Strong showing for Haida Gwaii at Junior All Native tournament

Haida Gwaii teams turned in a strong overall performance at the Junior All Native Basketball Tournament in Langley, highlighted by a championship from the Skidegate Saints U13 boys and multiple all-star selections across divisions.

The Saints U13 boys went undefeated through pool and playoff action, capping their run with a 48–36 win over the Kitselas Grizzlies in the final to claim the silver division title. Tiisan Suzuki-Brown was named tournament MVP, while Ka’ty Russ earned first team all-star honours.

In U13 gold boys, the G̱aw Tlagée Jr. Raiders advanced to the championship game after a series of close contests, including a 35–33 win over Coastal Pride in the semifinal. The Raiders fell 48–43 to the Sons of Gingolx in the final to finish second overall. Elija Olson and Kage Daniels were both named first team all-stars.

The Skidegate Saints U13 girls gold team also put together a competitive tournament, advancing out of pool play before finishing fourth. Rosie Pollard was named to the first team all-star list, with Dorothy Watts earning second team honours.

In U13 girls silver, the Jaadaa Warriors reached the championship bracket, picking up wins over VanCity Grizzlies, Strikettes and Tl’kemchEEn along the way. Morgan Nolie was named to the second team all-star list.

At the U17 level, the Old Massett Raiders boys opened with a dominant 82–40 win over Heiltsuk Nation before dropping a narrow 74–71 decision to the VanCity Warriors. The Raiders responded with a strong run through the elimination bracket, recording wins over North Shore Wolves, Mowachaht Bucks, Terrace Kings, Gitmidiik Storm and x̄á’isla Braves before falling 61–49 to the Gitxsan Torchmen. Zion Samuels was named a second team all-star.

The Skidegate Saints U17 boys opened with a 74–30 win over Nak’azdli Trees but were later eliminated after losses to x̄á’isla Braves and Gitmidiik Storm.

The Haida Gwaii K’uljaads U17 girls rebounded from early losses to finish their tournament with three straight wins in the consolation bracket. The team defeated Gitsegukla Predators 57–35, Ahousaht Storm 58–30 and Timberwolves 33–20 to close out their week on a high note.

In U10 co-ed play, the Old Massett Raiders finished first in their pool with a perfect 3–0 record, recording wins over Lil’wat Cubs A, Gitxsan Baby Mystics and Nisga’a Daxgat.

Across divisions, Haida Gwaii teams recorded a championship, a second-place finish, multiple deep playoff runs and several all-star selections.