Montana State B Indian teams make history

BOZEMAN, Mont. – Tribal teams dominated the Montana Class B Basketball Tournament held March 12–15 in Bozeman, Montana. The Lodge Grass Indians (Crow) won the championship — their eighth title; the Harlem Wildcats of Fort Belknap took second; and the St. Labre Braves, Northern Cheyenne, earned third place, bringing home a State trophy for the first time in 49 years. They made state basketball history in Montana, perhaps even in all of Indian Country, by sweeping the statewide contest. Today, it can safely be concluded that the best basketball teams in Montana Class B are Indian teams.

Both the Indians and Wildcats were Divisional champions — Harlem in the North and Lodge Grass in the South. They were well positioned for the State Tournament, though the Indians had defeated the Wildcats in District play. Lodge Grass secured a clear victory over Harlem in the championship game with a score of 69–48.

The St. Labre Braves, who placed third in the Southern Divisional, had a harder road to hoe at the State level, battling their way to third place. On Saturday, for example, they played two games to secure their victory over fourth place Shepherd.

All three Indian teams exhibited excellent sportsmanship throughout the entire event.

Head St. Labre Coach Lafe Hagen commented, “It has been 49 years since St. Labre won a State Basketball Tournament, going back to 1981 and 1970 when they were champions. Making it to State takes a lot of hard work and determination, and the pressure is very high at tournament level. We are so proud of the 2025–26 team. They did a great job, enjoying great community support.”

On the trip home, both the Crow and St. Labre buses were enthusiastically greeted by fans on both reservations, especially as several St. Labre players are Crow. Along Interstate 90, more than ten miles of cars lined up to welcome the returning heroes. The Lodge Grass community will soon hold a powwow and celebration for the Lodge Grass champions.

The St. Labre bus also stopped at Busby, Lame Deer, and finally the Heritage Center in Ashland, where they were greeted by hundreds of enthusiastic fans. Coach Hagen specifically mentioned two staunch supporters from the Heritage Independent

Living Center: Susie Wilsey, 82, who has been a devoted and strong fan for 29 years, and David Swank, a former St. Labre high school basketball player. “No home game is complete without Susie and David,” Hagen smiled. The two elders received warm hugs and thanks from the Braves players.

The three Indian teams featured many of the finest basketball athletes in Montana. All of the teams showcased the “run and gun” style of play, easily outscoring opponents with many three pointers. The Indian teams did not seem to tire as quickly as their competitors.

Lodge Grass Indians Roster: Head Coach: Yson Gros Ventre. Players: 0–Tre Howe; 2–JJ Bends; 4–Tate Bouver; 5–Colvin Wyles; 10–Lexin Bouver; 12–Treston Cole; 14–Arlis Yellowtail; 20–Hyram Morning; 22–TJ Gros Ventre; 24–Keen Flying; 25–Hunter Kindness; 32– Tayshaun Stewart; 34–Kagen Pretty On Top; 40–Tom Jefferson.

Harlem Wildcats Roster: Head Coach: B. Carrywater. Players: 0–Lawrence Carter; 1–Marr Billmayer; 2–Tavden Cauliflower; 3– Morgan Corey; 4–Dain Begay; 5– Cassrus Clark; 10–Ethan Walker; 12–Lathan Black Wolf; 13–Cody McCabe; 15–Donnie Archambault; 15–Jayvon Big Knife; 20–Miles Fetter; 24–Xavior Young; 55–C. Lawrence.

St. Labre Braves Roster: Head Coach: Lafe Hagen. Players: 10– Colt Takes Enemy; 12–Morgan Hugs; 14–Carone Little Coyote; 20– Christian Cervantes; 22–Tyler Medicine Bull; 24–Syla Tsoodle; 30– Jared Killsback; 32–Kayen Armajo; 34–Peyton Killsnight; 40–Lathan Killsback; 42–Tyren Stewart; 44– Clarence Killsnight; 52–Dmarcus Hopkins.

These three teams make all of Indian Country proud. Native Sun News Today is happy to congratulate them on an excellent season and looks forward to reporting future victories from these outstanding student athletes.

(Contact Clara Caufield at acheyennereview@gmail.com)

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