PINE, RIDGE, S.D. – As we near the end of the first month of the high school basketball season, there’s been some outstanding performances so far from players across the state.

Marvin Richard III recently led Pine Ridge to the championship game at the Lakota Nation Invitational with record breaking performances throughout the tournament.

Winning is nothing new for Marvin Richard the III.

Last month, he led Pine Ridge to its first All-Nations Class A football title.

Now the junior is off to a scorching start on the basketball court.

But he said he’s had a lot of help throughout his career.

“Watching my sisters and all the role models I grew up watching playing Pine Ridge basketball has inspired me throughout all my years,” said Marvin Richard.

Richard has emerged as one of the top boys basketball players in the state, averaging 38.4 points through seven games this season.

Recently, he set a new single game scoring record at the Lakota Nation Invitational with 57 points.

Plus, he scored a total of 151 points in four games at the LNI, also a new record.

But Thorpes head coach Casey Means isn’t surprised by Richard’s strong start.

“He’s the first one in the gym,” said Casey Means. “The last one to leave. He’s teaching the game to his teammates. He’s a 4.0 student. He’s in class everyday. He don’t’ miss weight training. He don’t miss shoot around. “To me, he’s the number one player in the state and I’ve been saying this since last year. But when we come to the practice gym, he prepares like he’s the 15th guy on the team or still trying to make varsity.”

The 6-foot-4 guard has become more of a leader this year and does the little things to help get his teammates more involved.

Tyler Mathieson/NewsCenter1

“My biggest strength I think would be me getting to the basket and just creating for my teammates since I’m such a big threat to the other teams,” said Richard.

Although Richard continues to impress fans, he’s also successful off the court and a true role model.

“We do this thing called Little Thorpes,” said Means. “Being a main player, most kids don’t want to be hanging around little kids teaching them. He don’t miss that. All the kids love him. Last night, our three water boys are counting his points. He just has that special effect with everyone around.”

After reaching 1,000 points during his sophomore season, Richard is on pace to reach 2,000 points in his high school career.

But more importantly, he has bigger goals he’d like to accomplish this season.

“I for sure want to get to hang a banner in March from the state tournament,” said Richard.

Congratulations to Marvin Richard III on being named a NewsCenter1 Top Performer.

Tyler Mathieson/NewsCenter1

Justin Wickersham has been at KNBN since September 1999 and is currently the Sports Director.