Trio of Coyotes make 3C List

The Dodson Coyotes fell one challenge game short of reaching state last season, but the team made history taking third place at this year's Eastern C Divisional.

The Coyotes Coyotes landed three athletes in this year's District 3C All-Conference list. Corbin LoneBear, a senior was named third on the list, senior Shaun Ball was named eighth, and Zarek Jones, a junior was named eleventh. LoneBear was named to the All-State team, and Jeramiah Benson was named to the District 3C All-Defensive team.

LoneBear who was a weekly nominee for Montana Sick Dunks by Hudl, showed a lot of growth according to Dodson Head Coach Frank Benson. That growth benefitted the team as well as his game.

"He really made a change this season," Coach Benson said. "He didn't care about stats unless it was team stats. He really wanted to win this season. His leadership came with him, and he wanted to win so bad he did everything he could possibly do to win. At practice, he would make sure everybody got better by peer teaching."

Ball, who has proven to be a sharpshooter throughout his career at Dodson, earned high praise from Coach Benson. Ball has made the 3C list for three consecutive seasons.

"Shaun Ball always has a good head on his shoulders," Coach Benson said. "He never really gets frustrated with adversity. He would have all his good games against non-conference opponents. Boy, when he is shooting great he is unstoppable. His shooting opened up things for other players he was face guarded in games which took his man away from help defense."

Jones, a second-year starter for the Coyotes, made the list for the first time.

"This season he was full force in basketball," Coach Benson said. "He loves the post and he is a big part of our offense. If one of our offensive player attacks and they are doubled, he steps in and scores. He also cleans up a lot of the boards and led the team in offensive rebounds. He also runs the floor so you better get back because Zarek will be open."

Jeramiah Benson was Dodson's most aggressive on-ball defender, and his efforts and hustle earned him a nod on the All-Defensive team.

"Jeramiah was All-Defense this season because he would slow down some of the best players in the state," Coach Benson said. "He slowed down Aiden Fishell who went on to tear it up a state. He also controls the game the way I believe the game or pace should be."

Though he did not receive All-Conference honors, senior Landis Walker was mentioned by Coach Benson as being a team leader.

"His leadership off the court is going to be missed," Coach Benson said. "He would tell our young players like Alex Werk how to get things done and give them confidence not too many people would notice. Plus no team is complete without Landis Walker. The way our team has developed in the last 3 years with so many athletes coming up, he changed his role to making sure Zarek was always focused and Corbin always laughing."

Though Dodson did not make state, Coach Benson went to watch teams play. He shared his experience in finding out that the final day was canceled due to the COVID-19 virus pandemic.

"I left from the Belt vs. Melstone girls game early, so I didn't hear the announcement," Coach Benson said. "I was on the elevator at the motel when I heard that they were canceling all state tournaments. I was thinking that would stink not being able to finish the season, but one great thing is that Class C has four state champions and four banners will be on the wall come next fall. But I would want to play the game. To end a journey after taking a day off for the boys must have been pretty depressing."

Coach Benson was asked if he had a favorite memory from this year's season. He mentioned that he had a few.

"Yes we did have a few great memories," Coach Benson said. "On the first day of practice when we had 17 boys out for our very first practice at 6 am. There was a lot of excitement in the air for a new season."

He went on to say that playing in the Native American Classic for the first time in a few years was another highlight of the year. But he did mention his favorite games of the season.

" Saturday, January 25, was the day we gave Scobey a run for their money and lost by only one point. I know we lost but I still think that was one of our favorites. Also, the 3rd place game against Froid/Lake was a great memory."

He said that not every team gets to end their season on a win.