Wildcats' Emerson to walk-on with Griz
Nick Emerson was not afraid of taking the game-winning shot in the divisional championship game.
The Columbia Falls senior isn't afraid of taking a shot at playing Division I basketball either.
The 6-foot-5 all-state point guard will be a walk-on for the Montana Grizzlies men's basketball team next year.
Emerson averaged 16.63 points-per-game and led the Wildcats to a 22-1 record and the Class A state championship this season.
He will be the first player from Columbia Falls in at least 15 years to play at the Division I level.
"I've heard of people that have gone to junior colleges so they could develop more because they wanted a shot to play at the Division I level ... I had my shot now so I figured I'd take it," he said. "I realize what I'm going to have to do and how hard I have to work, but I'm taking it like it's a challenge."
On Tuesday, Emerson traveled to Missoula where he met with coaches, took the court in an open-gym game with Griz players and toured the campus before he made his decision.
"It was nice to see what the level I'm going to be at next year is going to be like," he said.
The Griz finished 21-11 overall last season and lost in the Big Sky Conference championship game to Northern Colorado. Montana graduates only one senior - center Brian Qvale. Head coach Wayne Tinkle is being considered for the same job at Fresno State, according to numerous news outlets.
Emerson, who sank the game-winning free throws with seven seconds remaining in the Northwestern A championship against Polson and scored 26 in the state title game, was a nominee for the Montana Gatorade Basketball Player of the Year award and was named co-MVP of the conference along with senior Louis Mohr of Polson.
"I know he's a kid that's going to work hard. He's a coachable kid. Like I said all along I think he has a very high ceiling," Columbia Falls head coach Cary Finberg said.
"I hope he gets an opportunity to show what he can do. If he gets the opportunity, I think he will run with it."
Emerson's final prep season was filled with highlights, including a few above-the-rim moments and a stellar performance in the state championship in Bozeman. In that final game, Emerson scored 20 of the Wildcats' first 32 points to give Columbia Falls a big early lead over Dillon.
"He's obviously individually a very talented player but he did it within the framework of the team," Finberg said. "That just shows the type of character and the type of kid that he is to put the team first. He was just a pleasure to coach and I wish him nothing but the best."
In 22 games this season, Emerson had 111 rebounds (a 5.04 per-game average), 21 blocks, 40 steals and 85 assists. He made 58-of-83 free throws (69.88 percent).