One aspect that has not been overlooked in Box Elder, Montana has been basketball. The high school has been producing standouts from Neal Rosette, Sr. to Brandon the Boy and Jerrod Fourcolors.
Enter into the equation the newest star: Tracen Jilot. In the three years he has headed up the Bears’ basketball program and the infinite time he’s spent from day one growing up in Box Elder, the 6-foot point guard has turned heads with his play. His court vision is well above average to make the right play in the moment. Selfishly, his athleticism allows him to blow past defenders at any time and rock the rim with an emphatic jam, padding his more than 30-points-per-game output from this past season. Selflessly, he blends into the identity of the “Bear Trap” back court defense that dares the opposition to cross the timeline with the ball still in their possession.
Jilot said in an interview with New Media Broadcasters after his team capped off a perfect season en route to a State Class ‘C’ championship how honored he was to have his profile rise because of the contributions by his team for 2023-24.
“It means a lot, especially to the community,” Jilot said. “Basketball is everything where we’re from, growing up playing it, especially with my teammates. We’ve just been playing for so long.”
“It means the world and it’s something I’ve been working for years and years now every day,” Jilot continued. “I can’t really express it into words. (I’m) really happy.”
Box Elder boys’ basketball coach Jeremy MacDonald has seen Jilot grow up before his eyes, observing the legacy that he has built in the more than decade-long run that he’s been at the helm. To now be able to coach that kind of talent has not only given MacDonald a platform to execute at the highest level, but has also given Jilot the ability to thrive and gain the exposure that wouldn’t come as easily had the Bears not been achieving state champion status.
“Tracen has got a great support system with his family and then the folks in the community,” MacDonald said. “He’s had a lot of opportunities growing up (and) been able to go to different tournaments (and) get exposure and experience, regionally.”
“He’s a great kid (and) does a great job representing our school well (and) representing our community,” MacDonald continued. “We’re lucky he has one more year as a Bear.”
Whether it’s been the AAU circuit with Select Basketball, high school game action, or any tournament in between, Jilot’s presence in the spotlight has only risen, not just in basketball, but in football in the fall and currently in track and field, where he is will be a contender at the MHSA state meet in the high jump later this week.
Jilot’s latest chance to shine will be at the Montana Elite Invitational this Memorial Day Weekend, which showcases the most skilled basketball players in the Treasure State. Jilot will be returning for his second go-round after winning the inaugural boys’ championship. Josh Huestis, the founder of the MEI, has observed Jilot’s motor and drive for the last two years up close and said that having him there brings star power to any environment he is placed in.
“What needs to be said about Trace, right?” Huestis said. “The kid is clearly one of the best players in the entire state and this past season, was the best scorer in the entire state.”
“He’s just a great all-around player, a highflyer, he’s entertaining, and can fill up the stat sheet,” Huestis continued. “He is a no-brainer to be able to have (at the Montana Elite Invitational) because plain and simple, he’s one of the best there is.”
Jilot and MacDonald will both be appearing at this weekend’s Montana Elite Invitational in Great Falls. Jilot will represent Team Red and MacDonald will coach Team Grey.
