by Tricia Thomas

For the first time in over 30 years, the Native Sons junior basketball team will be hosting the All-Native basketball tournament in Snuneymuxw territory from March 23–27.

When the tourney was last hosted in Nanaimo, only the top two or three teams from each region in BC would be invited, but now every nation can bring one or two teams. Also, in 1984 the maximum age was 16, but now it’s 18 and under.

Last year when the tourney was held in Kamloops, two Snuneymuxw players – Michael Wyse and Hayden Jeffrey – received all-star awards while Gary Gladstone, James Wyse, Jordan Gladstone and Hayden Jeffrey received player-of-the-game honours.

Paul Wyse-Seward is one of the Snuneymuxw team coaches, along with Charles Gladstone, Mike Wyse and Rob LaJeunesse. He accompanied the local team to last year’s event and recalled:

“Snuneymuxw was the youngest team that were in the running and considered one of the favourites in the tourney. This year, the boys are a little bit older and are really enthusiastic. We believe it’s going to be great tournament for the Native Sons and the Island Storm girls basketball teams.

“With the coaches and parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles and others, we can’t ask for better support.”

The main venue for the tournament will be at Vancouver Island University with other games played at Nanaimo schools. Opening ceremonies are scheduled for Frank Crane arena on March 22.

Volunteers are welcome as are donations of food and funding.

http://www.snuneymuxw.ca/event/2015-junior-all-native-basketball-tournament-nanaimo