Siksika basketball players inspire pride in home community

Qualifying for the 1A basketball provincials for the first time in 40 years is a remarkable feat. But the Bassano Broncos, an all-First Nations high school basketball team, have accomplished more than that: they have inspired the community the team members come from and established a winning basketball culture within their school.

“Not only does it help the Nation by inspiring folks, but it speaks volumes to what our Siksika youth can do,” said Tyler White, CEO of Siksika Health Services.

The Siksika Nation boasts nine of the 10 players on the Broncos. A Carrier First Nation youth, from British Columbia, rounds out the roster. The team’s coaching staff also consists of two Blackfoots and one Mohawk.

White says the team has set an example for First Nations youth.

The games were streamed online, and the social media posts poured in from members of the community. But point guard Tristen Weasel Head didn’t let the attention take away from his focus.

“There was pressure, but it felt good representing the reserve,” said Weasel Head. “I got everything off my mind and stayed off social media.”

To many, it was surprising the Broncos made it this far. Just before the season got underway, Carter Solway, a long time starter, announced he was transferring schools.  The big forward left a huge hole to fill not only because of his tenacious style of play but also for his on-court leadership.

The team also had to deal with losing their head coach. Gord Bramfield moved schools to be closer to his wife.

Despite leaving the team, Bramfield says he knew the boys would work hard and would carry themselves as gentlemen.

 “I would’ve loved to have been their coach, to have seen them through their year. But I think the boys had everything in them to get the job done, regardless of who was coaching.”

Vince Hill, a Mohawk from the Iroquois Six Nations, took on that position.

“This is a hockey and volleyball town,” said Hill. “We’re developing a basketball culture here, and you can see it in the junior high level, kids are more enthusiastic about basketball now.”

Ultimately, says Hill, the Broncos were unable to get into their groove, and dropped all three of their games.

Forward Dakota Saddleback says it was tough losing like that, but he knew he had to handle it well because he had to set an example for youth back home.

And set an example the Broncos did, winning the sportsmanship award.

“Hopefully our accomplishment inspires youth to pick up a basketball, but I also hope our (sportsmanship) award sets an example of how to play,” said Saddleback.

The tournament took place on March 19-21 in Hines Creek. The last time the Broncos made it to the tournament was 1972.

There will be a significant turnover next year with six of the 10 players leaving in June, but Bassano is looking to continue its winning basketball culture.

“We’re going to lose some significant leadership with all the graduates leaving but we’re already thinking of about those kids who are coming up,” said Hill.

Photo Caption: The Bassano Broncos: Braden Many Bears, Davey Jerry, Tanner Kenney, Owen Many Bears, Wacey Many Bears, Dakota Saddleback, Adam Solway, Blaine Solway, Dezman Strangling Wolf, and Tristen Weasel Head.