PINE RIDGE - Bismarck State College men's basketball coach and athletic director Buster Gilliss signed six Red Cloud Indian School students to the Mystic roster for the 2008-09 school year May 4 at a special signing ceremony on the Red Cloud campus.
Red Cloud seniors Billy Scott, Lester Gotheridge, David Giago, Art Vitalis, Ida Clarke and Lisa Bear Robe signed their national letters of intent with Bismarck State. Students, parents and other members of the Red Cloud community gathered as the seniors signed their letters and set forth their future with the college.
"In my 31 years of coaching, I have never taken four players from one high school. This is a real good group of solid athletes, from a strong program with a winning tradition. We hope to bring that winning tradition to Bismarck State," said Gillis. "I am positive that these student athletes are ready to play basketball at a college level, as I know Coach Matt Rama stresses fundamentals both on and off the court."
At the signing, Matt Rama said he was very proud of these student-athletes. "This is a great testament to all their hard work, commitment and determination. They are fundamentally and
academically ready to make the adjustment," said Rama.
Scott, Gotheridge, Giago and Vitalis were starters on the 2007-2008 Red Cloud varsity basketball team, who ended their season with 24 wins, two loses and a third place trophy at the State A basketball tournament.
Clarke and Bear Robe ended their season on the Red Cloud girls basketball team with 14 wins, 12 losses and a sixth place trophy at the girls State A basketball tournament.
