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Langford Area, Aberdeen Christian, And The Power Of Kindness

Langford Area senior Gabe Smith

On Tuesday night, Langford Area and Aberdeen Christian met up in a Class B regular season finale. In the closing moments of the JV game, the Lions put in senior forward Gabe Smith. Gabe has Down Syndrome, but he loves the game of basketball.

With just seconds to play in what is likely the final game of his Gabe Smith checked into the game and chucked up a three. It was no good… Aberdeen Christian 8th grade guard Garrett Pearson retrieved the rebound and did the unthinkable. He passed the ball back to Gabe, who took one more shot attempt as time expired. This time – he drained it!

This isn’t the first time Gabe has gotten into games to score. In fact, it has happened multiple times throughout his high school career. But whether it’s the first time or not, this is an example of not only a South Dakota athlete living his dream, but it shows what true love and kindness look like in sports as well.

Nate Wek is currently the sports content producer and sports and rec beat reporter for South Dakota Public Broadcasting. He is a graduate of South Dakota State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism Broadcasting and a minor in Leadership. From 2010-2013 Nate was the Director of Gameday Media for the Sioux Falls Storm (Indoor Football League) football team. He also spent 2012 and 2013 as the News and Sports Director of KSDJ Radio in Brookings, SD. Nate, his wife Sarah, and three sons, Braxan, Jordy, and Anders live in Canton, SD.