And then there was one.
The Skidegate Saints are the 2012 BC Junior All Native boys’ basketball champions thanks to a hard-fought 66-62 victory over Heiltsuk Nation on Friday afternoon in Port Alberni.
In a battle between two teams with similar styles of play – fast-break offenses that have their roots in solid defence and rebounding – the outcome of the championship final may have been decided early on, as the visitors from Haida Gwaii jumped out to an 18-9 lead at the end of the first quarter, a lead they extended to 33-23 at halftime.
Game Photos at: http://www.hashilthsa.com/gallery/boys-final-heiltsuk-vs-skidegate-0
It was a lead that Heiltsuk Nation could not overcome. Not that the team from Bella Bella didn’t put up a valiant effort. In fact they closed the gap to two points twice – first at 41-39 late in the third quarter, and then again at 64-62 with under 30 seconds to play, and although they were within striking distance on a number of occasions throughout the second half, their opponents would always respond with a basket or two to gain some breathing room.
When asked about his thoughts after the game Heiltsuk coach Gord Gladstone said, “Heartache, it’s tough. It was just a good game. It was just a good game that could have gone either way. Had things gone a little differently we could have had a ten-point lead and held it.”
While Gladstone lamented his team’s slow start he also praised his opponents.
“They (Skidegate) just kept grinding,” Gladstone said. “They wanted it from the start.”
Winning coach Desi Collinson was more than happy with his team’s effort and said he was pleased with the outcome.
“I have a feeling of satisfaction for their sense of hard work and accomplishment. We came so far and they’re really young.”
Collinson noted that his team was in a dog fight throughout the game, but felt his players gave a little bit more of themselves than their opponents.
“We worked harder. We wanted it more,” said an emphatic Collinson. “I’m not saying they didn’t want it as well, but it’s a basketball game, and that’s what it comes down to.”
Six players contributed to the scoring column for the Saints. They were led by Nathan Vogstad with 20 points, Trevor Casey with 19 and Joel Richardson with 12 points.
Heiltsuk was led by Gary Gladstone with 19 points, River Hunt with 17 points and Howard Duncan with 15 points.
