and glue guys.

Plooster was one of those dudes and he loved being a Tiger.

“He was White River through and through,” White River coach Eldon Marshall said. “He’s someone who always had your back, worked hard every day and was just a great kid. He was a brother to you and he’s your friend for life.” 

Plooster, 30, died on Nov. 27, 2022. But his Tiger legacy is being remembered by this year’s team and beyond. The Tigers have Plooster’s No. 35 on their warmup shirts and the inaugural Jimmy Plooster Award was presented on Parents Night this season. 

Plooster was a member of White River state tournament teams from 2007-10 and was on state championship teams in 2008 and ‘10. He was a senior starter on the 2010 championship team. 

“He was one of the kids that started it all,” Marshall said. “He’s a part of White River — more importantly, our community, and of course, our school and our basketball program.”

White River's Jimmy Plooster attacks the basket during the 2010 state championship. (South Dakota Public Broadcasting Photo)

The Jimmy Plooster Award will be presented annually to a White River senior boys basketball player who demonstrates commitment, friendship and will honor Plooster and his family. 

“It’s just a small gesture that we can do to let the family know that we love them and we care for them and we love Jimmy,” Marshall said.   

This year’s award recipient was Joe Sayler, White River’s all-stater and future South Dakota State University men’s basketball player.   

“He was part of the program when they first started this thing and what happened to him is very heartbreaking,” Sayler said. “Just being there for them and playing for them and playing for his family means a lot to us. We take that all into consideration every night. To rep his number across our back when we warm up is really special.”

He is survived by his two children Aubrey and Noah and their mother Juana, his parents Tim Plooster and Lea Rattling Leaf. His siblings; Lucas, Kendra, Kourtney, Ashlyn and Chris, Cobe, and Lane. Nieces and nephews; Nevaeh, Amiah, Brayen, Bailey, and Kason. He is also survived by all members of the Plooster, Rattling Leaf, and Iron Shell families.

White River's Joe Sayler, center, received the inaugural Jimmy Plooster Award this season. (Marc Marshall / Courtesy Photo)