ARLEE — Thousands of young children have grown up on Montana’s reservation towns, dreaming of playing for a state basketball championship. Only a select few have lived the dream.
Native American basketball players have become legends in Montana — the likes of J.R. Camel, Mike Chavez, Jonathan Takes Enemy, Larry Pretty Weasel and Elvis Old Bull — still discussed to this day. For the past four years, whispers of a new basketball star have turned to loud conversation.
Arlee senior Phillip Malatare grew up with a basketball in his hand, hoping to bring his reservation and hometown a title of its own. Along the way, Malatare has seen the highest of highs and the lowest of lows, enjoying happiness and suffering tragedy. But through it all, the 2017 Class C state champion holds true to what matters most — his family, his friends and his love for the game.
Click the video above to view the MontanaSports.com Original: “Malatare.”
