Ravens win Native girls title

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Tears and cheers filled the Alberni Athletic Hall on March 19 as the Ahousaht Ravens beat Bella Coola for the British Columbia Native basketball championship.

The 1999 championship for the Ravens is their third title in the past six years. The ladies won their first championship at the 1995 tournament in Bella Bella. Their second championship came in 1997 in Terrace. The Ravens have made it to the finals every year in each of the last six years.

But they almost didn't make it to the championship round this year. Playing their rivals from Greenville on March 18, the eventual champions never held the lead until the last three minutes. Once they had their lead, they never let it go, holding on for a 26-25 decision.

The championship win was a well-deserved one, said team manager, Esther Robinson, who explained the young ladies are involved in a rigorous training program. They run two miles a day then go for a forty-minute workout in the gym followed by basketball practice.

The team operates like a close-knit family. Coach Wayne Robinson even promised to allow the team to shave his head if they won the championship. Part-time coach, Luke Swan and parent Sam Adams joined in on the bet. Shortly after the final game, all three were walking around with blindingly white scalps.

Robinson said it felt good to win for the home crowd. The previous two wins were at far-away places and only a handful of parents and supporters could attend.

"It was good to have the support of our community and also the neighboring tribes and our hereditary chiefs. It kind of scared the girls because they've never had that [kind of support] before," she said.

The team will be defending the title in New Aiyansh next year. Robinson said the Ravens will have to recruit several new players if they want to repeat. Veterans Terri Robinson, Frieda Thomas, Mary Frank, Andrea Frank, Angeline Frank and Crystal Unger will turn 18 this year, forcing them to retire from youth basketball.

The Ahousaht boys' team - the Wolfpack - was not so fortunate this year. They finished eighth.

The junior boys Native British Columbia champions are from Hazelton. Skidegate Saints placed second.