Successful weekend of holiday hoops in Winnipeg as CJOB Shootout wraps up
Posted October 8, 2023 5:48 pm.
Last Updated October 8, 2023 5:50 pm.
A weekend of holiday hoops came to a thrilling conclusion Sunday at the Duckworth Centre at the University of Winnipeg.
The Brandon Bobcats and Lakehead Thunderwolves went down to the wire in the final match of the annual CJOB Shootout.
The visitors from northern Ontario prevailed, with the Thunderwolves holding off a late charge from the Bobcats to win the exhibition finale 66-64.
It was a dream result for Winnipeg’s Emily Pokrant, who was back playing in front of friends and family this Thanksgiving weekend before she returns to Thunder Bay for her junior season.
“It’s a lot different than playing in Ontario where I really don’t know anyone on the teams,” said Pokrant, a guard for the Thunderwolves. “It’s nice to see people I’ve played with and against, and it’s always great to have my family in town, they are always so supportive.
“It’s actually my birthday this weekend so it always works out. It’s a great tournament being able to play at home, a great way to start the season.”
Annual CJOB Shootout basketball tournament in Winnipeg Oct. 8, 2023. (Kurt Black, CityNews)
While some may struggle being away from family during the holidays, first-year head coach Hugo Boisvert says he has been thrilled with how his group came together throughout the weekend.
“The girls just enjoy being around each other, and this is a little bit of our family as well,” said Boisvert, the head coach of Lakehead University women’s basketball. “As a team, the vibe has been great.”
Annual CJOB Shootout basketball tournament in Winnipeg Oct. 8, 2023. (Kurt Black, CityNews)
Despite coming out on the losing end Sunday, Bobcats head coach Jamie Taggart says the weekend was a great opportunity for her team to see the sights while also preparing for the season to come.
“For some of our kids, it was their first time in the city, so we made the best of it,” said Taggart, the Brandon University women’s basketball head coach. “We actually went down to The Forks yesterday before shoot-around, it’s been good for us.
“Being in the centre of Canada, it’s very expensive for us. It’s a luxury for us to travel just two hours and get to play some great competitors.”
