Last week the North Idaho College men’s and women’s basketball teams made a special appearance at Wallace Jr/Sr High School to put on a intra-team scrimmage for the community and student body.

The event was the brainchild of a WHS teacher, who took the idea up the flagpole.

“One of our teachers, Brian Bemis is an avid supporter of North Idaho College and brought the idea to Bruce’s (Bailey) and my attention,” WHS principal Chris Lund said. “We both thought it would be a great idea. Brian talked with the coaches along with Bruce to set a date, time, and all accommodations.”

The games were exciting and it gave some of the students an up close chance to see what college athletes look like, how fast they play, and that even in Wallace, they have a chance to play at the next level which can be important in helping them making their decisions in high school.

“The students responded positively and with great enthusiasm,” Lund said. “They realized how much talent is out there and how hard they have to work to play at the collegiate level. It nice to see one our former opponents Kelsey Auer from St. Maries on the NIC women’s basketball team. These events are important because students and the athletes are able to interact with one another. It also allows our students to experience diversity with many of the athletes coming from different parts of the country and around the world.”

The NIC players really enjoyed their times in Wallace too, especially considering their usual travel schedule has them on the road for several hours at a time.

“The players really enjoyed their time,” Lund said. “In the last few weeks both the girls and boys team have traveled long distances and when the coaches said we have a 45-minute drive to Wallace they were all in.”

Prior to the games, the NIC coaches discussed the number of potential opportunities that are available to the student/athletes including, AAU teams and other basketball camps that students can attend to help them improve their games.

With the success of the event, both the WHS staff and the NIC coaching staff are hoping to make the event an annual one.