David Gall stands as one of the most dominant, resilient, and complete frontcourt players to ever wear the Lancer blue and gold. Arriving on campus immediately following Mount Marty’s historic 1998 NAIA Division II Final Four run, the Lake Andes native became the foundational cornerstone and team captain of a highly competitive transitional era, anchoring the program through rigorous SDIC and GPAC schedules.
An imposing 6'8" presence with explosive athleticism, Gall was a relentless force in the paint and a dynamic playmaker. By his junior season, he blossomed into the driving force of the Lancer offense, leading the team with 15.0 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. His sheer dominance earned him GPAC All-Conference honors, a GPAC Player of the Week selection, and his first of two Team Most Valuable Offensive Player awards. His junior year was highlighted by a 21-point performance at Nebraska Wesleyan—scoring 15 in the second half—to snap the Prairie Wolves' historic 30-game home winning streak.
As a senior captain, Gall put together a truly historic individual campaign. He led the Lancers in scoring (17.1 PPG), rebounds (7.5 RPG, ranking fifth in the GPAC), and assists. He capped his stellar collegiate career by earning repeat GPAC All-Conference honors and national recognition as an NAIA All-American Honorable Mention. Alongside teammate Doug Hanson, they became the first Lancer duo to earn All-American accolades in the same season since 1977.
At the time of his graduation in 2002, Gall held a staggering presence in the Lancer record books, sitting near the top of almost every major historical category. He departed Mount Marty ranking 10th all-time in career points scored with 1,221 and 9th in career field goals made with 466. Known for his elite efficiency, he finished his career ranked 7th in school history in field goal percentage, knocking down an outstanding 53.1% of his shots. Furthermore, he was an absolute weapon at the free-throw line, graduating 4th all-time in free throws made (282) and 10th in free throw percentage (76.4%).
Gall’s baseline dominance was fueled by a legendary commitment to physical preparation and raw athletic versatility. A 2001 NSCA Strength and Conditioning All-American, he boasted a 410-pound squat and a 35-inch vertical jump in the weight room. His rare combination of size and speed also translated to the track, where he briefly lent his talents to the Lancer track and field program, competing as a 6-foot high jumper and throwing both the shot put and discus.
Following graduation, Gall cemented his status as a South Dakota basketball icon in the amateur ranks. Over a 10-year career (2005–2014) playing for Midland, Presho, and Pierre, he led his squad to the 2009 Class B Championship and captured tournament MVP honors. His enduring impact on the court earned him induction into the South Dakota Amateur Basketball Association (SDABA) Hall of Fame in 2025.
