Incredible Turnout for the Suns and Mercury Clinic in District 6

November 21, 2025

Jeston Morris

Community Newsperson

Arizona Tribes Celebrate Youth, Health and Teamwork Through Basketball

KOMATKE, Ariz. — On Nov. 15, Native youth from Arizona tribes attended the Phoenix Suns Mercury Foundation Basketball Clinic at the Boys & Girls Club.

The clinic began at noon and featured a dozen stations where young players rotated to learn skills and life lessons. At Station 9, retired NBA player Mark West spoke with participants. At Station 10, Phefelia Nez, former first lady of the Navajo Nation, led a roundtable on healthy eating and nutrition. Her organization distributed fresh food as part of the Native Power Plate initiative.

“We have teamed up with La Planta to bring fresh produce into tribal and Hispanic communities,” Nez said. “We collaborate with the Mercury Foundation and the Phoenix Suns to offer nutrition information from Native and Hispanic perspectives. We want to get younger people interested in native foods again. Food is medicine,” added Jonathan Nez, former Navajo Nation president and candidate for Arizona’s 2nd Congressional District.

Victor Jesus Flores, executive director of La Planta, emphasized plant-based options: “We don’t need animal products to maintain our culture. We have beans, rice and so many different veggies we can incorporate into cooking. Our message is that you can be an athlete if you eat plant-based food.”

Shawn Martinez, senior director for the Suns and Mercury, highlighted the community impact: “We are very excited to be here. This is our third clinic this year, following events with northern and western tribes. Now we’re working with the central tribes at Gila River. Rez ball unites individuals, groups and communities.”

West underscored teamwork: “Sports teach you how to work hard, never give up and be strong. You cannot succeed as an individual. Teamwork is the key to making the dream come true.”

Justin McQueen of the Boys & Girls Club of Komatke said, “The clinic is very important for kids to learn the game. At every stop, they’re having fun and learning fundamentals from the Suns and Mercury.”

Maurice Brown, head strength and conditioning coach for the Arizona Rattlers, added: “Connecting basketball, families and culture give young people hope. They are learning values like discipline, hard work and good sportsmanship.”

Maria Dadgar, executive director of the Inter-Tribal Council of Arizona, noted the excitement: “The kids are telling us, ‘Today is the best day of my life.’ The youth are eager for activities and involvement in the community.”

Terrence Peters, cultural director at the Boys & Girls Club Komatke, said, “It was great to see Arizona tribes work together. Youth were excited to participate, and their smiles showed the joy of the day.”

The clinic drew more than 250 young athletes. Participants received drawstring bags with treats, Suns game tickets and NBA or WNBA jerseys. Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis and Martinez expressed gratitude at the conclusion.

“This camp was great and very successful,” Lewis said. “We appreciate the Suns Mercury Foundation for setting up clinics across Arizona, from Parker to Tuba City. We appreciate your dedication to the development of our Indigenous youth. They are our future.”

Martinez added: “We are grateful for the opportunity. It’s only the beginning. We will continue to return and support tribal nations in Arizona. The Suns and Mercury plan to stay and help.”

The clinic was more than just a day of basketball—it became a celebration of community, culture, and youth empowerment. Families filled the stands, cheering on their children as they practiced drills, learned teamwork, and connected with professional coaches. The energy was palpable, with laughter and encouragement echoing across the gym. For many participants, it was their first time meeting NBA or WNBA representatives, an experience that left lasting inspiration.

Organizers emphasized that the clinic was designed not only to sharpen athletic skills but also to build confidence and resilience. By providing jerseys and tickets, the Suns and Mercury created a bridge between Indigenous youth and the broader sports community, ensuring that these young athletes feel seen and valued. Parents expressed gratitude for the opportunity, noting that such events encourage healthy lifestyles and open doors to future possibilities.

Looking ahead, the Suns Mercury Foundation plans to expand outreach, continuing to partner with tribal nations across Arizona. Leaders hope these clinics will spark long-term interest in sports while reinforcing the importance of education and leadership. As Lewis and Martinez highlighted, the event was a reminder that investing in youth today strengthens the foundation for tomorrow’s tribal communities.