Tigertail tournament resumes with support from Indian Country • The Seminole Tribune

Joseph Osceola takes a jump shot while guarded by Charlie Frye, right, and Preston Baker on Sept. 8, 2022, the first night of the 13th annual Tigertail Brothers Memorial Tournament in Big Cypress. (Photo Beverly Bidney)

Each year the annual Tigertail Brothers Memorial Tournament rekindles the fond basketball memories Minnie Tigertail has of her two sons.

This year was no different as 21 teams came to the Herman L. Osceola Memorial Gymnasium on the Big Cypress Reservation to play in the tournament’s 13th edition, named in memory of Duane and Malcolm Tigertail.

“I like seeing people playing basketball, it takes me back to when my sons played ball,” Minnie Tigertail said Sept. 8, the first night of the three-day tournament. “It’s good to watch it and remember how they enjoyed playing. We get so excited for this tournament, we want them to enjoy it. Whoever wants to play is welcome, we never get tired of it.”

The tournament resumed after being sidelined the past two years due to the pandemic. Indian Country showed its support as teams and players from the Dakotas, Minnesota and Oklahoma joined Seminole and other local teams to vie for the championships.

Shirley Clay dribbles the ball while defended by Beverly Tiger in a legends division game at the 13th annual Tigertail Brothers Memorial Tournament on Sept. 8, 2022, in Big Cypress. (Photo Beverly Bidney)

The men’s division had by far the most teams with 13; the legend’s and women’s divisions each had four.
DeForest Carter, one of the most successful athletes in the history of the Seminole Tribe, starred for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University from 2011-15. He holds several school records, including most career assists and steals. His love of basketball as a youngster was fueled by watching his uncles Duane and Malcom play. Carter organized this year’s tournament.

“There will be great competition here. I try to get the best people I know,” Carter said on the first night. “People who play in a lot of tournaments say this is one of the best competitions. All of them have a shot to win. Some of them play in big national tournaments. The basketball world in Indian Country is so small, [but] there’s a lot of talent out there. I met a lot of people at [the Native American Basketball Invitational] and maintained those relationships over the years. It’s about respect and love of the game.”

Results:
Legend 2 1st place (legends)
Legend 2nd place (legends)

Lady Ballers 1st place (women)
X Factor 2nd Place (women)

OMC 1st Place (men)
Plainzmen 2nd Place (men)

Staff reporter Beverly Bidney contributed to this story.