The Hays/Lodge Pole Thunderbirds were in Billings this past weekend taking part in the 9th Annual All American Indian Shootout. The Thunderbirds would go 1-1 over the weekend falling to Plenty Coup 77-74 Thursday and defeating Hardin JV 79-71 on Friday.

The tournament features a bevy of talented teams including Class A Browning and Hardin as well as Rocky Boy, Plenty Coup, Box Elder, Heart Butte, Two Eagle River and two teams from North Dakota, Mandaree and White Shield.

The Thunderbirds began play Thursday night in what was a thrilling contest against the Plenty Coup Warriors.

Senior Tyshawn Shambo had himself a shootout over the weekend and turned in a solid effort against the Warriors Thursday night. 12 first quarter points to help the Thunderbirds take a 22-15 lead early on.

Shambo added seven more in both the second and third quarters to help the Thunderbirds maintain their advantage. Senior Daniel Henry added 10 points to the Thunderbird effort in the third quarter, including his second and third from downtown.

The Warriors stormed back down the stretch to take a heart breaking 77-74 win over the Hays/Lodge Pole Thunderbirds. Shambo finished with 31 points in the contest while Henry chipped in 19 of his own.

Friday night the Thunderbirds faced the Class A Hardin Bulldog JV team in what would be another entertaining and high scoring affair. Shambo again had the hot hand to start the contest for the Thunderbirds, scoring 11 first quarter points.

Shambo added 10 more in the second quarter including an 8-8 effort from the charity stripe. Senior William Has The Eagle added a triple in the second half and converted a four free throw attempts to help the Thunderbirds secure a 79-71 win over the Bulldogs.

Shambo led the Thunderbird attack with a game high 29 points while Has The Eagle added 16. Henry scored 12 points in the contest helping the Thunderbirds secure their first win of the season.

Hay/Lodge Pole will close out 2021 with four road contest beginning with North Star on December 17, then Big Sandy on December 18 followed by Fort Benton on December 20 and finally Chinook on December 21.