This week’s Wyoming Five Star Performance of the Week belongs to Heeyei’Niitou Monroe-Black of Wyoming Indian Basketball! The Chiefs senior just concluded an impressive weekend, as the Chiefs took down 2A #2 Thermopolis and Lame Deer, Montana in consecutive days. 

Against Thermopolis, Monroe-Black sank the game-winning shot in overtime to cap a 30-point performance. The next evening, Monroe-Black scored 31 points against Lame Deer, another native-american reservation program from Montana. 

“I knew we would get a good look with the ball in his hands, and his ability to make a good decision what to do with it,” said Head Coach Craig Ferris.

Monroe-Black is off to a hot start this season – he’s averaging 22 points per game (2nd in 2A), 7.6 rebounds per game (8th in 2A), 57% from 3-point-range (1st in 2A), 55% from the floor (6th in 2A), and 75% at the charity stripe (6th in 2A). Monroe-Black is 7th in Wyoming for points per game. 

The Chiefs are also off to a hot start, winning 11 of 12 games so far. They’ve earned the #1 team ranking in 2A, behind an impressive 72.2 points per game (#1 in all classes). They hold opponents to 50 points per game.

Wyoming Indian has a lot of momentum rolling into conference play. Including the big victory over #2 Thermop last week — the team that eliminated the Chiefs in the State Semi-Final last year — they’ve come out extremely fast in 2026. This is a complete team, with scoring at all three levels, ballhandling, relentless full-court defense, and tricky style-switches in the half court.

Monroe-Black is what makes it work, though. Although he’s on the taller side (6’3), Monroe-Black can bring the ball downcourt himself. In the scoring lulls, he elevates the Chiefs by creating his own shots and getting to the free-throw line. On defense, Wyoming Indian deploys Monroe-Black in the top positions of the zone and/or press for his long, lengthy arms that seem to always deflect the opponents passes.

“It’s awesome to have someone who sets an example by playing with so much energy and effort. I’m proud of his growth and dedication towards his game and the team,” said Head Coach Craig Ferris.

The Chiefs won’t play again until February 5th against fellow Fremont County program, Shoshoni. That game will take place in Ethete, at Alfred Redman Gymnasium at 7:00 p.m.