Phoenix, AZ – Today, Lois Stevens of the Oneida Tribe of Wisconsin signed a letter of intent to play for the Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence, KS. Stevens is in Phoenix playing in the prestigious National Indian Basketball Invitational for high school athletes. Longtime Haskell Women’s basketball coach, Phil Homeratha, was on hand to do the signing for Haskell. Also on hand were NABI Tournament Director Gina Marie Scarpa-Mabry, NABI Board Members Ernie Stevens, Jr. (Lois’s father) and Tex Hall (and NABI Foundation Chair), as well as Nike’s Sam McCracken.

Lois graduated from Oneida Nation High School this past year. She was a 4-year starter, only missing one start in all four years playing for her mother, Coach Cheryl Stevens. Because of her work ethic and strong leadership qualities, she served as team Captain for the last 2 years. At 5'10", she played point guard for most of her high school career, averaging 9 assists per game, 15 pts./game and lead the team in 3 point shooting in her last two years for the team. Lois led her team to a winning record all four years of her high school career. Coach Homeratha is excited at the signing and stated that Lois will transition to the small forward position at the collegiate level.

Lois was a leader on and off the court. The Oneida Nation High School Class of 2007 Salutatorian was also chosen as co-Female Student Athlete of the Year in 2007, and co-MVP for basketball and MVP in volleyball in her last two years of school. Both of Lois’s sisters – Margaret and Maria – played basketball for Haskell. In addition, brothers Ernie III and Brandon both played basketball and hold degrees from Haskell. Her parents Ernie Stevens, Jr. and Cheryl, also played basketball and hold degrees from Haskell Indian Nations University, class of 1983, making her signing truly a family affair. Lois’s Great Grandmother, Maria Hinton also attended Haskell Institute when it was a boarding school in the late 1920's. Marie took part in the opening ceremonies of Haskell’s new Arch and football field, an event in which the great Jim Thorpe participated in.

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Chris Stearns, Communications Director & General Counsel
The Inter-Tribal Economic Alliance

Of Counsel, Hobbs Straus Dean & Walker LLP
Seattle, WA
(206) 902-6680 cell WA
(202) 257-6428 cell DC
(206) 260-9105 fax
cstearns@hsdwdc.com <mailto:cstearns@hsdwdc.com>