MITCHELL — Kobee Sherman painted an awesome picture for the Midwest Miracles Classic.

Sherman, who died in November 2025 after a courageous bout with osteosarcoma cancer, had visions of a basketball classic to raise funds for pediatric cancer families.

Sherman was diagnosed with osteosarcoma cancer in March 2023, preventing him from playing sports his senior season at Viborg-Hurley High School. Sherman died on Nov. 5, 2025 after his battle with bone cancer. He was 19. 

Prior to his death, Sherman’s dream was to help pediatric cancer families in need — similar to the outpouring of support he received after his diagnosis. Sherman founded the Midwest Miracles Foundation in February 2024, an organization dedicated to supporting children and families battling their own pediatric cancer journeys. 

In January 2025, the inaugural Midwest Miracles Classic was held in Hurley, and Sherman’s vision was born. The first year was a success, but a bigger venue was Sherman’s ultimate goal. 

On Jan. 3, the second annual Midwest Miracles Classic was moved to the Corn Palace, a popular spot for South Dakota high school basketball events. Sherman played high school basketball at the Corn Palace, and he understood the magnitude of the hallowed arena. 

Sherman’s Corn Palace dreams did not disappoint, and it’s only the beginning. The one-day classic featured 18 teams playing nine basketball games — five boys and four girls contests. It will expand to two days and more teams next season. 

The 2026 event included Marvin Richard III’s 43-point performance for Pine Ridge, another impressive Class B girls basketball win for Lyman and Viborg-Hurley outlasting Wall in an entertaining top-10 Class B boys matchup. 

Viborg-Hurley's Brady Schroedermeier, center, receives the player of the game by Brodee Sherman, left, and Gradee Sherman, right, at the Midwest Miracles Classic on Jan. 3 in Mitchell. (Ryan Deal / 605 Sports)

And Sherman’s positive presence was the ultimate backdrop. At halftime of each game, Sherman’s video piece produced by SDPB Sports was displayed on the video board. 

Sherman’s family and their army of volunteers worked in unison to run the event, which started at 9 a.m. and lasted until 11 p.m. 

“Kobee Strong” apparel was sported by family, friends, coaches and volunteers. Midwest Miracles Classic gear was scattered throughout the 3,500-seat arena. 

The basketball teams posed with a Midwest Miracles Classic poster prior to their games. Sherman’s family and friends helped present each game’s MVP with a plaque. 

However, the best presentations were four $5,000 checks given to the families of Dell Rapids’ Henry Olinger (10-years old), Clark/Willow Lake’s Levi Atkins (18-years old), Viborg-Hurley’s Laytyn Collins (4-years old) and Viborg-Hurley’s Leon Gilmore (15-years old). 

Sherman’s parents Jason and Leslie, along with older brothers Gradee and Brodee, presented the checks.

It was the perfect venue for a perfect day of basketball.

Just like Kobee Sherman wanted.