By Jeff Giovanatti
This past weekend 14 teams participated in the 18th annual Eric Nystedt Memorial Basketball Tournament. Eric was a Bawating Collegiate graduate and followed his dream, becoming an OPP officer at 21 years of age. Just 3 years into his services, while on duty, Eric was fatally wounded. Eric was known for his commitment to physical fitness, hard work and sense of community.
Eric would have been proud of the 200 or so young athletes who participated in this year’s events.
The junior championship final would see the White Pines Wolverines take to the hardwood versus the 2013 and reigning Nystedt Champions, the Lockerby Vikings (Sudbury). In a game that saw the lead change hands many times, it would the Vikings that would prevail when the final buzzer went 56-51. High scorers for Lockerby were: Emile Vaillancourt with 14, while Liam Fraser would add 10. Lucas Higham led the way for the Wolverines with 19 points, including three 3 pointers, while Tristen Olar would add 16.
The senior championship would see a matchup between the reigning city and NOSSA champion Korah Colts, and the Superior Heights Steelhawks. The Colts would come out of the gates flying and would go into the half with a 13 point lead. Jonah Fogg would lead all scorers with 14 at the half.
The second half saw a surge by the Steelhawks, however when the buzzer sounded the Colts would finish the game on top with a 60-46 win. Jonah Fogg would finish the game with 19 points, while Tevon Williams would add 12 points, all of would would come beyond the 3 point arc.
JUNIOR ALL STARS
Lucas Higham White Pines
Tristan Olar White Pines
Kevin Goho Lockerby
Noah Blackburn Lockerby
Ben Wyre Superior Heights
Tournament’s Most Valuable Player: Matt Kutchtaruk (Lockerby)
SENIOR ALL STARS
Jackson Zach-Coneybeare Superior Heights
Jake Cruise Superior Heights
Sam Ivey Korah Collegiate
Jonah Fogg Korah Collegiate
Noah Creedon St. Basil
Tournament’s Most Valuable Player: Tevon Williams (Korah Collegiate)
