The Prince Rupert Coast Trojans are All Native Tournament Champions after defeating Greenville in the Masters final of the 53rd annual All Native Basketball Tournament.
Despite a pro-Greenville crowd that was filling the gym with chants of `GAC`and `Go Greenville Go1` it was Prince Rupert that opened with a 14-0 run, keeping Greenville off the board until almost five minutes into the opening frame. That dominance continued as the first ended in a score of 22-9 for Prince Rupert.
Five minutes into the second quarter the Trojans were still doubling up on Greenville, leading 32-16 through five minutes. By the time the buzzer went at half time, Prince Rupert enjoyed a 44-27 lead.
Unfortunately for Greenville, the third was not much different with Prince Rupert surging on offence and showing a stifling defence.The Trojans led by 22, 58-36, through three quarters.
The fourth opened with a 13-2 run for the Trojans that seemed to put things away, with the team leading 73-43 with just five minutes to go. But with the crowd only getting louder as the game progressed, Greenville mounted a bit of an offensive rush, bringing the crowd to their feet with a series of three pointers that helped cut Prince Rupert`s lead down to 11 late in the quarter. But it was too little too late as Prince Rupert took an 82-71 victory.
Earlier in the afternoon, Nanaimo took the Women`s division with an impressive showing against the defending champions from Kitamaat. Nanaimo led 16-8 through the first and never looked back, taking the championship with a decisive 69-47 victory.
Look for more on the All Native Tournament later.