VOLGA — Maverick Nelson was expected to be the leader of the Sioux Valley basketball team in the 2024-25 season and when all was set and done, he was just that and more.

Nelson came into this season as one of three seniors on the team and was put in a position where he was going to have to step up after the Cossacks lost five players to graduation from the previous season. He did, averaging 19 points, seven rebounds, three assists and three steals per game. Because of that, Nelson is the 2025 Register Boys Basketball Player of the Year.

Heading into the season Nelson knew that there was going to be a lot expected of him and he worked in the offseason not only on his game but what his role may be.

“During the summer things were going good and I knew that everyone was young and it was going to be a whole new role for everyone and a new role for me too in the scoring column and my all-around game. I kind of expected a big year and put some preparation in for that, so it was definitely something that I was hoping for,” Nelson said.

When it came to the start of the season, the Cossacks struggled, considering the previous four teams made the State Tournament. They were 7-7 through their first 14 games but then found a rhythm towards the end of the season. Sioux Valley finished the regular season with an 11-9 record and then beat Florence/Henry in the Region 2A Playoffs. However, the Cossacks’ season came to an end when they lost to Hamlin a day later.

Nelson said he learned a lot and was happy with the way his team played at the end of the season. He was also proud of the steps that the younger players took throughout the year.

“There were a lot of growing pains to start the season, but we started to come together towards the end of the season and everyone started to figure out their role and we started playing better too. As a whole, it was good to see some guys step up. Yeah, we didn’t get where we wanted to, but at the same time, it was definitely a successful season in our book considering who we lost [from the year before].” Nelson said.

Nelson was a starter in his junior season but was more of a role player as Alec Squires and Maxwell Engebretson carried the load on offense. He said he improved at everything by the time his senior season rolled around, but one of the highlights was how he grew as a leader.

“I think [I improved the most with] my leadership. I think my coaches would say the same too. They thought I would be upset at the start of the season with having new guys come in and things would be painful, but as a whole, as a leader [I improved]. My all-around game improved too. I saw myself grab more rebounds and play better defense. There was all-around improvement to be honest,” Nelson said.

Nelson joins a long list of Sioux Valley players that have won Register Player of the Year. This was the first time since 2019 that the Cossacks did not make it to the SoDak 16, but head coach Bill Vincent has turned Sioux Valley into one of the more consistent programs in the state.

Nelson said Vincent helps give players motivation to have success and seeing success of previous teammates led to him having the senior season that he did.

“It definitely helps to have a coach like [Vincent], that’s for sure. All credit to him. He definitely pushes guys and everyone wants to be great under him. When you see so much success under him, you just kind of fill the void and want to be successful. Guys like Alec [Squires], seeing him excel just makes you want to be a better player. It’s really hard to not push yourself at Sioux Valley,” Nelson said.

When Nelson looked back at his career there was one moment that stood out to him. It was last season when the Cossacks made the State Tournament.

“The most memorable thing in my career was my first year going to the State Tournament. We had big expectations and we ended up losing in the first round but we bounced back and won the consolation championship. That was one of my favorite memories,” Nelson said.

Nelson has not yet decided where he is going to school next year. He said if he were to play basketball he’d like to join fellow former Cossack Oliver Vincent at Dakota Wesleyan in Mitchell.