What began in 2005 as a small basketball initiative with just eight students has now become a cornerstone of youth sports in the Pine Ridge community. Líl Lúta, Maȟpíya Lúta’s foundational basketball program, is back for another exciting season—and it’s bigger than ever.
This year, over 100 students from Maȟpíya Lúta, Our Lady of Lourdes, and surrounding schools in grades K-4th are participating in the bi-weekly practices and Saturday games that make up the heart of the program. With a focus on skill-building, teamwork, and fun, Líl Lúta provides a space for young athletes to fall in love with the game while growing their abilities under experienced guidance. The majority of the instruction is delivered in Lakota, which is truly exciting!
Each week, local teams gather at Maȟpíya Lúta to compete in friendly matchups that bring families and community members together. Supporting this effort are current high school basketball players, who are stepping into leadership roles by helping run drills and mentor younger players. High school coaches are also deeply involved, leading workouts and offering high-level instruction that bridges fundamentals with competitive play.
The season will run for the next seven weeks and culminate in a community-wide tournament celebration.
Líl Lúta continues to grow, inspire, and build the next generation of athletes, all while staying rooted in community, mentorship, and love for the game.