All star games extend Trojan season

While their season may have officially ended earlier this month at the MHSA Class B State Tournament in Billings, members of the Whitehall High School boys basketball team were not quite done.

Since finishing the season with a fourth place finish at state, the Trojans have several players and coaches taken part in All Star games throughout the state. Last weekend, senior Braden Larsen, head coach Zach McLean, and assistant coach Kelly Nieskens participated in the 31st annual Hi-Line Invitational Basketball Tournament in Havre.

Larsen and fellow seniors Andrew Simon and Colton Noyes also recently played in the Senior Classic All Star Basketball Tournament in Billings.

Just three days after the season finale against Shelby, Larsen and Simon played in the Southwest Montana All Star Classic in Butte. Sophomore Max Feight was an alternate for the game. The Lady Trojans were also well represented with freshman Isabel Evans and senior Kaya Welch playing in the classic.

Looking back at the season, McLean said he had a special group that he was honored to coach.

“I’m going to miss Braden, Andrew, Colton, and Jake (Flynn). They have all done everything that I have asked, team first guys, and just a special group of young men. Colton from freshman year to now, it still amazes me,” McLean said. “There is a foundation here in the program and these four are a big part of that. I can’t wait to see what the future has for these four I know they are going to do some great things”

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The longtime Trojans coach also discussed Larsen, Simon, and Feight receiving postseason honors.

Larsen and Feight were both All-State and first team District 5B All Conference. Simon was also named first team all conference.

“It was really nice to see these three recognized for their performance throughout the season. They have all put in the time in the offseason and it’s nice to be rewarded,” McLean said. “In saying that though having these three receiving these says a lot more on how great of teammates they had to play with. I think that’s the most important thing to remember. None of this happens without the team. The best part about that is Braden, Andrew and Max all recognize that.”

McLean said Larsen, is probably the most coachable player he’s ever had.

“He has a high basketball IQ and is so unselfish. I really feel that there were games where he could have just exploded offensively, but that never mattered to him he knew he had to get his teammates involved to make us better. I am really going to miss coaching Braden he has made me a better coach and has made a major impact on Whitehall basketball,” he said.

McLean also lauded the play of Simon, who spent four years on the varsity squad.

“Andrew has been a player who has accepted any role that was given to him. As a freshman and sophomore I had him play a lot on the perimeter, and this year especially we had him in the post. Andrew always has brought an energy level and a will to win that is contagious. I’m going to miss my time with Andrew and he has well has left an impact on Whitehall basketball,” he said.

McLean also praised the play of Feight who had the high honor of being named to the All-State team as a sophomore.

“Max is one of the best pure shooters I have coached. His release is just amazing. He worked on his game over the summer and made some strides offensively and defensively. He knows he has room for improvement and wants to become a complete player and that’s what gets me excited about Max,” McLean said.