SIOUX FALLS — Sioux Falls Lincoln’s Sam DeGroot was named the 2025-26 Gatorade South Dakota boys basketball player of the year on Friday.

DeGroot, a 6-foot-7, 205-pound senior forward, has guided the Patriots to a 22-0 record this season, and will play in the state semifinals tonight against No. 4 Harrisburg.

The future Augustana Viking is averaging 20.1 points, 8.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game this season while shooting 45.6% from 3-point range. DeGroot also holds the school record for single-game points (43) and 3-pointers (10).