Rochester’s Somali-American Team Shines at National Tournament, Earns Third Place in Seattle

Rochester’s Somali-American Team Shines at National Tournament, Earns Third Place in Seattle

The squeak of sneakers turned into echoes of pride as Rochester’s Somali-American basketball team stormed into third place at a Somali diaspora tournament held in Seattle from July 3–6. Defying expectations, the young, undersized squad left a big mark on the court—and in their community.

The annual tournament, organized by East African Community Services, drew 16 Somali-American teams from across the U.S. and Canada. For Rochester, Minnesota—a city with a Somali population of around 10,000—this wasn’t just about basketball. It was about visibility, representation, and community pride.

Despite being one of the smallest teams, Rochester pulled off stunning upsets against teams from Denver and Westside Ohio, earning a semifinal spot. Their journey ended against Minneapolis, but not before Sabir Ahmed, an 18-year-old guard, lit up the scoreboard with 39 points, including seven three-pointers in the quarterfinals.

Seattle’s Stars won the tournament, but Rochester's third-place finish was a breakthrough—its best result yet at a national Somali tournament.

“This team is more than basketball,” said Coach Muhidin. “It builds brotherhood, pride, and keeps these young men connected as a community.”

For many of the players, aged 21 or younger, the trip to Seattle was their first time on a plane. Off the court, the team visited landmarks like the Space Needle, Seattle Waterfront, and caught views of Mount Rainier. But it was the court where they made their biggest memories.

“I take a lot of pride in being Somali,” said Ahmed, a recent high school graduate who holds a 3.7 GPA and will play college basketball at Gustavus Adolphus College this fall.

Though often outsized—Rochester’s tallest player, Dom Malith, stood at 6'5”—the team made up for it with smart passing, perimeter shooting, and tight defense. Their rise reflects a growing movement in Somali-American basketball, where youth leagues and travel teams are gaining momentum in cities like Minneapolis, Columbus, and Atlanta.

“We shocked them,” said Ahmed. “Nobody thinks about Rochester when they think about Somali basketball—but we’re getting closer to the championship every year.”

Rochester’s squad will next compete in a regional Somali tournament in Atlanta this fall. But for Coach Muhidin, the wins go beyond scores and rankings:

“This allows us to showcase our people. And it’s our youth—they’re the ones who will change the narrative about who we are.”