Growing up on Haida Gwaii, certain things became more anticipated than others: winter storm season, Copper Bay season, ferry waves, Dave’s In The Village, and, of course, the question, “Where will Santa be tomorrow?” But few things were more eagerly awaited than the official start of basketball tournament season in the fall.
With the annual Nathan Young Memorial tournament wrapping up its three-day competition on November 9, basketball fans began building anticipation for February’s upcoming All-Native Basketball Tournament in Prince Rupert.
Inside the George Brown Rec Centre in Skidegate, the kitchen concession was run by different hosts each night, including the GidG̱alang Ḵuuyas Naay senior girls volleyball team on the first night (fundraising for their trip to the zones in Houston, where they were competing this past weekend). The smells of meals and snacks, the sounds of sneakers squeaking, balls bouncing, crowds chattering, and kids running amok behind the bleachers kicked off that warm, fuzzy feeling of yet another winter coming.
The action began on the evening of Thursday, November 7, with two lopsided yet fun games, along with a highly entertaining kids’ game featuring children ranging from 12 and 13 years old down to 5 years old. The next night saw another blowout game followed by another thrilling kids’ game, before the Masset Senior team (21-40 years old) faced off against a combined North/South high school junior squad (15-18 years old) in one of the tournament’s most exciting matchups. Once that game wrapped up in climactic fashion, with Masset taking the victory, the excitement didn’t carry over to the next game, as one of the two Skidegate Senior teams took complete control against Masset’s mixed “Serenity Warriors” squad.
The final day opened at noon with the elder high school team showing the high school junior ‘B’ team (13-14 years old) who’s boss, though the game was entertaining despite the elder squad’s relentless attack. Next up was the Skidegate Senior ‘A’ team, which had played late into the previous evening. Now facing an uphill climb with three more games to win the tournament, the Senior ‘A’ team took on the main high school team. The Senior team emerged victorious, though not without a fight from the younger squad. Fortunately, they got an hour’s rest before their next game, which featured the little kids playing for the final time. This game turned out to be the best of the tournament, as it went into overtime, giving the Seniors extended rest. Both teams scrapped their traditional five-player lineups and put all of their kids on the court. The nail-biting game ended with a 23-22 score, sending the tournament into the semi-finals.
The Skidegate Seniors came out strong, taking an early lead with a balanced attack of offense and defense. Masset slowly chipped away at the lead in the second quarter, thanks to high-octane play from Jordan Williams, Nico York, Cooper Wilson Jr., and the steady Skyler Boulton-Brown. However, Skidegate kept up the offensive pressure, maintaining a comfortable 15-point lead at halftime as young fans from each village cheered loudly. Masset made a run in the second half, but Skidegate responded with a barrage of three-pointers and fast break points orchestrated by Duane Alsop. Masset tried to match Skidegate’s three-point shooting but fell behind by abandoning their own style of play. In the end, Skidegate’s Duane Alsop, Darcy Pearson, and Cole “Handsome Cheeks” Edinger punched their ticket to the final, where they would face the other Skidegate Senior team, the ‘B’ squad, whom they had lost to on opening night.
Unfortunately for the Senior ‘A’ team, there was only a 15-minute break between games, and the lack of rest showed. Their lineup featured two 33-year-olds, two 37-year-olds, and a 39-year-old (considered old-going-on-ancient in most basketball leagues). The ‘B’ team, however, boasted four players in their 20s, anchored by Haida Nation president Gaagwiis Jason Alsop. Although missing superstar Andrew Williamson, the ‘B’ squad was led by stars Gavin Peerless and Joel Richardson, who brought energy from the start after a longer rest. The ‘B’ team built a small lead early on, and both teams traded buckets, keeping the lead around 10 points until halftime.
The Senior ‘A’ team struggled to find rhythm, especially in the third quarter, where missed free throws were costly. The deficit remained consistent as the game headed into the fourth quarter, but the youthful legs of the ‘B’ team proved too much. Fatigue became a factor for the ‘A’ team, playing their third game of the day, and the ‘B’ team came away as champions, winning 70-53.
All-stars: Darcy Pearson & Duane Alsop, Skidegate Sr A; Gavin Peerless & Trafton Williams, Skidegate Sr B; Nico York, Masset Srs.
Most Sportsmanlike Player: Cal Collison, Skidegate/Daajing Giids/Masset Jrs.
Most Inspirational Player: Zion Samuels, David’s Team.
Most Valuable Player: Joel Richardson, Skidegate Sr B.