Feb 27 gameday

Friday, February 27, 2015

2 - Ravalli Republic, Friday, February 27, 2015

Hamilton a favorite statewide tourney host MICHELLE McCONNAHA Ravalli Republic

ness community sees a hefty return on their investment - at gas stations, hotels, retail businesses and restaurants.

“In the current HHS building, we have put on 50 basketball and volleyball tournaments in 14 years,” said Holland. “It is estimated that they have brought in over $4 million to the Hamilton community – not to the school district, but to the business community.

“For the Southwest A divisional tournament, the business community estimates we will see about $30,000 per day spent in the valley. A state tournament is estimated to bring in $35,000 a day – for each day of the tournament - on an average.”

Both of these tournaments will take place in Hamilton in the next two weeks. The Southwest A Boys’ and Girls‘ divisional tournaments are Feb. 26, 27, 28. This will include teams from Hamilton, Corvallis, Stevensville, Butte Central, Dillon and Anaconda – for their last time as a Class A school.

Then on March 5, 6 and 7, Hamilton will host the State Class A girls’ basketball tournament, with two teams each from the Northwest, Southwest, Central and East.

It is basketball tournament season in Montana. Among the venues this weekend is Hamilton High School’s Dale Berry Court – and, of course, the entire community of Hamilton.

Darrell Holland is the activities director and tournament coordinator for Hamilton High.

“The reason we have at least three tournaments each year is that we hear we put on the best tournament in the state of Montana,” said Holland. “When a coach and a team walk through the doors here, they don’t have anything to do. Everything is worked out for them; the logistics of everything is in place. I very seldom have questions at all, so they can focus on playing a game.

“I remember being a coach, when I went to tournament the last thing I wanted to do is find the tournament manager or someone and ask them 150 questions because it wasn’t all lined out for me beforehand. Being an exMICHELLE MCCONNAHA – Ravalli Republic coach has helped out in that regard. I think Darrell Holland is the activities director and tournament like the coaches think and take care of the coordinator for Hamilton High School. “In the current things I knew I didn’t want to have to do when HHS building, we have put on 50 basketball and volleyball tournaments in 14 years,” said Holland. “It I was coaching.” is estimated that they have brought in over $4 million to The process for each tournament begins Holland is kept very busy with preparathe Hamilton community – not to the school district, but to the business community.” two or three years in advance: The dates are tions, and he keeps a separate binder with all selected and approved; and the bidding the details for each tournament. process occurs, with factors including the cost at each site, transporta“As for logistics, I’m always making reservations at motels for teams tion, community support services – motel, restaurants available, and and officials, and that’s one to two years in advance,” said Holland. distance to the nearest city for more amenities. The biggest factor is “Then word gets out and we try to get brackets out so the community money: Can the host school justify opening up their facility and is it knows the time frames, and then restaurants know that before and worth it? after games they may need more staff on hand to help.”

Holland says bidding to host a tournament has changed, and the Holland hires 30 or 40 school personnel and community workers for support of the community makes it possible. each tournament: ticket takers, official score book, clock, announcer, “What’s happened is that the bigger towns found out they could custodians, laundry crew. Everything is time specific. Kiwanis club put the smaller towns out of business by zero-bidding tournaments,” members volunteer to be door guards. Holland confirms there are said Holland. “Ten years ago, if I thought it would cost me $4,500 to police on hand and makes all the schedules, programs, paperwork, host a tournament, that’s what I would bid. But about five years ago, passes and tickets. the bigger towns decided to zero-bid a tournament – and their busi“Every team in the tournament has sent a photo, a caption and secness community picked up the bid - to close out the Class A schools tions of the program,” said Holland. “I evaluate them and send them from hosting a tournament. to Al Mitchell and the Paper Clip puts the programs together.”

“Well, our community jumped up and said, ‘If they can zero-bid, so For Holland, life is stressful, but he takes a moment now and then to can we,’ so now we are zero-bidding for state tournaments.” catch his breath.

Currently, the Hamilton community covers the expenses of the tour“To help me keep everything in perspective, I have photos of my nament – paying approximately $5,000 to $6,000 to guarantee that the grandkids right above my computer, so when I’m sitting here I look up tournament and all the spectators come here. Holland said the busiand remember that life is good – even though it gets hectic,” he said.

Ravalli Republic, Friday, February 27, 2015 - 3

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4 - Ravalli Republic, Friday, February 27, 2015

2015 SOUTHWESTERN “A” GIRLS BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT February 26-28 Hamilton High School Hamilton, Montana

L Loser Out L

1

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D

Bye

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D

D

Loser Out

L

4

CORVALLIS

5

ANACONDA

D

Game 1-Thu 12:30 pm

L Game 9-Sat 9:30 amHamilton High School Consolation

Championship L

L

D Game 13-Sat 3:30 pm

D Game 15-Sat 6:30 pm

Loser Out D L Game 10-Sat 9:30 amHamilton Middle School Loser Out

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D

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Ravalli Republic, Friday, February 27, 2015 - 5

2015 SOUTHWESTERN “A” BOYS BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT February 26-28 Hamilton High School Hamilton, Montana

L Loser Out L

1

DILLON Bye

D

Bye

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D

D

Loser Out

L

4

HAMILTON

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ANACONDA

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L

3

CORVALLIS

D

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L D

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L

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Game 1-Thu 12:30 pm

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D Game 5-Fri 12:30 pm Loser Out

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D Game 12-Sat 8:00 pm

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6 - Ravalli Republic, Friday, February 27, 2015

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Tanner Lehr makes up for height with hustle MICHELLE McCONNAHA Ravalli Republic

Playing basketball has been a favorite pursuit for Hamilton High School senior Tanner Lehr since he was 7 years old.

“I love a lot of other sports, but I’ve always thought basketball was a lot of fun,” said Lehr. “It gives me something to do, and I enjoy getting better.”

Lehr said his strengths include quickness with the ball and being able to shoot off a screen. He said his size is a weakness – being 5-foot-9 has disadvantages on the court.

“My goals are to continue encouraging and being a great teammate.

I have some amazing teammates; I’m nothing special compared to the other guys. Mainly just continue to grow as a team – it has been a little tough with a new coach. We have been getting better.

“I think a lot of our senior varsity guys are happy with everything – not super boastful. I think we’re out there to play and have fun. We enjoy the game.”

Provided Photo by Diane Weeks Lehr isn’t planning to Hamilton Bronc basketball point guard Tanner Lehr. play basketball after high “I enjoy getting better,” said Lehr. “My strengths are school, but will run cross quickness with the ball and being able to shoot off of country for the University a screen. My weakness is my size.” of Montana Western in Dillon, where he will study health and human performance. His end goal may be to become a physical therapist or an athletic trainer.

The HHS head basketball coach is Travis Blome.

“Tanner’s stature sets him apart since he’s a little guy out there, but he makes up for it with hard work and hustle,” said Blome. “He is a team leader and he puts forth great effort for our team. He brings determination, heart and just the overall willingness to give it his all every day.”

The Southwest A divisional tournament is this weekend in Hamilton, and Blome said the HHS boys’ basketball team is ready to go.

“We play in a tough league, but what’s exciting about basketball is everyone shows up and has a chance - so we’re excited to go play,” said Blome.

Ravalli Republic, Friday, February 27, 2015 - 7

HHS referee Steve Weston retiring after 39 years MICHELLE McCONNAHA Ravalli Republic

Hamilton High School’s Steve Weston was honored earlier this month for teaching and coaching for 37 years – and for 39 years of service as a Montana high school basketball official - including officiating at 33 state tournaments.

He was awarded by the Hamilton School District, the Montana High School Association and the community of Hamilton with a plaque that reads: “In recognition of being one of Montana’s finest basketball officials - Steve Weston has shown a true love of the game for over 35 years. He has always been respectful of all players, coaches, and fans, both on and off the floor. He is a great role model and mentor for many of today’s Montana basketball officials.”

“Coach Weston, we thank you for your dedication and years of service as a Montana basketball official and educator,” said Hamilton athletic director Darrell Holland.

Provided Photo

Hamilton High School athletic director Darrell Holland honors retiring official Steve Weston for his 39 years of officiating. HHS Principal Dan Kimzey also praises Weston. “Coach Weston we thank you for your dedication and years of service as a Montana basketball official and educator,” said Holland.

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8 - Ravalli Republic, Friday, February 27, 2015

“I’ve had a great career, it’s been a big part of my life for a long time - I’ve enjoyed it,” said Weston. “One thing about refereeing is that when you get out of the game it sort of keeps you in the game. I played in high school, and then I was fortunate enough to go to Western and get started there. I started out there, then I took a year off. I moved to Hamilton and got in the Hamilton pool, then got in the Missoula pool and was really fortunate that the Missoula pool took me in.

“I have been really lucky to be part of that organization, because they do a fabulous job there.

“I really enjoy the game and it’s still a competition when you’re out there. You’re not always going to make the right call, but you really hope to make the right call every time. That’s what it’s all about. I’ve just been really lucky.”

Weston said he will miss the activity, but feels that it is time for him to retire.

“I don’t want to be that person that maybe should have got out a year ago or two years ago,” he said. “So, even though I feel I still could do a good job, I just think it is time to step down from the game.”

Provided Photo

Referees (in black) Russ Hansen, Bryan Porch and Greg Kessler congratulate retiring official Steve Weston - Hamilton High School teacher and coach. “I don’t want to be that person that maybe should have got out a year ago or two years ago,” Weston said. “So even though I feel I still could do a good job, I just think it is time to step down from the game.”

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