NCAA Final Four court makes stop at Shelley High School

The court of the NCAA Men’s Final Four was at Shelley High School Monday afternoon to kick off a nationwide tour.

While 68 basketball teams try to make a run at a trip to Indianapolis for the Final Four, the court has a journey of its own to make.

It’s no secret some of the most popular basketball courts in the country are finished and painted in Shelley at United Services Incorporated. Jammie Matheson said her family’s company started with local high schools and churches, but now paints courts for colleges and professional basketball teams.

“There’s a lot of local businesses that perform on a national level,” said Matheson. “We feel lucky to be one of those businesses.”

Connor Sports builds the courts with wood from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and then gives them to USI to finish.

“We do base coats, and the graphics,” said Matheson. “The air-brushing is done by hand, so we don’t use stickers or anything like that. All of it is done by hand.”

Even though Connor Sports and USI have been working together for eight years, the novelty in Shelley hasn’t worn off.

An assembly was held at the high school, before students were allowed to sign a commemorative banner and get a glimpse at a replica of center court. The actual court was in the parking lot, packed away in a semi.

“After the assembly, we all wanted to come out and take pictures,” said senior Brynlee Wattenbarger. “Get it out there on social media.”

Former Shelley High head football coach Travis Hobson and his team have had a big role in the operation. His players move and stack the court’s pieces every year.

“They kind of get made fun of for having a potato as a mascot and everything else,” said Hobson. “But we’re the first stop on a major tour like this. That’s something pretty neat to be able to share with everyone else and say, ‘Hey, that was us.'”

The court will now head to college campuses and public places in communities on its way to Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.