Saints from Skidegate claim BC Junior Boys title

The Skidegate Saints of Haida Gwaii are this year’s 2012 BC Junior All Native Basketball champions, beating the Heiltsuk Nation of Bella Bella in a hard-fought 66-62 match on March 23 in Port Alberni.

Heiltsuk battled hard against the big Skidegate squad, but the Saints took an early lead and never looked back, though Heiltsuk did come within striking distance in the second half.

In girls’ play it was the Mystic Sunz from Ahousaht in the final match-up with Gingolx Storm. The Sunz came from behind to take the title at the buzzer with a score of 51 points to the Storm’s 47.

The games were the culmination of the week-long tournament that attracted almost 50 teams in both the girls and boys divisions. Tournament hosts were the Hesquiaht Nation and the Homiss Wolves, last year’s boys winners.

The Homiss Wolves were not the same team that took the 2011 championships held in Penticton last Spring Break. In 2012 they were bounced to the losers’ bracket early and bounced out of the tournament all together on the second last day of competition.

The 2011 girls’ champs Syilx, who had also won the previous year, could not put together a three-peat. The Syilx boys squad, however, came third in tournament action.

The event began on Sunday March 18 with a grand procession of athletes showing their colors as they marched into Alberni Athletic Hall. Many of the juniors danced their way to their seats where they were entertained by a variety of dance groups from the Nuu-chah-nulth nations.

In his opening statement welcoming the teams into the traditional territory, Tseshaht Chief Councillor Les Sam likened the excitement in the room to attending an AC/DC concert.

More than 500 youth took part in the tournament, bringing an estimated $750,000 in benefits to the small coastal community.

MLA Scott Fraser said in all his years attending events on behalf of his constituency, the opening ceremonies was the coolest event he’s ever been to, he said.

Martin Watts was joined by actor Justin Rain of Blackstone fame to co-emcee the event. Rain urged youth to embrace their culture and community.

There were also 450 athletes who attended a dance on March 21 designed to break down the lines of competition and let the young athletes get to know one another better.

Nicole Botting of the Mystic Sunz was selected Most Valuable Player for the girls’ side of the tournament. Top scorer was Gabby Jeffery of Island Storm with 122 points. Latasha Brlecici of the Friendship House Islanders was Most Sportsmanlike girl. Amber John of Island Storm was selected Most Inspirational girl. Micita Barton of Gingolx Storm was selected Best Defensive player.

Joel Richardson of Skidegate Saints was chosen as boys’ MVP. Nathan Vogstad, also of Skidegate, was top scorer with 151 points. Wayne Jules of Homiss Wolves was selected Most Sportsmanlike boy. Kyle Alexcee of Friendship House Beavers was Most Promising player.
Graylon Martin of Heiltsuk Nation was Best Defensive player. Maaqtusiis Magic Dominic Thomas was voted Mr. Hustle.