One of the largest Native American basketball tournaments for high school and middle school students takes place at The University of New Mexico beginning the day after Christmas.
Striking Eagle Native American Basketball Invitational (SENAI) and Educational Fair is a program run by the College of Education and Human Sciences (COEHS) to benefit teens during winter break.
The tournament takes place in Johnson Center Dec. 26 - 28 from 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and brings kids from all over the Southwest to compete.
The tournament is comprised of several brackets named after scared tribal animals, including:
Brackets
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EAGLE BRACKET—Boys Large Schools Dexter, Santa Fe Indian School, Monument Valley, Utah, Mescalero, Dulce, East Mountain, Zuni
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HAWK BRACKET—Girls Large Schools Santa Fe Indian School, Cuba, Monument Valley, Utah, Mescalero, Ramah, Bosque, Cleveland JV, NACA
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BEAR BRACKET—Boys Small Schools Tohajiilee, Alamo Navajo, Tse Yi Gai, Pine Hill, Ramah, Jemez Valley, Shiprock Northwest.
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ROADRUNNER BRACKET–Girls Small Schools Tohajiilee, Alamo Navajo, Tse Yi Gai, Pine Hill, Shiprock Northwest, Hozho Academy, Jemez Valley, Cimarron.
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LOBO BRACKET (Boys Middle School)–Tohajiilee, Cochiti, Kewa, Bernalillo, Cuba, Shiprock Northwest,
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DEER BRACKET (Girls Middle School)–Tohajiilee, Kewa, Cochiti, Bernalillo, Cuba, Shiprock Northwest, Hozho Academy,
The Striking Eagle Native American Invitational began in 2011 when Associate Professor Shawn Secatero, in the UNM COEHS and Canoncito Navajo member, started the tournament with 24 teams from New Mexico.
Organizers believed that basketball would unite teens over winter break, keeping them motivated and out of trouble.
They also believed the sport would help teens with mental health by offering them purpose and a sense of community.
With the educational workshops they participate in, teens can also gain college credit, boost their GPAs, and inspire youth to consider earning their degree at the University of New Mexico.
Another benefit is that the program offers help in other areas besides dribbling down the court. It also helps high school business-interested students.
“This year, we expect 850 secondary students to participate supported by about 50 volunteers,” said Secatero. “It’s an event that draws from our POLLEN leadership program to run the event, requires high school students to sell concessions to prepare a business plan allowing them to fundraise for their New York trip in the spring, and brings parents and families together.”
The invitational is open to community members, both Native and non-Native are welcomed and encouraged to participate.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children and seniors. All of the money raised will fund next years tournament to continue inspiring teens on the court and in school.