By John Kozlowicz
Staff Writer

The 4^th Annual Little Hoopsters Tournament, held March 13^th at the Wellness Center provided fans with a different kind of basketball.  Part of the annual March Madness Tournament, the 50 Little Hoopsters participating did their best to score in the hour-long event that featured four teams, selected at random, racing up and down the court, though not always in the direction their teammates were going.  Referee Scott Gilbeck turned his head and swallowed his whistle as the young players enthusiastically double dribbled, carried the ball and gave their all throughout the six-minute games.  Though more than one team found itself shooting at the wrong basket, the effort was clearly there, and win or lose, everyone had a good time.

Elliot Funmaker, Aaron Yazzie, T.J. Johnson and Bill O’Connell coached the four teams and all did a good job of getting everyone on the court.  Though having fun was the real purpose of the event, O’Connell’s “Blue” team defeated Funmaker’s “Green team, 12-4, for the championship.

Following the games, sponsored by Ho-Chunk Credit Union, all the players received medals for their participation and a trophy was given to each team.

The Little Hoopsters who participated were:  Stephan Johnson, Brittany Johnson, Joshua Johnson, Larry Johnson, Ethan Mallory, Alyssa Ballanger, Joe Ballanger, Xavier SonnyLittlehead, Adam Brown, Savannah Brown, Daniel Traverzo, Presly Bird, Waverly Bird, Courage Cleveland, Diane Mallory, Venita Stanley, Frankie Stanley, Kayree Harding, Rochelle Mann, Kane Funmaker, Kody Funmaker, Gene Cloud, Sammy Farmer, Jade Farmer, Destiny White Thunder, Noah Rave, Robert Rave, Reuben Rave III, Fabian Houghton, Makeala Decorah, Andrew Hotchkiss, Tianna Decora, Manny Ramos, Royce Ramos, NaKooze Sinette, Evander Bass, Terrance Cleveland, Garrick Cleveland, Taylor Albers, Josh Ryckman, Kalab Ryckman, Nicole Yazzie, Leon Lussier, Trey O’Connell, Danae Hesse, Cherise Lonetree, Anthony Greencrow, Arianna Greencrow, Isaiah James, Jordon White Eagle, Albert King, Sidrick, Capreace Salinas, Brandy Thundercloud-Eary, Isabella DuBray, Alex Cloud, Winston Cloud, Terrell Grant, Tyus Grant.