LOCAL NOTES: Montana Tech MBB nominated for sportsmanship award
Bonner County Daily Bee | UPDATED 3 hours, 7 minutes AGO
Bonners Ferry alumni Adam Hiatt, who is now in his eighth season as the head coach of Montana Tech, points to a spot on the floor while coaching the Orediggers during a home game at Kelvin Sampson Court.
Photo by Montana Tech Athletics/5518Design
BUTTE — The Montana Tech men's basketball team, led by Bonners Ferry native Adam Hiatt, has been nominated for the NAIA Team of Character honors by the Frontier Conference, the school announced on Tuesday.
The Orediggers are the conference's nominee for the award, which is given to teams for their "exemplary character on the field, on campus and in the community." The national winner of the award will be announced on Sept. 15, the NAIA National Awards Day.
"Montana Tech not only meets the rigorous standards of a five-star institution, but they have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to embracing the five core values of the NAIA Champions of Character program through a culture that prioritizes both competitive excellence and holistic personal development," Scott Crawford, the Frontier Conference commissioner, said in the school’s press release.
The award nomination comes off the heels of the Oredigger men's team making the NAIA tournament for the fifth year in a row. This season was the first for Bonners Ferry High standout Asher Williams, who quickly rose to be a key contributor, averaging 10.9 points per game, 2.5 rebounds per game and shooting 37% from 3-point range.
The Montana Tech women's team was also nominated for the NAIA sportsmanship award.
The Orediggers' men's side will open their season with a massive exhibition matchup against the Big 12 Conference's Houston Cougars on Oct. 15.