Lambert Helping Lead Shiloh Into State - KXNet - Bismarck/Minot/Williston/Dickinson

Lambert Helping Lead Shiloh Into State

The Shiloh Skyhawks are making back to back state tournament appearances-- and they are doing it with some help from a senior who took over a new role for his team at the beginning of the season.

Coming into the basketball season Donovan Lambert was one of only two players for Shiloh that had played at the state tournament.

Four games in--Shiloh Head coach Mike Dwyer moved the senior to a position that requires leadership--point guard --and Donovan has run with it.

Mike Dwyer says, "He's learned you know he wasn't a point guard before and so he's learned to do that and being a good point guard is a learning process. You have to learn how to run your team and you have to learn when you can pass and when you can drive and he's just continued to grow and learn and become better each game."

On a team that plays defense first-- Donovan has found balance, he can also make an impact at the offensive end of the court with his play making abilities.

"I'd say I try to be humble about it but I just say everybody is feeding off it well you know I just try to do the best for my team that I can," says Donovan.

The state tournament is a unique experience that some players never get a chance to go through.

Shiloh is the only team who's made the B tournament for a second straight season.

For the Skyhawk's two top players, that advantage is huge.

Coach Dwyer says, "Both Donovan and Walter Bearstail have been in two state tournaments and so they're both very focused veterans. They have a lot of experience in that situation so I think both of them will be leaders both on and off the court."

Donovan says,"Not gonna lie I'm a little nervous and I feel a little weight on my shoulders but I know my team and I are gonna do well together."

Donovan says the run Shiloh is making is the highlight of his season.

Like every player he hopes to cap off a great career with a state Championship this weekend.

Shiloh plays will start the tournament against Milnor on Thursday at 2:45 in Minot.