The University of Montana basketball program has offered a scholarship to Nick Emerson of Columbia Falls, seventh-year Grizzly head coach Wayne Tinkle announced today.
A 6-foot-5, 200-pound forward, Emerson was a walk-on at Montana last year and practiced with the team during the 2011-12 season.
“We are very excited about awarding a scholarship to Nick Emerson of Columbia Falls,” Tinkle said in a statement. “Nick walked on with the understanding that he could earn a scholarship, and he certainly did that during his redshirt year.
“He has worked very hard and become a valuable asset to our practice squad, and we feel that he has a bright future ahead of him,” Tinkle added. “I know he is very excited to have earned this, and he loves what we are doing here in Grizzly basketball.
“Through Nick’s efforts and improvements both on the court and in the classroom, he’s proven that he can play Division I basketball,” Tinkle said. “We are very proud of what he’s done to put himself in this position and taking on the challenge, and we are very happy to reward him and know he will be an asset for us moving forward.”
Emerson lettered in three sports at Columbia Falls High School: three times in basketball, twice in golf, and once in tennis. He was a first team all-state selection and Montana’s Gatorade Player of the Year following his senior year with the Wildcats. As a senior he averaged 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game.
As team captain, he helped direct Columbia Falls to a 22-1 record and state title in 2010-11. His junior team won the division title and finished third in the state with a 21-3 record. His sophomore team also won the divisional tournament and placed second in the state tournament.