All Native Basketball Tourney Draw listings released as countdown to ANBT 2023 gets underway

As we make the final few turns towards February, the countdown to the Annual All Native Basketball Tournament is underway, with the start of the 63rd event less that two weeks away now.

The tournament that brings the Nations together from across British Columbia and points beyond is set for a one week run from February 11th to 18th at both the Russell Gamble Gymnasium and the Arena in the Jim Ciccone Civic Centre complex.

Tournament organizers released the Draws over the weekend for the four divisions for tournament time.

The Women's side opens up on Sunday, February 12th at 11 AM with Hesquiaht and Kitkatla taking the first tip off,. 

Defending Champion Vancouver will see action one day later, when they take to the court to play either Hartley bay or Massett.

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The Intermediate play starts on Saturday at 11AM as Massett and Kincolith hit the court, with Burnaby not in their years event the path is open for a new Champion for the 2023 edition of ANBT.

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The legends of the game, or those contesting for that status will see their first play on Sunday with an 8AM start, that as the Masters Division opens play. 

Skidegate and Kitamaat have the honours of the opening tip off, defining champs New Aiyansh will see their defence of the title begin on February 13th, taking on either Hartley Bay or Bella Coola.

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The Senior Men's Division Ice breaker takes place Sunday at 11 AM which Similkameen and Bella Coola on the court in the Main Gymnasium.

The Championship title holders from Kitkatla see their first action on Valentines Day with a match up with either Hazelton or New Aiyansh.

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The Week long festival of hoops culminates with the Showdowns of Finals Saturday, February 18th with all games to take place in the Russell Gamble Gymnasium.

Along with the action on the courts, the week will feature the Opening Ceremonies and Hall of Fame inductions, as well as a marketplace in the Auditorium area of the complex. 

You can follow along with all the last minute preparations for tournament time from the ANBT Facebook page and website.

Check our archive page as the tournament,  gets closer for more notes on the week of high tempo basketball and other activities that make Prince Rupert the place to be for the middle of February.