http://www.billingsgazette.net/articles ... pforan.txt
Winifred's Foran closes high school career
By ED WEST
Of The Gazette Staff
All-Star games aren't anything new to Brian Foran. Nevertheless, the Winifred star will have a new experience this weekend when the Montana All-Stars take on Wyoming in their annual basketball series.
Foran played in the Class C football game three weeks ago in Butte, and he's been in several basketball tournaments this spring, including the Crowne Plaza Classic here in March.
But this series, of course, is a bit different, as it matches top players from each state.
"It's a lot of fun to be included in all these all-star games," Foran said before Montana's first practice Wednesday afternoon. "Not many kids get to and it's fun to be one of the ones that does get to. I came to a Montana-Wyoming All-Star game when I was like 6. It looked like a lot of fun then. It's a lot of fun to be in it now."
Foran wasn't so sure he was going to get the opportunity.
"You just never really know for sure. I thought there was a chance. There's so many great athletes."
The springy 6-foot-2 senior should be a nice addition to the roster.
"Of course, everyone knows he's a pretty good jumper," said Shelby's Trey Wanty. "What I've seen of him, he can rebound really well and he's really unselfish. He plays good defense. He's someone everyone needs on their team.
"I think he can balance everyone out. He can score and dish and do the little things. We have everyone here who can score, obviously. I think he'll be a good fit."
It probably wasn't too likely Foran was going to be left out after leading Winifred to a 26-0 record and first State C championship since 1974.
During the state tournament, Foran submitted three very good performances. In the Red Raiders' opener against Wibaux, Foran scored 23 points and grabbed nine rebounds in a 45-38 victory.
In a 57-44 semifinal win over Twin Bridges, Foran went 11 of 18 from the floor on the way to 24 points. He also grabbed three rebounds, blocked three shots and made four steals.
Foran was just as dominating in the championship game, scoring 29 points and spearing 20 rebounds as the Red Raiders overpowered Rocky Boy 68-54.
It was the culmination of a season-long dream.
"It was a lot of fun. At the beginning of the year that was our goal," Foran said. "We thought we could really do it this year. We knew if we could get through divisionals this year that we'd have a pretty good shot at state.
"We had a great team the whole season so you didn't have to do a whole lot. We had a lot of players, if you had a bad night, they'd have a better night. That's how it worked the whole season. Come state, same thing. Everyone was hitting shots and making plays."
Foran will continue his career at Montana State-Northern and he knows some adjustment will be required.
"I'll have to improve my ball handling a lot," Foran said. "I'm used to playing the four and five position in high school and there's no way I can play that in college."
Foran knows he'll also have to improve his shooting range, but is still looking forward to joining the Lights' program.
"It's close to home. Nice town. They have a lot of support for their team. It should be fun."
This week's experience should help Foran get used to playing with a lot of new teammates.
"I've seen them all play pretty much," Foran said of the Montana roster. "They're all real good. I think we'll be all right."
The first game is set for Friday at Sheridan College and the second game is Saturday at Billings West.
