{"id":39936,"date":"2026-03-22T02:46:48","date_gmt":"2026-03-22T07:46:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/unitedresourceconnection.org\/cannon-ball-nd-58528\/montana-state-b-indian-teams-make-history\/"},"modified":"2026-03-22T02:46:54","modified_gmt":"2026-03-22T07:46:54","slug":"montana-state-b-indian-teams-make-history","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/unitedresourceconnection.org\/cannon-ball-nd-58528\/montana-state-b-indian-teams-make-history\/","title":{"rendered":"Montana State B Indian teams make history"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"Lodge<\/a><\/p>\n

Lodge Grass won the State B championship with a dominant 69-48 performance against Harlem to cap off a perfect season and claim its first title since 2021. (Photo courtesy of Montana Sports)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

BOZEMAN, Mont. \u2013 Tribal teams dominated the Montana Class B Basketball Tournament held March 12\u201315 in Bozeman, Montana. The Lodge Grass Indians (Crow) won the championship \u2014 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.<\/p>\n

Both the Indians and Wildcats were Divisional champions \u2014 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\u201348.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

All three Indian teams exhibited excellent sportsmanship throughout the entire event.<\/p>\n

Head St. Labre Coach Lafe Hagen commented, \u201cIt 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\u201326 team. They did a great job, enjoying great community support.\u201d<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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<\/p>\n

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. \u201cNo home game is complete without Susie and David,\u201d Hagen smiled. The two elders received warm hugs and thanks from the Braves players.<\/p>\n

The three Indian teams featured many of the finest basketball athletes in Montana. All of the teams showcased the \u201crun and gun\u201d style of play, easily outscoring opponents with many three pointers. The Indian teams did not seem to tire as quickly as their competitors.<\/p>\n

Lodge Grass Indians Roster: Head Coach: Yson Gros Ventre. Players: 0\u2013Tre Howe; 2\u2013JJ Bends; 4\u2013Tate Bouver; 5\u2013Colvin Wyles; 10\u2013Lexin Bouver; 12\u2013Treston Cole; 14\u2013Arlis Yellowtail; 20\u2013Hyram Morning; 22\u2013TJ Gros Ventre; 24\u2013Keen Flying; 25\u2013Hunter Kindness; 32\u2013 Tayshaun Stewart; 34\u2013Kagen Pretty On Top; 40\u2013Tom Jefferson.<\/p>\n

Harlem Wildcats Roster: Head Coach: B. Carrywater. Players: 0\u2013Lawrence Carter; 1\u2013Marr Billmayer; 2\u2013Tavden Cauliflower; 3\u2013 Morgan Corey; 4\u2013Dain Begay; 5\u2013 Cassrus Clark; 10\u2013Ethan Walker; 12\u2013Lathan Black Wolf; 13\u2013Cody McCabe; 15\u2013Donnie Archambault; 15\u2013Jayvon Big Knife; 20\u2013Miles Fetter; 24\u2013Xavior Young; 55\u2013C. Lawrence.<\/p>\n

St. Labre Braves Roster: Head Coach: Lafe Hagen. Players: 10\u2013 Colt Takes Enemy; 12\u2013Morgan Hugs; 14\u2013Carone Little Coyote; 20\u2013 Christian Cervantes; 22\u2013Tyler Medicine Bull; 24\u2013Syla Tsoodle; 30\u2013 Jared Killsback; 32\u2013Kayen Armajo; 34\u2013Peyton Killsnight; 40\u2013Lathan Killsback; 42\u2013Tyren Stewart; 44\u2013 Clarence Killsnight; 52\u2013Dmarcus Hopkins.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

(Contact Clara Caufield at acheyennereview@gmail.com)<\/span><\/p>\n

The post Montana State B Indian teams make history<\/a> first appeared on Native Sun News Today<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Lodge Grass won the State B championship with a dominant 69-48 performance against Harlem to cap off a perfect season and claim its first title since 2021. (Photo courtesy of Montana Sports) BOZEMAN, Mont. \u2013 Tribal teams dominated the Montana Class B Basketball Tournament held March 12\u201315 in Bozeman, Montana. <\/p>\n

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Shared by Native Sun News Today<\/a> March 22, 2026<\/p>\n

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