Invitational Tournament Returns After Three Years
By Robert Thomas
Sixteen of the top 5A high school senior girls basketball teams have been in town since Thursday taking part in the 2023 Moose Jaw Senior Girls Basketball Invitational Tournament.
Played at Peacock Collegiate the tournament is set to wrap up today with the tournament championship game starting at 7:30 pm.
Admission to the tournament is $5 for the day.
Play begins at 9 am today.
A concession is available on-site.
Central Cyclones Molly McLean (left) attempts to set up a play as Humboldt Mohawks guard Alex Roach awaits an opportunity to break up the play in Friday action - MJ Independent photo ⁹
Humboldt Mohawks guard Abbie Smith (right) reaches in an attempt to steal the ball from Central Cyclones Ally Detublo during play on Friday - MJ Independent photo
Tournament organizer Brendan Fedoski said the tournament has brought some of the top 5A teams province-wide to Moose Jaw for three days.
Central Cyclones Addison Simpson (left) attempts to outmaneuver Humboldt Mohawks post Barbara Cardenas in Friday play - MJ Independent photo
Fedoski said after a three year hiatus - due to COVID - 19 restrictions - 16 teams with 175 athletes are on Peacock Collegiate's hardwood.
“It’s a 16 team tournament that has been running for many, many years and this is the first time since 2020 (it's been held) so it is three years since its happened.”
“This has been really good to see so many teams back in the city an so much good basketball,” he said, adding “everyone seems to be enjoying themselves.”
Sheldon Williams Mattea Teece (left) pushes for a layup past Peacock Toilers Jessica Selensky in Friday afternoon action.
The host Peacock team lost the game 61 - 45- MJ Independent photo
The tournament will see all three local collegiates - Peacock, Central and Vanier - with senior girls teams compete.
The other 13 teams competing are from throughout the province.
“We’ve got teams as far away as Humboldt all the way to Estevan. Do literally across the province.”
Fedoski said the tournament is highly competitive.
“There are many good rural 5A teams and being classified as 5A this year it is a good opportunity to see so many different teams,” he said.
He said the level of competition has not been seen at the tournament in a number of years.
“This will be really good for everyone.”
Peacock Toilers Kylee Cooper (left) breaks past Sheldon Williams guard and forward McKinley Moroz in Friday afternoon play - MJ Independent photo
“Just going up against all of this tough competition this weekend will be good.”
The tournament is not just about basketball with Fedoski saying “there are many good items in the concession.”
There is also a penny parade a large raffle to take part in.
“There were a lot if good donations given from around (the city.) So it is really good to see a lot of good businesses give back to us.”
Peacock Toilers Jessica Selensky (left) breaks down court closely pursued by Sheldon Williams Spartans Issy Langford during their Friday afternoon matchup - MJ Independent photo
The large number of athletes from further distances should see an economic input for local hotels and restaurants.
“There are only three teams going back home (at night) plus ourselves so where the team stays there is lots of good things for the economy.”
“It’s very, very good for the economy. I can’t thank the businesses enough in Moose Jaw for generously giving back to the tournament through their donations and sponsorships. It’s been fantastic.”
Fedoski encourages people to come out and cheer on the teams.
