It was the last time Mineral County senior basketball players would step onto their home court when they suited up to play last week. Many of the players had been going to school with their teammates since kindergarten. Not only did they take many steps together on the court, but also in their everyday lives. Now, the next step is a big one, a step into their future.

It was Senior Night for both St. Regis and members of the Clark Fork Mountain Cats in Superior. A night to not only honor the players for their years of dedication to the sport and their schools, but also to honor the parents who stood behind their athletes every step of the way. Students and parents were gifted with balloons, flowers and other memorabilia under the big lights before those final home games got underway.

St. Regis

St. Regis music teacher, Derek Larson, introduced players on Thursday evening along with a heart-felt message from the Girls Head Coach, Brooks Sanford. He stood on the floor with his wife, Jackie, alongside his daughter, Anna, who will be graduating this spring.

Anna, number 20, is planning on attending Gonzaga University this fall to study Business Administration. Teammate Justice Tate, number 21, was escorted by her brother, Jarrod and she will be going to the University of Montana (UM) to study Social Work. Krystina Thompson, number 32, was escorted by her parents, school board member, Charlee and her dad, Joe. Krystina plans on attending the UM, as well, and will study Theatre.

Jacob Jasper, number 2, was escorted by parents, Barb and Ken, and plans on attending Montana State University (MSU) to study Diesel Technology. Also, Connor Dunlap, along with his parents, Al and Shelley, said he plans on attending the UM to become a lawyer. And, Ryan Teeter, number 12, was escorted by his mother and brother and he plans on serving as an Infantrymen in the Montana National Guard.

Clark Fork

The Clark Fork Mountain Cats were introduced for Senior Night on Friday, Feb. 9 by Superior High School Principal, Chris Clairmont. The only graduating Alberton student was Montanna Baughman, number 20, who was escorted by her sister, Emmah. She plans on attending the UM to study Business. Team manager, Emily Coleman, was introduced with her parents, Angie and Josh. She plans on attending either North Idaho College or Flathead Valley Community College next fall.

Hailey Kelly, number 15, was escorted by her parents, Julie and Jack and brother, Aaron. Hailey plans on attending Harvard University while being an intern at Apple. Madison Lommen, number 1, was escorted by her parents, Jamie Wilson and Jason Lommen and sister Tatum. After graduation she plans on majoring in Business and Finance but has not decided on a college. Kenzie Mueller, number 3, was with parents, Mike and Merry, and she plans on attending the UM.

Drake Neill, number 32, was escorted by his mom, Stacey and he plans on attending the UM, as well. Connor Voll, number 35, was escorted by parents Nicki Hayes and Bryan Voll and plans on attending WyoTech for welding next fall.