The 2024 Hi-Line Invitational basketball tournament wrapped up over the weekend and there was plenty of exciting basketball action from the Armory Gym on the campus of MSU-Northern. Eight sets of teams combined the best in the classifications that Montana high school basketball has to offer.
But what about the sheer advantage of having this competition in Havre? New Media Broadcasters talked with two personalities familiar with the airwaves to get their take on why the proximity of this tournament helps them in their everyday lives.
Tre Gary will be going into his senior season with the Havre Blue Ponies as their starting point guard. He made up one of the spots of the Class ‘A’ HIT roster and played against award winners and state champions. Gary said in order to grow his profile that not having to travel very far was good to showcase his skills to a broader audience.
“It’s definitely fun not having to travel anywhere except to the gym,” Gary said. “I love sleeping in my own bed and it’s always fun having my mom (and sister, Lady Blue Pony Ariana Gary) here and everyone else make it down easy because we are in Havre.”
Tournament organizer Chris Mouat is also the head coach of the MSU-Northern Skylights. His take on having the tournament be played in Havre since its move from Malta is good not only for his program because of starting the recruiting process early, but any coach who wants to come to North Central Montana to see these kids compete.
“It’s an advantage. It’s nice being able to pull somebody into my office and visit for a minute,” Mouat said. “Even if we can make an offer. We made a lot of offers (on Friday), some for kids that are not kids for this (recruiting class), but kids for down the road.”
“It’s exciting for us to get some face time with them here in Havre before they make an official visit,” Mouat continued. “Other coaches have the same opportunity to come and pull aside and visit with them.”
