Tribal hoopsters bring home the metal from Idaho basketball tournament

Sheldon Fisher and Louis Mohr were named to the Fort Hall All-Indian Basketball Tournament All-Star team. Mohr was picked as the MVP. (B.L. Azure photo)

A group of teenage boys' and girls' basketball teams recently dribbled over Idaho way to participate in the Fort Hall All Indian Basketball Tournament. And they returned home with more than they left with after each team placed in the tourney and team members were tabbed for individual awards.

The boys won the championship trophy and team members Louis Mohr and Sheldon Fisher came home with some extra baggage. Mohr copped the Most Valuable Player award and Fisher was named to the tournament all-star team.

The boys' team coached by Clayton Malatare included Marley Tanner, Clay Malatare, Edmund Dupuis, Junior Sansavere, Stuart Grant, Marcus Brown, Sheldon Fisher and Louis Mohr.

The girls placed fourth and team member Mariah Hamel was named to the tournament all-star team.

The girls' team coached by Brad Pluff and Jami Hamel included Tashina Malatare, Veda Mathias, Mariah Hamel, Martie Eagle Feathers, Nina Orozco, Morgan Belgarde, Tylynn Lefthand and Mikailah Thompson.

According to coach Hamel the teams represented the Flathead Nation well and put forth a good effort, had fun and their teamwork resulted in the team trophies and individual recognition awards.

"All the kids played great," Hamel said adding that the teams' fundraising efforts helped with expenses and made the trip possible. "We raised enough to pay all the costs for the kids to travel to the tournament for the weekend. It was a great experience for them."

Hamel said the group wants to thank all those who contributed to the fundraising effort. They included: the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes; Salish and Kootenai Housing Authority; S & K Gaming, LLC/KwaTaqNuk Resort; Wal Mart; Navigator; Polson Country Club; Silver Fox Golf Course; Stageline Pizza of Ronan; McDonald's; Subway; and Judy Gray.

Thanks were also extended to team member parents, to all who participated in the fundraising poker tournament and to all who supported the pizza and Indian taco lunches.