New Town Hosts AIHEC Tourney
The 44th AIHEC National Basketball Tournament was hosted by NHSC Fort Berthold Community College in New Town. There were roughly 20 teams from the 37 tribal colleges and universities across the country. This is the third time that New Town hosted AIHEC, previously in 2018 and 2023.
The AIHEC National Basketball Tournament is the premier annual athletic event for students attending the 37 Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) in the United States. Sponsored by the American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC), the tournament serves as a national stage for Indigenous athletes to showcase their skills, celebrate tribal culture, and foster community unity.
The NHSC Storm’s 2016 Division II title was a major milestone for the program. The team was led by standout player Anthony Moody Jr., who averaged 20 points and 10 rebounds per game that season and surpassed 1,000 career points.
The NHSC Girls fought with heart until the very end, battling for the 3rd-place spot at AIHEC on Saturday at Parshall Community Center.
They held the lead and controlled the tempo for the majority of the match with pure heart and hustle. It was a true battle on the court, but unfortunately, the game slipped away in the final two minutes, with the final score being NHSC 78, TMCC 79. They represented our hometown college and hometown with honor and gave 100% while on the court.
Among the game highlights were Doramarie Salter; Kaegan Martinez and Jayden Brady. These players were absolute standouts, leading the charge and keeping the energy high throughout the game. They played together while in high school for the New Town Eagles, and have been working hard ever since.
A special shoutout to Lexis Tveter, who showed incredible heart by playing through the pain and giving everything for her team despite being injured.
Awards for the girls included Doramarie Salter with the most three-pointers in division 1 and Jaeden Grady who won AIHEC female student athlete of the year (3.75 GPA & higher).
The NHSC Boys played at the 4 Bears Casino. Boys Awards: Bryson Rainbow is the AIHEC three-pointer champion.
Games were held at Johnny Bird, 4 Bears Casino Event Center and Parshall Community Center.