Rez Summer Slam Turns Three

Outdoor Event Goes On Despite Pandemic

Hoversland, Zilkoski

A two-day basketball tournament enlivened the downtown offerings in Wolf Point Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 1-2, at the parking lot between High Plains Motors and Opportunity Bank on Front Street.

Forty-five teams competed in seven divisions ranging from third and fourth grades to adult. Approximately 180 players participated. Event organizer Marianne Zilkoski Rees said the COVID-19 pandemic was a consideration as planning for the tournament reached its final stages.

“I felt that being outside in the fresh air was good for our everyone,” she said. “We had hand sanitizer available and encouraged fist bumps versus high fives.”

Several of the event judges were wearing masks, as were some attendees on the sidelines.

Local photographer Matt Deserly told the Northern Plains Independent that he and his family were participating during a window of opportunity that arose when an at-risk relative left town.

“My grandmother is gone for three weeks,” said Deserly. He said his family will be back to semi-quarantine status after the weekend in preparation for her return to the community. “This is the first thing we’ve come out for,” said Deserly.

“People in the community were ready to get their kids out and play some ball,” said Zilkoski Rees.

Ashley Fulbright helped Zilkoski Rees run the event. “Ashley is my right-hand woman,” she said. “She helps run each event. I have been blessed with people who step up and use their free time to help out. Some positions you have to pay, refs and such, but others donate their time.”

One vendor was serving food and refreshments. An Indian taco fundraiser in front of Missouri Breaks Brewing also fed some participants and attendees.

Zilkoski Rees said 2020 was

Follett, Hays

the third installment of the annual tournament. “Each summer it has grown,” she said.

All fundraising for the event went to Skillz & Drillz, a local organization dedicated to hosting local basketball camps, clinics and tournaments. Several mini-camps are scheduled for January.

For more information about Skillz & Drillz, see skillzdrillzbasketballwp. com or visit the group’s Facebook page.