News Summary

Sioux Falls celebrated basketball excellence on Sunday as Griffen Goodbary and Taaliyah Porter were named the 2025 Mr. and Miss Basketball of South Dakota. Goodbary, from Sioux Falls Christian, became the school’s first Mr. Basketball winner, while Porter, from Rapid City Stevens, continues the legacy of basketball greats. Both athletes showcased outstanding performances, leading their teams to remarkable records and achievements, inspiring future generations of players.

Sioux Falls Celebrates Basketball Achievements with Mr. and Miss Basketball Announcements

This past Sunday, the vibrant city of Sioux Falls was abuzz with excitement as two standout athletes were honored with the prestigious titles of 2025 Mr. and Miss Basketball in South Dakota. The announcement took place during the annual Hansen & Anderson Basketball banquet, a tradition going strong for an impressive 48 years. This event celebrates the top basketball talents in the state as chosen by the high school coaches.

Griffen Goodbary Takes Home Mr. Basketball Title

Proudly representing Sioux Falls Christian, Griffen Goodbary has made history by becoming the very first player from his school to receive the Mr. Basketball honor. Standing tall at 6-foot-11, this forward has certainly made his mark in the world of high school basketball. Goodbary, who has already signed to play for Drake University, was also honored as the Gatorade South Dakota Boys Basketball Player of the Year for 2024 and 2025. Talk about a double achievement!

This season alone, Goodbary averaged an impressive 18 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game. His defensive skills shone brightly as he recorded a total of 36 blocked shots throughout the season. Thanks to his stellar performance, he helped lead Sioux Falls Christian to a remarkable 24-1 record, ultimately securing the state Class A championship in a thrilling 61-51 victory over Hamlin. In the championship game, he showcased his skills by scoring 32 points and grabbing 15 rebounds.

By the conclusion of his high school career, Goodbary has amassed astounding stats with a total of 1,146 points, 450 rebounds, 181 assists, and 45 steals. That’s a solid send-off for this talented player!

Taaliyah Porter Crowned Miss Basketball

Meanwhile, on the girls’ side, Taaliyah Porter from Rapid City Stevens was named the Miss Basketball awardee, making her the second athlete from her school to gain this recognition, following the legendary Becky Hammon in 1994. Porter, a 5-foot-8 senior guard, has demonstrated exceptional skill on the court, averaging an astounding 22.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game this season.

Porter’s hard work also paid off as she led her team to a commendable 17-7 record and a fourth-place finish in the state Class AA tournament. Throughout her impressive career, she has racked up a jaw-dropping total of 1,667 points, making her the all-time scoring leader in Rapid City Stevens history, surpassing none other than Hammon. She now ranks sixth on the Class AA girls basketball scoring list!

Beyond her scoring prowess, Porter has career stats that include 632 rebounds, 205 assists, and 201 steals, showcasing her well-rounded skills on the court. Although she hasn’t announced her college choice just yet, all eyes will be on her future endeavors.

Finalists Honored

The excitement didn’t stop with the winners! Other notable finalists for the Mr. Basketball title included athletes such as Bryon Laue from Castlewood and Easton Neuendorf from Hamlin, while the Miss Basketball finalists included talented players like Krista Langager from Sisseton and Grace Peterson from Sioux Falls Washington. All these athletes showed incredible dedication and talent, making the selection for the top honors a tough one!

The future looks bright for Griffen Goodbary and Taaliyah Porter, as they continue to inspire aspiring basketball players across South Dakota. With such promising talent emerging from the state, the next generation of athletes can only hope to follow in their illustrious footsteps!

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