SPOKANE, Wash. – For one team at Hoopfest, the big tournament is not just about playing basketball, it’s about something much deeper. They come from all walks of life, but what brings them together is more than just their love of the game.
Three Nations is a team made up of three lifelong friends – Wyatt Peters, Brannon Cavanaugh, and Ethan White Temple. What’s really interesting about this team is that each of these friends comes from a different Native American tribe.
Every summer, they get together to compete in Spokane, and it’s a pretty unique experience. They’re not just representing themselves, but also their respective tribes, which adds a deeper layer of meaning to their competitions.
Peters, who has roots in both the Yakama and Niimiipuu tribes, explained that the team’s name is a reflection of the diverse tribal nations that are represented by the players on the roster.
“The reason we call ourselves Three Nations,” Peters said.
These players all have different stories, but one thing that hasn’t changed is their friendship, it’s stayed strong over time.
“It’s great that we can still hang out and have fun together after all these years,” Cavanaugh said, a proud member of the Oglala Lakota Tribe.
This event is a big deal for the trio, and it’s not just about playing basketball – it’s also a chance for them to share their Native American roots with a huge audience.
“It’s important to represent where we come from at an event like this,” said White Temple, who is Lakota and Niimiipuu.
For these three friends, going back to Hoopfest every year is about more than just playing in the tournament – it’s also a time to appreciate their friendship and the different cultures that have brought them together.
They don’t just care about winning or losing, but about using their presence to inspire others and highlight the importance of Native representation in the sport. By being there, they hope to make a positive impact and show others the value of diversity and friendship.
