There is nothing like a high-intensity basketball game to get a group of basketball fans excited. And there is nothing like an excited group of fans to provide the spark needed to push athletes to compete at the highest level.
After a super-charged Opening Ceremony on Sunday, March 18 that left the crowd of close to 2,000 in good spirits, it would not have been a surprise for many to be emotionally drained as action began on the court the next day.
Tournament photos: http://www.hashilthsa.com/photos
Such was not the case on Monday afternoon as Van City and Laxkw’alaams met in opening-round girl’s action at the 2012 BC Junior All-Native Basketball Championships in Port Alberni.
In a game that was hotly contested from the opening tip-off to the game’s final buzzer, both of the competing teams and their followers provided an action-packed and intense atmosphere that left on-lookers and competitors alike wanting for more.
“Both sides today had strong fan bases supporting us,” said Laxkw’alaams coach Stan Dennis. “The players played their hearts out, and the fans’ support added to the montage of the game for both sides.”
Fans on both sides saw their emotions sway back and forth as their teams competed tooth and nail on the court. At once cheering and blowing horns and waving signs and then sitting, heartbroken, as their teams fortunes changed.
“The game really dictated how the fans responded, and the fans really played a role that was positive for us,” said an enthused Dennis. “We have quite a few (fans) that come with us as chaperones and drivers, plus people that live in the communities we go to.”
In the end, Laxkw’alaams prevailed 51-44, but the game was closer than the score would indicate. The Port Simpson crew actually led by as many as 11 points at two different junctures, but Van City never allowed the contest to get away from them, clawing back to within three points late in the final quarter. But, in the end, foul trouble and injuries to their opponents allowed Laxkw’alaams to regain momentum, and ultimately, the victory.
