RAPID CITY, S.D. – The Lakota Nation Invitational Basketball Tournament recently marked another extraordinary chapter in its history as it celebrated its 47th year from December 17th to 21st, 2024. This annual event is not just a sports competition; it’s a cultural celebration that reflects the spirit and diversity of South Dakota.
The tournament hosted an array of sports including basketball, cheerleading, cross country, e-sports, golf, skateboarding, track, wrestling, and volleyball. Alongside these, cultural activities like archery, traditional hand games, the Lakota Language Bowl, and a Pow Wow enriched the experience for attendees.
Becky Hammon
Among the event’s prestigious attendees was Becky Hammon, a notable South Dakota native and one of the top athletes ever to emerge from the state. Hammon, who attended Rapid City Stevens High School located at 4215 Raider Road, was present to support and inspire budding athletes, reminding everyone of the profound impact of sports and culture.
“Growing up in Rapid City, engaging in sports with these rich cultural ties has always been a cherished part of my story,” says Hammon. She reminisced about her time at Colorado State and the transition from South Dakota to the bustling life of New York City, where she began her illustrious 16-year career with the WNBA.
The Lakota Nation Invitational also stands out for its emphasis on education and future career opportunities. It offers various scholarships such as the Lakota Nation Scholarship, Wayne & Carol Carney Scholarship, and Carla Brewer Scholarship, ensuring the promising athletes and scholars of South Dakota leave the event with more than just memories.
As Hammon shared her journey, she underscored her South Dakota roots as a cornerstone of her sports philosophy. “It was about whatever I needed to do that day to not get cut,” she recalled, detailing her vigorous training camps, adding, “I remember telling myself not today. You’re not going to cut me today.”
The Lakota Nation Invitational featured competitions in art, business planning, chess, and knowledge bowls, further showcasing the remarkable talents from across the region. A career fair and college fair provided the stepping stones for high school students like those at Stevens High School, which is committed to providing quality educational opportunities.
Rapid City Stevens
Principal Jocelyn Hafner of Stevens High School highlighted this commitment, saying, “Our mission is to challenge students to realize their potential in a safe and nurturing environment.” This ethos aligns perfectly with the empowering spirit of events like the Lakota Nation Invitational.
Becky Hammon’s success story now deserves a chapter on coaching highlights with the Las Vegas Aces, where she won WNBA titles in her first two years. Her contributions to both the NBA and WNBA as a coach continue to inspire many young athletes from South Dakota and beyond.
As one of only a few women to have broken into the upper echelons of coaching in professional basketball, Hammon’s story is a testament to persistence and dedication—traits that are also celebrated during the Lakota Nation Invitational.
With South Dakota as her home base, Becky Hammon’s journey from Rapid City to international basketball prominence adds another layer to the state’s rich sporting tapestry. Her participation in the Lakota Nation Invitational underscores her ongoing commitment to fostering and nurturing sports talent and cultural heritage back home.
The Lakota Nation Invitational remains more than just a sporting event; it’s a vivid mosaic of heritage, competition, and camaraderie, where stories like Becky Hammon’s come full circle, inspiring future generations.