The 2026 Ho-Chunk March Madness All-Native American Basketball Tournament brought athletes and fans together March 6–8 at the Ho-Chunk House of Wellness.

     The tournament featured men’s and women’s divisions, a three-point contest, youth competitions, and a closing awards ceremony honoring players, teams, and community members who helped make the event possible.

     The Lady Ballers captured the women’s championship, earning the $10,000 first-place prize after an impressive run through the tournament bracket.

     Final placements in the women’s division included:

1st Place: Lady Ballers – $10,000

2nd Place: X-Factor – $5,000

3rd Place: WSU – $3,000

4th Place: All Nations – $1,500

     Several players were recognized for their performance throughout the tournament. The women’s Most Valuable Playeraward went to Jenna Pumley of Lady Ballers.

     Women’s All-Star selections included:

Jenny Womsi – All Nations

Shawna-Lei Kuehu – WSU

Mahpiya Irving – X-Factor

Morning Rain Hononi – X-Factor

Lexus Eagle Chasing – Lady Ballers

     In the men’s tournament, Plainzmen secured the championship title and the $10,000 first-place prize.

     Final placements in the men’s division included:

1st Place: Plainzmen – $10,000

2nd Place: Native Soldier – $5,000

3rd Place: J.U.M.P. – $3,000

4th Place: FLA – $1,500

     The men’s Most Valuable Player award went to Donald Gunmiller Jr. of Plainzmen.

     Men’s All-Star selections included:

Boralys Cypress – FLA

Quentin Raynor – J.U.M.P.

Lane Micha Lena – Native Soldier

Hunter Osceola – Native Soldier

Robert McClain Jr. – Plainzmen

     The tournament also featured a Great Lakes 3-Point Contest, where Falcon Albers won the men’s competition and Miracle Spotted Bear captured the women’s title for the second year in a row.

     The Kunu Yazzie Slam Dunk Championship was won by Robert McClain Jr.

     A youth competition was also held, with the Little Hoopster Orange Team, Ho-Chunk Plus, taking the championship. Individual honors went to Reyna Martinez, who was named Girls MVP, and Ken Funmaker, who earned Boys MVP.

     As part of the weekend’s celebrations, a Ho-Chunk Hall of Fame induction ceremony honored several individuals whose contributions have left a mark on the community.

     The 2026 Ho-Chunk Hall of Fame inductees include:

Nancy Stacy Leonard

Chloris Lowe

Jodeen Lowe

Trisha Zunker

William Lowe

Harrison Funmaker

     During the closing ceremony, organizers recognized the many individuals and organizations whose support helped make the tournament possible, including the Ho-Chunk Nation leadership and legislature, fundraising partners, and staff at the House of Wellness.

     Special recognition was given to Roberta Funmaker, along with the event’s management team, fitness staff, security personnel, concessions workers, and maintenance crew who worked behind the scenes throughout the tournament.