From their marvelous defense and record-breaking scoring to their academic accomplishments, members of the Red Cloud Boys Basketball team not only shine on the court but in the classroom as well. As part of Boy’s Head Basketball Coach Matt Rama’s program, the students of the Red Cloud basketball team are required to strive for success in every facet of their life: To be on the starting line-up for the Red Cloud Crusaders, one must maintain a C average and show exceptional determination during every practice. Two young men in particular, Art Vitalis and Christian McGhee have gone above and beyond these standards, maintaining a 4.0 semester grade point average and while continuing to have the success they’ve had on the court. And they’re not the only ones: Jeremy Blacksmith also has a 4.0, David Giago and Wade O' Bryan a 3.4, and Billy Scott a 3.3. “I want to be a good role model for the younger Crusaders, and other students on the Pine Ridge Reservation,” says Vitalis, who is also quick to give credit to his family and friends for their support. In fact, as he considers his options for college, he says that Coach Rama and other Red Cloud supporters have been very helpful in his decision-making process. Dee Vitalis, Art’s mother, says her son is independent, talented and smart in everything that he does. “He is a very confident and ambitious person, and I believe that he will accomplish everything that he sets out to do. We’re all very proud of the emphasis he places on academics.” McGhee, also a senior, has been on the honor roll every quarter since the fifth grade and has attended Red Cloud since he entered the Montessori program in the fall 1994. He hopes to go to college to play basketball and major in physical education with a minor in coaching. “The Rapid City Journal” has featured McGhee for two consecutive years; he has received an All-Tourney Award at the Lakota Nation Invitational, and All-Conferences for both football and basketball.
McGhee’s parents Jim and Donna McGhee are certainly proud of their son. “I couldn’t ask for a better son. He puts his heart 100 percent into everything he does and I am very proud of him,” his father says. \ His mother adds, “His accomplishments and dedication to making positive and healthy choices will guide him throughout his life.” Both Vitalis and McGhee would like to play basketball in college and are currently looking into colleges such as Dickenson State, Black Hills State University and Colorado State. Throughout their high school careers, they have managed to be on the “Principals’ List” by maintaining on the Gold Honor Roll, and are determined to leave their mark at Red Cloud as outstanding athletes as well as academic scholars.
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Boys basketball team winners on the court, and in the classroom
Senior standout Vitalis, has been in attendance at Red Cloud since the first grade, and has played Crusader basketball with classmate and teammate McGhee since the fifth grade. Although basketball is his first sport, Art has managed to obtain an All-Conference award in football and was a state-qualifier in track. 