Riders ready for Donkey Basketball in Malta

Of the dozen or so rules in the sport of donkey basketball, the most important — at least for this story — is the weight limit.

Any player who rides a donkey must be under 200 pounds which, in turn, explains why local basketball legend Jake Stuart will not be playing in the action this Saturday at Malta High School and why his wife, Ashley, a fellow round-ball legend is.

“Am I playing,” Ashley said when asked about the event. “Jake said he signed me up, but I can never tell when he is kidding or not.”

Since Jake clocks in at over six foot and over the 200 pounds, he nominated Ashley for a team on Saturday. Ashley played high school basketball at Whitewater and college ball at Rocky Mountain College, specialized in the point guard spot on those former teams, but said she wasn’t sure those hardwood skills would translate to donkey basketball.

“I have never been on a donkey,” said PhillCo’s Executive Director. “I’ve always ridden horses and been around horses for lots of 4-H projects, but I have no donkey riding experience. I guess I am a little nervous but I am sure it will be fun and my kids will get a kick out of it.”

As the PCN went to press Tuesday night, teams had not been decided on, but team names and sponsors had. The Malta Chamber of Commerce is hosting the event and Chamber Executive Director Dina Meneely confirmed that the team sponsored by Independence Bank and Westside Self Service are named “The Jack 5”; the team Sponsored by First State Bank and Hardware Hank will be known as “HAWS”; CHS Big Sky and First Security Bank’s team is the “Badonkadonks” and Diary Queen and the Phillips County News are affectionately known as the “Fake Stangs.” Bringing up the rear — literally — the Pooper Scoopers (comprised of Principals Scott King and Tad Schye, at the very least) are sponsored by Art’s Furniture.

While Ashley Stuart admitted to no experience in donkey basketball, First State Bank’s Logan Lund has both ridden in rodeos and played ball from the back of a burro. Lund figured he drew “the short straw” as to why he was picked to play. Lund played some basketball in junior high and a few seasons for his high school team in Grass Range and it was during his high school days he first played donkey basketball.

“I think I scored six points,” Lund recalled.

Lund said spectators at Saturday night’s game should expect a lot of laughs but warned his fellow contestants to proceed with caution after saddling up.

“They need to be cautious because some donkeys have temper issues,” he warned.

The game gets underway this Saturday, April 8 at 6 p.m. at the Malta High School Gym. Tickets for the event are available only at the door and are $10 for adults, $7 for students and children five and under get in for free.