Nickoloff Takes First In Shooting Challenge
From Wibaux to Libby – and from Declo, Idaho, to Beach, N.D., – kids logged thousands of shots and hours of reflection in a record-setting test of skill, discipline and educational athletics.
Hosted by the Fairfield Basketball Club under the 127 Sports Intensity nonprofit banner, the 2025 Shooting Challenge mobilized:
• 157 youth athletes (101 boys and 56 girls)
• 46 Montana towns represented (plus participants from Idaho, North Dakota, and Washington)
• More then 76 consecutive days (April 15 – June 30, 2025) Athletes set and chased ambitious shooting goals from 1,000 shots for pre-k to 6,000 for high school - while also completing weekly online homework assignments that reinforced core values of educational athletics: grit, growth, gratitude and self-awareness.
All shots were verified through daily parent submissions, which totaled: 3,160 logged parental entries, 773,512 total made shots and an average of 10,177 shots per day.
Culbertson’s Finley Nickoloff earned first place in the girls’ 4-6 grade division. The fifth-grade student with 14,520 total shots.
The Hotshots of Highway 2 placed 11th in the team competition. Amongst the members of the team were Wolf Point’s Sophia Ricker, Wolf Point’s Aspyn Solberg, Frazer’s BriAnna Beston, Culbertson’s Ayden Ator and Culbertson’s Aeryn Ator.
The Renegades placed 14th in the team category. Amongst the team members were Culbertson’s Nickoloff, Culbertson’s Leandra Perkins and Culbertson’s Payton Labatte.
Designed around the philosophy of Educational Athletics, the challenge emphasized not only shooting consistency but also mental growth. Participants completed weekly online assignments on topics like self-discipline, gratitude, and visualization – reinforcing the idea that sports can shape character as well as skill.
“This challenge is about more than just numbers,” said Mike Schmidt, event coordinator and athletic director at Fairfield. “It’s about seeing young athletes become more accountable, more reflective, and more confident—both on and off the court.”
Athletes submitted their shot counts daily, verified by parents in over 3,160 official entries. Shot goals ranged from 1,000 for Pre-K participants to 6,000 for high schoolers, with many far exceeding their benchmarks.
