ND Basketball Community Supports St. Mary’s Coach Fighting Cancer

In a beautiful show of both civic and statewide pride, citizens of Bismarck and hoopers from across the state gathered at  Legacy High School's Haussler Gymnasium over the weekend to show support and raise funds for St. Mary's High School basketball coach Brent DeKok.

In an event organized by Legacy head coach Jason Horner and other coaches around the state, 31 high school players competed in an all stars styled series of competitions. The night featured a three-point contest, dunk contest, skills competition and an exhibition game.

“We wanted to do something that was basketball-based and hopefully something that can raise an amount of money that can be helpful," Horner told The Bismarck Tribune. "That’s what’s most important here, helping Brent.”

The event included a silent that featured items such as an autographed Carson Wentz football, a guided fishing tour by Mike Peluso Outdoors, NDSU Bison football tickets and more. Proceeds from the event went to DeKok and his family.

Dekok, a Century High class of 1996 graduate, announced his cancer had returned on Twitter earlier this year. It his second battle with cancer in less than three years. DeKok continued coaching through treatment he received during the 2017-18 season.

Good luck and keep fighting, Coach!