LEWISTOWN — Jaden Graham made it official Wednesday evening, signing his national letter of intent with the Northern State University men’s basketball program.
Graham, a senior standout on the Lewistown boys basketball team, announced his commitment in May, telling MTN Sports at the time that he “felt at home, everything felt right,” when visiting the campus in Aberdeen, S.D. Graham doubled down on his excitement on Thursday morning.
“Super, super exciting. It feels like a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders, honestly. With injuries and everything (that could happen), it’s all clear and on paper, it’s all done,” he said of his signing. “I’m super excited for the upcoming year there, but my main goal now is at the end of March (at the Class A state basketball tournament). That’s where my head’s at.”
Last winter, the two-time Class A all-state selection helped pace the Eagles to the program’s first state tournament since 2002, making an appearance in the semifinals. Lewistown opened its practice schedule on Thursday morning, where Graham, a team captain, says the team is ready to make another state tournament run.
“I’m so excited, it’s beyond words. I think all of our heads are on the right track. We have nine seniors, so the leadership is awesome on the team. The communication and how loud our gym was at practice (Thursday) morning was nuts. It almost felt like I was at a college practice again. It was exciting,” Graham said.
Graham won’t be the final student-athlete at Fergus High School to sign his national letter of intent. Multi-sport standout Tanner Trafton gave his verbal commitment to Jeff Choate and the Montana State football program earlier this year, while Graham said, “Wesley Jameson and Mitchell Norslien both have several different football offers to mull over.” The Division I football early signing period begins on Dec. 19.
But Wednesday evening was a celebration strictly for Graham, who signed his NLI in front of a proud family, one that has been there every step of the way.
“It was a super special moment, for sure. I love my family, and they’ve guided me and made me into the player and man I am. I’m thankful to them. Without them, this would have never happened,” said Graham.
According to the Fergus High website, Graham and the Eagles open the 2018-2019 season against Laurel on Saturday, Dec. 1.
