Emerson awarded scholarship to play for Griz

Nick Emerson likely made a bit of Columbia Falls history last week. The standout former Wildcat basketball player accepted a scholarship with the University of Montana Grizzlies last week.

Emerson is the first Columbia Falls athlete to secure a Grizzly athletic scholarship in decades. There have been several notable Columbia Falls athletes who played Division I basketball before him, but they signed with Montana State University or other colleges, not the Griz.

The 6-5, 200-pound Emerson graduated from Columbia Falls in 2011 and walked on with the Griz last season as a redshirt freshman. He was offered a scholarship last week.

“We’re very excited about awarding a scholarship to Emerson,” Grizzlies coach Wayne Tinkle said. “Nick walked on with the understanding that he could earn a scholarship, and he certainly did that during his redshirt year.”

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. His senior year, he averaged 18 points, 6 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game, shooting 56 percent from the field and 75 percent from the line.

Under coach Cary Finberg, Emerson’s senior squad was the state champion in 2010-2011 with a 22-1 record. Emerson was chosen team MVP and team captain as a senior. His junior hoop 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.

“It’s pretty awesome,” Emerson said last week. “It’s something I’ve been waiting and working for a long time.”

Emerson is majoring in health and human enhancement. So far, he’s the lone Montanan on the team with a scholarship.

Emerson could have played at a junior college, but he wanted to give UM a go.

“When I came down to visit (last year), I thought ‘I have a shot to do something now,’” he said.

The goal is simple: Win another Big Sky Conference championship like the team did this year, Emerson said.

Tinkle has confidence in Emerson.

“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’re very proud of what he’s done to put himself in this position and taking on the challenge, and we’re very happy to reward him and know he’ll be an asset for us moving forward.”

Emerson’s mother, Debbie Emerson of Columbia Falls, said Nick has dreamed about playing college basketball since he was a young boy. This is a dream come true.