Shelby Selland, senior at Sanborn Central and leader of the state second place Lady Blackhawks team, was honored during halftime of the championship game that she was playing in, with the prestigious Spirit of Su award.
There is no disputing she deserved the award. “She is a super individual and a class act,” said Co-Head Coach Tim McCain of Shelby during Sunday’s welcome home event.
The Spirit of Su is given annually to one senior player at each class level of the state tournament who exemplifies excellence on and off the court. The player chosen for the award must exhibit athletic ability, sportsmanship, leadership, good character and academic ability.
She must be All-State caliber, an all-around team player and a standout on offense and defense; she must have great sportsmanship, acting in a respectful manner with officials, opponents, teammates and fans; exhibit leadership, having earned respect from teammates, opponents and fans; interact positively with students and adults, displaying self-discipline, high ethics and act as a positive role model; and she must maintain a grade point average of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale.
The Spirit of Su is in honor of SuAnne Big Crow, who was killed in a car accident driving to the 1992 Miss Basketball Awards Banquet in Huron during her senior year at Pine Ridge High School.
SuAnne stood against drugs and alcohol and became a role model in her community, all while maintaining nearly a 4.0 grade point average.
Shelby received a plaque and a quilt with four ribbons, representing different races as a symbol of peace and community among people from all races.