A series to share #smiles across our community through the achievements of our local youth, brought to you by Olsen Orthodontics.
Written by Carl Cote
(Ethete, WY) – Parlayne Ferris has signed to play basketball at Rocky Mountain College in Billings.
Ferris, a senior at Wyoming Indian High School, played under his father, head coach Craig Ferris, for a Chiefs program that has been one of the most consistent in Class 2A. He won a state championship as a sophomore in 2024, took third as a junior, and helped lead the Chiefs to a runner-up finish this past season as he sustained a season-ending knee injury in January.
He said the opportunity at Rocky is about more than just basketball. Ferris plans to study sports medicine and health at Rocky Mountain College with the goal of returning to the Wind River Reservation to work with young athletes.
“I’m mostly just excited for the opportunity it gives me, being able to come back home and help these other kids here that have the same dream as me,” Ferris said.
Billings is a familiar place. He has family there and has been visiting since he was about four years old. He has already spoken with some of the Battlin’ Bears coaching staff and said they are good people he is looking forward to working with.
Ferris will redshirt his freshman season as he recovers from a knee injury that required surgery in February. He hopes to be back in action around midseason. The injury was tough, he said, but it changed his perspective.
“My mom and dad always said it’s a different path for you,” said Ferris. “Some things happen for a reason… thankfully I’m able to go play basketball at a different level now. And I was able to be there for my teammates and my community still, even through this injury.”
His favorite memory at Wyoming Indian was simple. “Winning state,” he said. “That’s probably the biggest one, because I’m one and one with my dad.” What he’ll miss most are the teammates he has played alongside since second grade and the support of his community.
Ferris thanked his parents, family, friends, coaches, and community for pushing him every day.
Rocky Mountain College competes in the Frontier Conference at the NAIA level.