Sleeping Chiefs Shootout returns for fifth year

by Brady FrederickWednesday, April 28th 2021

Video:

https://klewtv.com/sports/content/sleeping-chiefs-basketball-tournament-retunrs-for-fifth-year?fbclid=IwAR0i8xgefnOu3kudH3THAE8-SF-Jd0q1zidZW2UHdMDn3QMdYCjU30NwkOw

LAPWAI, Idaho — Tribes around the country convened in Lapwai to resume a tradition. The Sleeping Chiefs Shootout had its annual run interrupted by the 2020 coronavirus pandemic.

"The basketball court brings people back,” said tournament organizer Erik Holt. “It’s like a sanctuary, if you will, to Indian people across different reservations.”

The tournament drew 31 entrees from across the map, spanning across Washington, Idaho, California, Oregon, Montana, Nebraska, Alaska, and North and South Dakota, just to name a few.

This is the fifth time Holt has organized the 45 and older tournament. He says it’s a chance for some to relive their glory days.

"That’s the root of it all. A lot of us, I played in the eighties for the undefeated Lapwai teams, so we grew up in this court,” he said.

"It’s kind of like grabbing your youth again and playing,” said Duane Gervais Lawrence, who made the trip from Coeur d’Alene.

It's also a chance to catch up with members of other tribes around the country.

"It was a really, really big deal. There’s people out here we haven’t seen in four or five years,” Gervais Lawrence added.

"Most everyone who’s playing now, we’ve known each other,” said Brooklyn Baptiste, a Lapwai resident. “We have children and grandchild playing (now).”

"It’s really been invigorating to say the least,” said Kyle Mcguire, who made the trip from Portland, Ore. “To rekindle relationships from 20 years.”

"We treat each other like family. Once we get on the court, you can hear the excitement of the crowd. Their cheering on these 50-year-olds who are still living the dream,” Holt said.

As they all get together, they honor the sport that has become so engrained in their culture

"Here in the Pi-Nee-Waus, we call this place where legends are made. Theres a lot of people that have played on this court from many, many reservations,” Holt said. “Always pay reverence to those who played before us, you know. Always remember what they’ve taught us, and how we can carry that going forward.”