Shirts to play in the Idaho All-Star basketball game

It’s nearly spring and with that, the spring sports at Weiser High School have begun. However, for one athlete, the winter season, and most particularly basketball, has at least one more game. Mattie Shirts, who was awarded the 3A player of the year for our district has been invited to play in one more game before her senior year is complete.

  Shirts is the third daughter of Dave and Trish Shirts. She is a three sport athlete having competed in volleyball, basketball and track and field all four years of her high school career at WHS.

 The North Idaho College Athletics extended an invitation to Shirts to play in their 20th annual Idaho All-Star basketball game to be held in Couer d’Alene, Idaho on Saturday March 25. Shirts is the only girl player from the SRV at the 3A level to be invited. There are other girls in the 3A division but they are from Northern Idaho. 

 Shirts will be playing on the METRO team with girls from the 4A and 5A divisions. Shirts played post and forward for the Wolverines. She is a bit nervous to go up against bigger players in the post position but after watching her play, her tenacity and a sweet move she has inside should not deter her from having a good game.

 In the letter of invitation, “a committee of statewide sports writers and media representatives have nominated and elected you as one of the outstanding senior basketball players in Idaho.”  

 As stated, Shirts was the only girl from our SRV to be extended this invitation. It is an honor to be recognized. It’s been a few years since any other basketball player has been invited and the name Austin Winegar comes to mind.

 Shirts is quoted as saying, “I am really excited to play at this level with friends I’ve made through basketball.” She is referring to some 2A players on the Melba team who have three players traveling to this same event. She also was thankful for the support she has been given by her parents and her coach, Laraine Harrison. As quoted about coach, “she saw the potential in me as a freshman and gave me a chance.” She also wished to thank God for all the blessings through sports and all the opportunities she’s had to participate. Good luck Mattie and have fun!