Wildhorse Shootout 3-on-3 tourney draws 54 teams

JOHN HAMILTON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 3 months, 3 weeks AGO

HOOP HEAVEN for basketball enthusiasts, the Wildhorse 3 on 3 Shootout was played on a beautiful Montana day in Plains Saturday. Fifty-four teams competed for honors in this year’s tournament. (John Hamilton/vp-mi)

PLAINS’ RYKER ANDERSON gets a shot off during 3 on 3 Shootout play at the Amundson Sports Complex Saturday. (John Hamilton/vp-mi)

GAINING CONTROL of the ball, Braeden Allen of Plains plays in the 3 on 3 tournament at Amundson Sports Complex Saturday, June 20. (John Hamilton/vp-mi)

TAKING A SHOT during action in the 3 on 3 tournament Saturday, Talon Ferlan of Plains plays against a team from Kalispell. (John Hamilton/vp-mi)

AUOTMATIC ADDY – Addy Deal of Thompson Falls and her McGowan’s teammates played their way to the title in the Grade 11 Girls’ division in the Wildhorse 3 on 3 Shootout Saturday. (John Hamilton/vp-mi)

PLAINS – Basketball games as far as the eye can see, every year for one day in Sanders County for the annual 3-on-3 tournament.

A total of 54 teams and their entourages gathered at Amundson Complex west of Plains Saturday for the 2026 Wildhorse ShootOut 3 on 3 tournament.

Tournament organizer Erika Lawyer said that although overall participation numbers were down slightly from prior Shootouts, a larger amount of local young girls’ teams in this year’s event was a welcome development.

“I am so excited this event is taking off locally,” she said. “Lots of local kids playing this year!”

Lawyer said the event did not make money this time out as the expense of a bouncy house was added for the younger tourney attendants, and that more and bigger prizes were given to the winners than in the past.

Teams from Sanders County playing in the tournament were: the Bluehawks (Coed, grade 1-2); the Dunkin’ Donuts (H Springs, C3-4); the Ball Burglars (T-Falls, C3-4); the Scuba Goats (T-Falls, C3-4); the TF Bluehawks (Boys, grade 5-6); the TF Ballers (B7-8); the Plains Beast Ballers (B7-8); the Bollum Ballerz (B7-8); Correct Construction (B9-10); and McGowan Grocery (Girls, grade 11).

Mineral County teams entered include: the Lil’ Ballerz (C1-2); the Medium Ballerz (C3-4); the Bucketsquad (C3-4); the Balling Bobcats (C3-4); the Space Jam Girls (C3-4); the Superior Studs G5-6); and the Bouncing Ballers (B11-12).

PLAINS’ RYKER ANDERSON gets a shot off during 3 on 3 Shootout play at the Amundson Sports Complex Saturday. (John Hamilton/vp-mi)

GAINING CONTROL of the ball, Braeden Allen of Plains plays in the 3 on 3 tournament at Amundson Sports Complex Saturday, June 20. (John Hamilton/vp-mi)