WIIKWEMKOONG—The basketball program at Wikwemikong High School (WHS) has returned this year, for the first time in several years, and it has been a successful one.
“We started the basketball program again this year from scratch, ground zero,” stated John Capin, co-coach along with TJ Wabegijig of the boys’ varsity basketball team.
He pointed out, “This is the first year that the basketball program (at WHS) has had a full season since before the pandemic. Last year, the team folded due to unforeseen circumstances. 2023-2024 is the start of a basketball program that will focus on the development of individual skills, team building and a general respect and love of the game.”
“The coaches want to thank the players for their continued commitment to the game,” said Mr. Capin. “The team played with honour and humility as they faced senior level teams. Their spirit and hard work made a great season for everyone involved.” He noted the WHS team is a varsity team made up of players of all grades at the school. They played in the senior division this year.
“Because we were the only B division team on hand in the league, we won the North Shore Secondary School Association championship,” said Mr. Capin. “It is pretty exciting to be going to (the Northern Ontario) championship as the B division champion.”
Mr. Capin explained the WHS team had prepared for the NOSSA B championship. “The team prepared for the tournament by participating in six pre-tournament games versus senior boys’ teams from Manitoulin and the North Shore.” The Warriors managed to secure a 51-41 victory against Manitoulin Secondary School on February 8 to close out the tournament preparation.
“We ended up winning one game and dropping five in the pre-tournament games. We had some close games, three were close, and we lost the other two games. But the players never quit trying,” said Mr. Capin. They played MSS, WC Ecket and Espanola High School twice each during the season.
“I was teaching at WHS in 1998 and left in 2002. I coached the first basketball team here; we won our first game and lost the next 24 games,” said Mr. Capin. “But not one player quit. I retired from teaching but came back three years ago and came back to WHS this year. I have to admit I didn’t really want to coach basketball this year. But I agreed to help out for the first month and I was surprised by the energy, camaraderie and friendship the players had as a team. After the first month I said, ‘I can coach these guys.’”
The NOSSA B championship that took place last weekend was contested by four schools from Northeastern Ontario, Manitoulin and the North Shore. Along with WHS, WC Ecket (Blind River), Hanmer High School (Greater Sudbury) and the host school (Mattawa).
Members of the WHS team include Jordan Ominika-Cooper, Jaden Manitowabi, Nicho Simmons, Drake Oskabewisens-Recollet, Carmine Wemigwans, Isaiah Oskabewisens-Recollet, Javier Salas-Cooper, Conner Hill, Seth Bennett, James Noakwegijig, Joe Shigwadja, Liam Peltier, Tyrell Shawana and Mgizi Mishibinijima.
