Two senior players on the Dell Rapids St Mary Cardinal boys basketball team have committed to play college basketball next season. Sam Palmer recently committed to Mount Marty University in Yankton, SD, and Connor Libis committed to Briar Cliff University in Sioux City, IA earlier this year. With both of the schools playing in the GPAC, these teammates will get plenty of time facing each other in the coming years.
“One of my favorite things about Mount Marty is the atmosphere down there. Walking around campus, everyone was super welcoming and friendly. I talked to a couple staff members who were helpful with the academic side of things. I feel liek Mount Marty has a lot of momentum going for them right now, and I will love being apart of it,” said Palmer.
“I chose Briar Cliff because it was the best fit for me. I really like the coaching staff and everything that they have built there. I want to help add to their basketball legacy. I loved the Catholic Christian aspect as well,” said Libis about choosing Briar Cliff.
Before these two face off against one another in GPAC games in the future, they have one more season for the Dell Rapids St Mary Cardinals.
“I am really looking forward to this upcoming season. A lot of our younger guys have put in work and stepped up. Everyone has made improvements from last season. With Ashaun coming over, and his presence is going to help our team as well. And as a team working on our strengths and weaknesses during the off season, we will be set for a great season,” Palmer said.
Libis mentioned that he is looking forward to finishing what the team hasn’t done yet, making it to the state tournament. He also said that they need to still take one game at a time and embrace each practice and game this final senior season.
The first basketball game for the Cardinals is scheduled for December 15th against Mitchell Christian at Dell Rapids St Mary High School.