Jodi Rave: Youth show talent at Native Elite Sports camp

Wednesday, August 1, 2007  

"Hayley Knife Chief captured the attention of coaches while nabbing a national high school player of the year award during the Native Elite Sports Basketball camp in Macy, Neb., over the weekend.

“I didn't expect it because there's a lot of competition,” said Knife Chief. “I was shocked, but pleased and honored that I got that award.”

The 18-year-old Knife Chief of Claremore, Okla., was among a select group of Native boys' and girls' high school basketball players invited to participate in the annual NES camp, which allowed top athletes from across the United States to show their skills in a gymnasium on the Omaha Reservation.

The July 27-28 camp entered its second year, during which organizers have quickly moved to become NCAA certified. This year, some 10 coaches from Division I and II colleges attended and scouted for players, said Webster.

The NES sports showcase is one of the few Native venues to provide such an opportunity specifically for urban and reservation youths. And young people arrived pumped and ready to play.

“I would put these Native kids against any all-star team in the country,” said Barry Webster, chairman of Native Elite Sports, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth through sports."

Get the Story:
Jodi Rave: Players showcase talents at Native Elite Sports hoops camp (The Missoulian 8/1)

Relevant Links:
Jodi Rave - http://www.missoulian.com/jodirave

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