MESA, Ariz. – The Lil Chiefs 3rd-4th grade boys basketball team recently won their division in the diamond bracket at the Native Jr. Nationals on June 27-29. They now have an automatic berth into the Indigenous Hawaii Classic in April 2026.
Joshua Roberts (Mvskoke) is one of the team’s parents. His son, Kian, joined the team this season. According to Roberts, Kian (Mvskoke) underwent intensive training and learned a lot about the game.
“We would have brutal training. We would have brutal practices,” Roberts said. “The Lil Chiefs would practice with the Big Chiefs. We have a fifth and sixth grade team that also made nationals. Coach Micco Kionute combined the practices. They would be pretty grinding.”
Micco Kionute (Delaware) is the head coach for the Lil Chiefs and the Big Chiefs. Although the two teams Kionute coaches are composed of third, fourth, fifth and sixth graders, he treats them just like a professional or college team. Practice involved exercises like bear crawls and all-out wind sprints.Team parents, in solidarity, would participate in the exercises as well.
Roberts remarked that the team is lucky to have Kionute leading the boys. Although his methods are rigorous, he cares about who the boys are as people, not just athletes.
“He doesn’t play favorites. He analyzes the game pretty well,” Roberts said. “He can decide which player is needed during a certain time of the game. He’s very competitive. He’s always looking out for the kids and their interests. It’s not just basketball, he’s teaching them a lot about becoming a good person. He’s a good coach.”
Kian and his family are fans of the Oklahoma City Thunder, and watching the NBA Finals was exciting for the family. “If we weren’t practicing for the Lil Chiefs, getting ready for Mesa, we were at home preparing dinner for the Thunder games.” Roberts said.
Roberts and Kian were among the crowds cheering on the Thunder as they made their way down the streets of Oklahoma City for the historic championship celebration two-mile parade. Roberts said he and Kian could feel the excitement from the “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” to see their favorite team.
Star players that have inspired Kian include shooting guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and former shooting guard Lindy Watters III (Kiowa/Cherokee).
A Buzzer Beater
The Lil Chiefs went up against the Cass Lake Minnesota Supremes in the National Jr. finals. Down in the final few seconds of the game, team player Clarence Ross made the winning three-point shot to secure the team’s second national title.
“It was a very overwhelming sensation, emotional,” Roberts said. “It was hard for the dads. All the moms were crying of course. It was hard for the dads to hold back. Once the shot went through the net it was pandemonium. It was an overwhelming sensation of joy.”
The team now has a secured spot in the 808 INDGNS Hui Classic in April 2026. The three-day tournament features boys and girls brackets for grades three through 12. Attended by NCAA coaches, it provides athletes with exposure and helps them stand out when it comes time to commit to a college team.
The Lil Chiefs are currently in the process of fundraising money to travel to Hawaii for next year’s tournament. For those who would like to help the team, donations can be made through Cash App, username OKChiefs2032. Roberts said any donation made is greatly appreciated.
