The Margaret Barbour Spartans are provincial champions after defeating the Souris Sabres to capture the Manitoba High Schools Athletic Association AA Varsity Boys Basketball title on their home province’s biggest stage.
Lakers’ coach Chad Heminger calls a time out during the game against the Carberry Cougars
Players of the Game, left to right: Ashton Chartrand, AJ Nadon and Dylan MacLean
Gimli High School hosted the championship tournament from March 19 to 21, welcoming eight teams from across Manitoba for three days of high-level competition.
The Spartans rose to the occasion in the final, putting together a strong performance to secure the provincial banner over Souris.
Host team Gimli Lakers battled hard throughout the tournament and came close to finishing on a high note, but were narrowly defeated by the Green Valley Pirates in the consolation final.
The Lakers opened their tournament with a 77-66 loss to the Carberry Cougars before rebounding with a 71-67 victory over the West Park Royals. The win advanced Gimli into the consolation side, where they ultimately fell just short against the Pirates.
Despite the result, several Lakers earned individual recognition for their efforts. Ashton Chartrand was awarded the Dairy Farmers of Manitoba Players Choice Award, an honour voted on by fellow competitors and presented to the athlete who best demonstrates leadership and sportsmanship throughout the tournament.
Chartrand also earned Player of the Game honours in Gimli’s matchup against Carberry. Dylan MacLean was named Player of the Game in the Lakers’ win over West Park, while AJ Nadon received the honour in the consolation final against Green Valley.
The tournament showcased the depth of talent across the province and provided a strong platform for student-athletes, with Gimli delivering both as host and competitor over the three-day event.
