All in the Family

When it comes to the game of basketball, Havre and Montana State University-Northern's roots deeply include the Reynolds family. Tom Reynolds Sr., and current Shelby High School boys basketball coach Tom Reynolds know all about that.

Starting next fall, the family legacy in Havre and with the Lights will continue.

Tuesday afternoon, Northern head coach Shawn Huse announced the signing of Shelby standout T.J. Reynolds to an NAIA national letter of intent. Reynolds, a 6-6 senior and Class B All-State performer for the Coyotes, is averaging more than 20 points per game this winter.

"T.J. is, number one, a high-character guy, a great student, and has been raised by a great sports family," Huse said during a signing special Tuesday afternoon at the Armory Gymnasium. "He understands what good basketball looks like, has been a part of our camps and summer league since he was a youngster, and has had a great high school career. He is a tough competitor who can play a multi-faceted forward position at our level. He brings a great basketball IQ, can finish and rebound around the basket, and stretch the defense by knocking down perimeter shots."

As mentioned, Reynolds' roots run deep at Northern, where his grandfather is a legend and Hall of Famer, and where his father played. Tommy Reynolds also had one of the greatest prep careers in Havre High history, while his uncle Rick was part of the last HHS boys team to win a state championship for the Blue Ponies, while also playing the Frontier Conference in college.

However, T.J. said his decision to come to Northern was all his own, as he was heavily recruited throughout the Frontier Conference.

"I wanted to see and explore every option," T.J. said. "I had to make sure this was the right choice for me. And I decided, after long talks with my parents, who didn't give me any answers, instead, they let this be my choice, that this was the right place for me. I came to the conclusion that Northern was the place for me."

And Northern is a place Reynolds knows well. As Huse mentioned, he has been to camps, played summer league and seen many Lights' games over the years. And then there's the family legacy.

"It's hard to describe, except, it's just really cool, and an honor," Reynolds said of coming to Northern where his family has such strong ties. "It's exciting."

Needless to say, his dad is excited, too. And very proud.

"It's a very proud moment," Tommy said. "I'm proud of the work that he's put in. It's quite an honor to be able to play at the next level. And it's exciting for us. We still have so much family and friends here. Havre is home. It will always be home."

And it's going to be T.J. Reynolds' home for his college basketball years. And while he's still got plenty left to accomplish this season, as Shelby is currently one of the top teams in Class B, he's definitely looking forward to the next chapter in his basketball career.

"I'm excited," he said. "The winning tradition here (Northern) is something that really excites me. I'm really looking forward to playing for the Lights.

"We are just very excited, as T.J. is someone who gets Northern basketball, our program philosophies, and the college game," Huse added. "He has been over to watch many games, his family has grown up with Northern basketball and I feel he has a good feel for what it takes to be successful in our league. We are excited to have him and look for him to be a strong leader for the Lights down the road."