Local student represents USA in Dominican Republic

While Madison Moffat has been playing basketball for years, she didn't expect to find herself playing basketball to represent not just Green River, not just Wyoming, but the entire United States in the Santo Domingo Summer Classic juniors tournament in the Dominican Republic.

Moffat, a Green River senior who homeschools and plays basketball for the Green River High School Lady Wolves, was chosen to be part of the American team after attending a basketball camp in Utah. She was the only girl chosen from Green River, and one of only two from Wyoming, with one other girl coming from Gillette. Others were chosen for the team from "all over," according to Moffat, including states like Oregon, Utah, Connecticut and Texas.

The American team faced off with teams from roughly a dozen other countries in a three-day tournament last week.

"It's almost like worlds for a junior division," Moffat explained.

Teams competed for bronze, silver, and gold, and the winners earned trophies and medals to bring back to their countries.

The American team ended up taking third overall. They won all three games on their first day. The next day they lost the first game of semifinals, but won in the consolation championship, putting them in third place.

"Seeing how the other countries played was definitely my favorite part because they are a lot more aggressive," Moffat said.

While she enjoyed participating in the tournament, Moffat had some uncertainties and was surprised when she was initially chosen.

"I was super nervous," she admitted. "But I think it's neat that I got picked out of everyone else."

After more consideration and conversation, Moffat decided to go for it.

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," she said.

Not only did Moffat get the opportunity to compete in the tournament, but she also gets to spend almost two weeks in the Dominican Republic. The team members will have the chance to do a service project as well as go sightseeing and do activities like parasailing.