By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News
Thanksgiving weekend has become synonymous with tournament basketball on the Tulalip Reservation. For years now, the annual men’s All-Native Turkey Throwdown, women’s Thanksgiving Iron-5, and 14U boys and girls Open Thanksgiving Tournament have all occurred on the weekend following the holiday.
This year was no different. Ballers from all over the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, and Canada journeyed to Tulalip to put their basketball prowess on display in the hopes of taking home some 1st prize money. Josh Fryberg, Youth Services Activities Coordinator, estimated 260 players took part in the three tournaments.
With no shortage of free entertainment taking place all weekend across three separate basketball courts, the gyms and parking lots of the Tulalip Youth Center and Boys & Girls Club were jam packed with hoopers and their spectating friends and family.
Non-stop buckets and bricks for three straight days yielded quality competition and sportsmanship on the court, plenty of time for friends and family to catch-up and bonding time for the young ones.
Two Tulalip teams took home top honors and the bragging rights that come with it. The “Tulalip Players” led by Shawn Sanchey, Bradley Fryberg, and Deyamonta Diaz claimed 1st place in the men’s tournament and the “Tulalip Boys” coached by Willy Enick got 1st in the boys 14U tourney.
“I want to thank all of the players, coaches, staff workers, the Tulalip Youth Services team, and the Tulalip Boys & Girls Club on helping make the Thanksgiving tournament weekend a success,” stated Josh, who also worked as a tournament co-coordinator. “We had a lot of good compliments and feedback. Looking forward to many more great tournaments in the future. Safe travels to everyone and thoughts and prayers go out to all in need.”
