It’s easy to root for Kobee Sherman. 

Viborg-Hurley boys basketball coach Galen Schoenefeld describes Sherman as a friend, leader, volunteer and competitor. On the court, Sherman enjoyed a breakout season for the Cougars and helped them reach the Class B boys basketball tournament in Aberdeen.

But his impact goes beyond basketball. 

“We have an FCA group here in our school and he’s definitely a leader there as well and a faithful attendee,” Schoenefeld said. “You need anything done or if you need a favor, he’s more than willing to step up. He’s just an all-around good kid.”

So it’s no surprise Viborg-Hurley is rallying around and rooting for Sherman, who was recently diagnosed with osteosarcoma in his knee which has spread to a spot on his clavicle, vertebrae, and lungs. The cancerous condition will prevent Sherman from continuing to play high school sports. 

“It was just tough news to take,” Schoenefeld said. “You never want to see this happen for any kid, let alone one of your players and somebody that you’ve been around so long.”

Viborg-Hurley's Kobee Sherman (33) puts up a shot at the Class B boys basketball tournament. (Matt Gade / For 605 Sports)

Kobee is the youngest son of Leslie and Jason Sherman. Kobee’s older brothers Gradee and Brodee also played for the Cougars and Kobee was a former team manager. 

Kobee Sherman has had issues with his knee and underwent physical therapy in the past. An MRI after the season revealed a tumor in his knee and he received the full diagnosis on Wednesday. 

Schoenefeld, who was at the annual athletic directors meeting in Pierre, received the news from Sherman over the phone. 

“(It was) emotional — when you are not expecting his high school playing time to be over,” Schoenefeld said. “He was a junior this year and had a really good year for us and some really big games for us. You are looking forward to seeing him out on the court and having him be a part of your team.”

In short order, the Viborg-Hurley team has rallied around Sherman and his family. A GoFundMe page has already raised more than $13,000 (and counting) of a $25,000 goal.

The Viborg-Hurley junior class will accept free-will donations for the Sherman family at its prom this weekend. Kobee Strong apparel is already for sale and other fundraisers are being planned. 

“When we are in South Dakota and somebody is hurting or is in need, it’s people that step up from all over,” Schoenefeld said. 

The support for Sherman is also pouring in from across the state. Irene-Wakonda will also have a free-will donation at its prom this weekend, Centerville is planning a fundraiser and other schools have shown their support through social media. 

“Our communities are really close together down here,” said Schoenefeld, noting both the small towns’ proximity and personal relationships to each other. “There’s just a lot of ties between all of the towns. It’s not surprising that so many people are willing to step up.”

Sherman started chemotherapy on Thursday and Schoenefeld reports the first round went well. He’ll undergo four rounds of chemotherapy, along with other surgeries and treatments that are ahead of him.   

“We ask everybody to keep him and the family in your prayers and we are in this for the long haul,” Schoenefeld said. “There’s always a big push in the beginning, but this is something that’s going to go on for an extended period of time with the treatments and the surgeries. So just keep him in your thoughts and prayers. We are going to continue to do that and continue to look at different ways to help the family and help Kobee through the entirety.”

As for next season, Schoenefeld said Sherman will still be a big part of the Cougars and they’ll rely on his leadership. 

“We talked about how he can continue to be a part of the team and basically be a student assistant on the bench with us, too,” Schoenefeld said. “He can maybe get a head start on a coaching career.”

As for the immediate future, Schoenefeld annually hosts a Viborg-Hurley team watch party for the NCAA Division I men’s basketball championship game. He said Sherman plans on attending the party on Monday.