story and photos by Roberta Aiken--Thursday January 4 saw the start of one of the most favoured basketball tournaments on the islands, with teams representing their Clans. The clan tournament is hosted each year by the Skidegate Intermediate Saints as a fundraising event towards travel to the All Native Tournament next month.
It's a real proud tournament and generates all kinds of support from families of each clan cheering and enjoying the wonderful food and excellent games. There were seven entries this year:
T'aanuu, Tsittis Gitanee, Juus, Naayuu 7ans, Ts'aahl, Skedans, Kaigani.
Games ran from Thursday evening and ended Saturday night. Almost every game was settled only in the last few minutes or seconds. Each team was at a very close balance. The ever-so-strong Skedans clan was up in the semi final match up to the Ts'aahl team and this one was right to the wire with players like Mike Moody (Skedans) dominating their team underneath the boards. The Ts'aahl team put up an excellent battle, but could not take the lead in the last seconds. Ts'aahl took 3rd place and Team Skedans headed for the championship game against Kaigani.
Skedans was the defending champion, and remained strong all the way to the end. Kaigani managed to get the strong-hold on the boards. With their bench all taking part in their battle, I think I have never seen the gym so packed with fans. A tough battle for team Skedans, and they had to sit back and take second seat to the Kaigani team. Final score, 99 to 96 for the Hydaburg Team Kaigani.
The Kaigani Team would like to say a HUGE HOWA'A to everyone for the "money dance" held to raise money to cover the medical expenses for Jr. Davids injury.
and Howa'a to everyone on Haida Gwaii for all the kind hospitality for their trip here. We will be sure to go back to our families and express how good we felt during our participation and stay for the Clan Tournament and hopefully be back with a Raven Clan Team for next years Clan Tournament.
Once again, this has got to be the best tournament on-island each year, as it clearly brings a crowd and bunch of teams out that one doesn't see at the other tournaments.
With so much work by Dan Burton, Nadine, Neil, Nat, Isabel, Ella and all the volunteers, referees and fans who make this such a success, and especially all the delightful food put out . All the money raised goes towards the journey over to the Annual All Native Basketball Tournament in Rupert for the Skidegate Intermediate Saints. A big 'howa'a' to all of you there. And congrats to Dan on such a successful tournament, he sure could not have done this without all of you!