Team Hi-Line takes home the big melon at Melon Days 3-on-3 tourney

By B.L. Azure

There wasn't a bad seat in Dixon for hoop fans at the Melon Days 3-on-3 basketball tournament. (B.L. Azure photo)

DIXON — The Melon Days 3-on-3 basketball tournament is small in comparison to some area tourneys, like the Flathead Lake 3-on-3 basketball tournament in Polson. However, small in size is relative. The little tournament delivered excitement on par with the larger tournaments but in a more laid back atmosphere with honor system self-regulation.

Lance Hawkins usually laces ‘em up during the Melon Days basketball competition but this year he couldn’t do that. He was, after all, the head honcho of this year’s tournament. That brought a bit of sweat to the brow but that was due to getting all the ducks in the row and keeping them there. Which in the final analysis, he did.

A-Town's Dennis Fisher (left) and Les Fisher put the D-Clamp on the opposition at Dixon. (B.L. Azure photo)

“This is the first time I’ve done this. We got a lot of calls from the area and we have teams from Browning, and Lake and Sanders counties,” Hawkins said. “It’s not usually a big tournament and I’m happy with the turnout on and off the court. It worked out pretty good in the end. I’m happy.”

The 3-on-3 tournament was thrust upon Hawkins after it was learned that John Herak, last year’s Melon Days 3-on-3 organizer, wouldn’t be able to be on hand for this year’s edition of hoop madness, Dixon style.

A-Towns Dominic Burland swoops in for a deuce attempt at the Melon Days 3-on-3 basketball tournament. (B.L. Azure photo)

“I thought everything was fantastic. We had eight teams, that was great,” Hawkins said. “Everyone had a good time. The competition was good. I thought Les Fisher’s team, A-Town, with the three young kids gave everyone a good run for their money. They were awesome.”

Veteran 3-on-3 hoopster, Les Fisher had his pre-high school charges hitting on all cylinders. They played the big boys well running good offensive plays, quick tenacious defense and position rebounding. But in the end the big boys came out on top. Still A-Town snagged fourth place by knocking off some of the other big boys.

 The team Hi-Line, comprised of T.J. Lafrombois, Nathan Many Hides, Lee Calf Looking and Jeremy Arnoux, took home the championship trophy.

Sika Ulutoa pops a midrange jumper at the Melon Days hoop competition. (B.L. Azure photo)

Hi-Line topped Sabime, comprised of Michael McCrea, Jr., Mick Fisher, Bill Brown and Quennel Matt, in a hard fought championship contest.

America’s Team, comprised of Matt Hewankorn, Richard Pierre and Mark Felsman, placed third.

A-Town, comprised of Les Fisher, Dominic Burland, Aaron Fisher and Dennis Fisher, placed fourth.