By ARIY-EL BOYNTON

What started as an idea to refurbish an old bus has turned into a full-fledged Hall of Fame. Under the guidance of former Dakota State University basketball player Myron Moen, the South Dakota Basketball Hall of Fame with roots in Madison has announced the first class.

Twelve players and two contributors will be inducted on March 27 at the Dakota Prairie Playhouse in Madison. Hall of Fame members (followed by their schools) are: Bruce “Bad” Mocassin, Pierre; Jim Iverson, Platte; Bob Swanhorst, Cresbard, Gene Walter Smith, Thomas/Watertown; Tom McGrann, Watertown; Don Jacobson, Lake Norden; Rex Swett, Huron; Max Gonzenbach, Milbank; John Thomas, Alexandria; Steve Brown, Hamlin; Rod Merriam, Huron; Lance Luitjens, Custer; Lisa Van Goor, Yankton; Becky Flynn, Wakonda; Robin (Anderson) Thormodsgaard, Clear Lake; and Becky Hammon, Rapid City.

Former General Beadle Coach Eldor “Lars” Larson and Dick Hanson of Summit will be inducted as contributors.

Moen, of Madison, received more than 85 applicants and said the process to choose the Hall of Fame members was not done quickly.

“We have selected some of the most outstanding basketball players from across the state of South Dakota. We tried to select the best players in eras or decades. We know there will be a great pool of players to choose from in the years to come. Thanks to all who helped in the screening and selection process,” he said at Thursday’s meeting to announce the inductees. “These are really great athletes.”

Moen said there was an emphasis on players still living for the Hall’s charter class.

Each year, the South Dakota Basketball Hall of Fame will select members based on their accomplishments in high school. A maximum of 14 people (minimum of six) will be chosen annually.

South Dakota is just the second state to have a high school Basketball Hall of Fame. Indiana was the first.

“Sure, it’s a great opprunity for the folks of Madison, but this is for the whole state of South Dakota,” said Moen. “It’s going to be a great thing for many years to come.”

The idea for the hall began when Moen drove a colorful bus around the state. On the bus were names of undefeated teams, names of great players, and schools no longer in existence.

The Hall of Fame idea just snowballed.

“We’ve gotten great feedback from a lot of people. Lots of folks are on board, and it’s been rewarding to talk to so many people,” said Moen.

Now that they have the first family, the Hall of Fame needs a home.

“Our biggest challenge is to have a place to call our own. There’s some great history that people would love to see,” said Moen. “The community of Madison has been a great help to get this Hall of Fame up and running.”

Near the start of February, the Hall of Fame website will be up and running at sdbbhalloffame.com.

Anyone can nominate a candidate for the South Dakota Basketball Hall of Fame by filling out a form.

“This a grassroots effort, and the whole state should know the history of some great ball players. There sure is a lot,” said Moen.

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