May 3, 2012

The University of Montana basketball program has offered a scholarship to Nick Emerson of Columbia Falls, announced seventh-year Grizzly head coach Wayne Tinkle today.

A 6-5, 200-pound forward, Emerson walked on at Montana this past year and practiced with the team during the 2011-12 season.

"We are very excited about awarding a scholarship to Nick Emerson of Columbia Falls," said Tinkle, who is currently in Spokane, Wash., at a Grizzly Scholarship Association function. "Nick walked on with the understanding that he could earn a scholarship, and he certainly did that during his redshirt year.

"He has worked very hard and become a valuable asset to our practice squad, and we feel that he has a bright future ahead of him," Tinkle said. "I know he is very excited to have earned this, and he loves what we are doing here in Grizzly basketball.

"Through Nick's efforts and improvements both on the court and in the classroom, he's proven that he can play Division I basketball," Tinkle said. "We are very proud of what he's done to put himself in this position and taking on the challenge, and we are very happy to reward him and know he will be an asset for us moving forward."

Emerson lettered in three sports at Columbia Falls High School: three times in basketball, twice in golf, and once in tennis.

He was a first team all-state selection and Montana's Gatorade Player of the Year following his senior year with the Wildcats. His senior year he averaged 18.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game, and shot 56% from the field and 75% from the line.

His senior squad was the state champion in 2010-11, and compiled a 22-1 record. He was chosen team MVP and team captain as a senior. His junior hoop team won the division title and finished third in the state with a 21-3 record. His sophomore team also won the divisional tournament and placed second in the state tournament. His high school basketball coach was Cary Finberg.