PARKSTON -- Parkston senior David Maxwell had a big week last week.
It started Monday when he scored his 1,000th career point and ended Saturday with a near triple-double in a game against Hanson in front of a full Corn Palace at the Hanson Classic.
Maxwell averaged 18.3 points and 15.7 rebounds in three wins for the Trojans last week.
For his three big performances, Maxwell has been named The Daily Republic's Player of the Week, as voted on the newspaper's sports staff.
Parkston boys' basketball head coach Craig Bruening said that for Maxwell, who has seen significant playing time since his freshman year, it was just another week.
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"Dave goes out every night and works hard," Bruening said. "He's such a smart player defensively. He might not be the quickest guy, but he makes up for it with his head. He's a good kid to build a team around."
The 6-foot-5 senior scored 20 points and pulled down 16 rebounds in a 76-38 win over Andes Central Jan. 19. A free throw in the third quarter marked point No. 1,000 for the senior.
"It was pretty special for sure," Maxwell said. "I remember watching my older brothers play and my older brother Chris got his 1,000th point and I thought it was a big deal. When I got it I thought, 'I'm just like he was.' I always looked up to them, so that was special."
Maxwell added 14 points, 16 rebounds and six assists to his already big week Thursday in a 53-33 win over Bon Homme, but he seemed to have saved the best for last. Maxwell scored 21 points -- 14 in the second half -- had 15 rebounds and five blocks in a 54-49 win over previously undefeated Hanson Saturday at the Corn Palace in front of a packed house.
The win kept the Trojans, ranked No. 3 in this week's poll, undefeated at 10-0.
"Big games, those are what you live for," Maxwell said. "I'd rather play in close games every night than blow teams out. The Hanson Classic was a great atmosphere and great to be a part of."
Maxwell and his Parkston teammates play in another big game tonight when they head to Platte to play No. 2 Platte-Geddes. Bruening said he needs his star senior to have another big night in order for his team to upset the Black Panthers.
"It all revolves around Dave," he said. "All the kids look up to him because he's been playing since he was a freshman. He needs to have a big night against (P-G)."
