Hi-Line Athlete Profile: Garrett Diekhans, Fort Benton Basketball

This area has produced a lot of talent over the years. That array of talent has gone on to do great things with their future and make an impact on the sports world. Now, another north-central standout will be finishing a great high school career and going on to another great opportunity in college.

That athlete is senior Garrett Diekhans, who played football at Fort Benton this fall and is now lighting up the basketball court for the Longhorns. Diekhans has been a big part of the Fort Benton sports program, both figurately and literally.

Diekhans has been making noise this season on the hardwood alongside his team, which is being considered as a state contender this year in Class C. Diekhans has been glad to be a part of not only a great team but a fun sport, too.

"To a point, it's a team sport," said Diekhans. "There's also times where one guy can take over the game, really put the team on his back and win one for them."

Diekhans has a great strength in the game, which is his 6-6 height. Diekhans towers in comparison to most players on the court in the District 9C. It is a big advantage and was a nice bonus when Diekhans dropped 25 points in a game against North Star before the holiday break.

Diekhans' basketball IQ is another plus for him and his team. His knowledge of the game helps him stay ahead in the contest and put forth his insight when on the sideline. For Fort Benton head coach Tyler Pasha, Diekhans is a wonderful players to have on his team.

"He's an amazing athlete," said Pasha. "You can't take anything away from him. He's 6-6 and can bring the ball down the court if he wants to. He can get the rebound with anybody and post up. He's a great kid."

And for those who recognize the name, Diekhans was a force during the Fort Benton football season, too. The Longhorn's quarterback was a dual-threat all the way, able to throw a deep ball to a receiver or take care of business using his legs.

Diekhans will get to continue his football career at Montana Tech.

Diekhans, now signed with the Orediggers, will have a bright future academically and athletically - at a big Montana university. It is not often that a Hi-Line product heads to the next level, so Diekhans is grateful to be able to go play for the Orediggers next fall.

"Ever since I was in seventh grade, I think I've wanted to be a mechanical engineer and that's kind of the place where I wanted to go," said Diekhans. "I've been fortunate enough to get an offer to play football there and it's the place where I want to be. I want to get bigger, stronger, play some more football and hopefully the dream doesn't end after my career there."

The Fort Benton standout is having a great year so far and will look to continue his success with the Longhorns till he is off to play football for Montana Tech. But before Diekhans moves on with his last season of Longhorns' basketball, Havre Daily News caught up with the three-sport standout, who also excels in track, for five questions.

HDN: Who/what has been your biggest motivator/motivation?

Diekhans: "Honestly, my little brother (Hayden Diekhans). He's a year younger than me and we always play one-on-one. I've always been a bit bigger than him, but now he's starting to catch me. We've always been butting heads and playing basketball, trying to beat the other one. That's kind of what's pushed the both of us I think."

HDN: What has been your favorite memory from Fort Benton boys' basketball?

Diekhans: "My favorite basketball memory was my sophomore year playing North Star in Fort Benton. It was a tight game the whole way through. Personally, I'd never beat North Star before that. They were shooting free throws; I got the rebound and they missed one. We were down one, threw the ball to Andy Giles, Logan Giles' older brother, he hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer and we won the game. That was just crazy to me as a sophomore. It was one of my favorite memories."

HDN: Who would be your teammates for a three-on-three basketball game?

Diekhans: "I think I'd go with my little brother Hayden and Larry Bird."

HDN: What are your hobbies outside of sports?

Diekhans: "I don't know if it's really a hobby, but I live on a farm. I don't know if you'd consider it a hobby, but I'm always doing it, so I guess you could call it one."

HDN: What are the feelings going into your last season as a Longhorn?

Diekhans: "It's definitely a little surreal. It seems like just a couple of years ago I was playing eighth grade and working up to B-games. Now, time has really flown and this is the end. It's a little crazy to think about."