Scotty Mac Basketball Camps 2007
The Scotty Mac Basketball Camp 2007 was a tremendous success. Participants fron ages 6 to 16 enjoyed, worked hard and competed all week long. Big thanks to Thrifty Food's, Happy's Source for Sports, Costal Community Credit Union,Comox Valley Insurance,BodyNextix, Comox Floor Centre, Komoux Masters Baseball and Quality Foods.
Scotty Mac Basketball Camps Sponsorship
To whom It may concern,
My name is Scott Mackinnon and I am the founder of Scotty Mac Basketball camps. We are a non–profit organization that is extremely interested in providing the Comox Valley with an enjoyable, fun, competitive and unique basketball experience. Being a resident in the Valley for the majority of my life I feel that is not only my responsibility but a duty to give back to this community which has provided me with so much. For the past five years I have played basketball at the University of Lethbridge in Alberta on a full scholarship, being named Captain my last three years. I have coached community camps for as many summers as I can remember and finally have decided that I feel and know I can create and develop an unbelievable camp. I attribute a lot of my success to the help that I received from our great community whether it was at Robb Road Junior High or summer camps at the Courtenay Recreation Centre. I would love to be able to provide the kids of the Comox Valley with an annual basketball camp that successfully does this.
The camp will take place July 23rd to the 27th at Highland Secondary School and will consist of two age groups. (6-9 Year olds in the morning and 10-13 in the afternoon). With the high rental costs of the gym I have decided that sponsorship of this camp has become a necessity. Attached is an outline of my sponsorship program and how you can become involved in Scotty Mac Basketball Camps. I would love if you read this proposal and gave it some serious thought. Our organization has decided only to send these letters out to locally owned companies and businesses. The reason being I want to see the Comox Valley thrive and grow from within and somehow personally become involved in that. Being a local kid I have experienced every form of Basketball camp that has entered the Comox Valley and I truly believe that I can provide a product that will be tremendously enjoyable for everyone involved, the participants, coaches, parents and sponsors.
Thank you very much for your consideration and please contact us if you have any questions,
Scott Mackinnon
Head Coach and Founder Scotty Mac Basketball Camps
1447 Ridgemount Drive
Comox, B.C. V9M 3G9
1-250-339-0661
1-403-795-1805
scottmac32@hotmail.com
My name is Scott Mackinnon and I am the founder of Scotty Mac Basketball camps. We are a non–profit organization that is extremely interested in providing the Comox Valley with an enjoyable, fun, competitive and unique basketball experience. Being a resident in the Valley for the majority of my life I feel that is not only my responsibility but a duty to give back to this community which has provided me with so much. For the past five years I have played basketball at the University of Lethbridge in Alberta on a full scholarship, being named Captain my last three years. I have coached community camps for as many summers as I can remember and finally have decided that I feel and know I can create and develop an unbelievable camp. I attribute a lot of my success to the help that I received from our great community whether it was at Robb Road Junior High or summer camps at the Courtenay Recreation Centre. I would love to be able to provide the kids of the Comox Valley with an annual basketball camp that successfully does this.
The camp will take place July 23rd to the 27th at Highland Secondary School and will consist of two age groups. (6-9 Year olds in the morning and 10-13 in the afternoon). With the high rental costs of the gym I have decided that sponsorship of this camp has become a necessity. Attached is an outline of my sponsorship program and how you can become involved in Scotty Mac Basketball Camps. I would love if you read this proposal and gave it some serious thought. Our organization has decided only to send these letters out to locally owned companies and businesses. The reason being I want to see the Comox Valley thrive and grow from within and somehow personally become involved in that. Being a local kid I have experienced every form of Basketball camp that has entered the Comox Valley and I truly believe that I can provide a product that will be tremendously enjoyable for everyone involved, the participants, coaches, parents and sponsors.
Thank you very much for your consideration and please contact us if you have any questions,
Scott Mackinnon
Head Coach and Founder Scotty Mac Basketball Camps
1447 Ridgemount Drive
Comox, B.C. V9M 3G9
1-250-339-0661
1-403-795-1805
scottmac32@hotmail.com
Hero's are remembered, Legends never Die!!!
I believe that Benny the Jet from The Sandlot had it right. Basketball is a addiction to some of us, a way of life and sport all combined with a ball and a hoop. It's true hero's are remembered but legends like John "The Animal" Munro will ultimately never die!
John has played the game of basketball for thirty plus years and as I experienced John plays the game as hard now as he did when he was 18. John accomplishments are endless, BC High School Provincial All Star, Canadian Junior National Team Member, Best Import, CIAU National Champion with the University of Victoria Vikes to name a few. He could easily live upon those accolades but his determined personality would never let him. Over the last 20 years John has run a resort and bar in the Philippines on one of the most beautiful islands in the world. Also commanding and running the basketball fever that engulfs this community and in turn the game that he grew up on has never left his blood.
John is a player that every coach yearns to have. His versatility allows him to play and defend any position on the floor. His silky soft touch creates scoring opportunities at will and his relentless, aggressive defence strikes fear in the hearts of any offensive threat. Nick named "The Animal" a game is not complete with John unless he has taken five charges, dived out of bounds fourteen times and hit the ground on the slightest potential for a loose ball. I believe that John has also found a magical fountain of youth because his game only continues to get better with age.
All this a side, I believe that John's biggest accomplishment in the game of basketball is what he has given back to it over his thirty years of mayhem.I lived with John Munro for a year and a half of my life and have never experienced a more generous, giving and thankful man. John gives back to the sport every time he graces the court with his presence. Playing on outside concrete courts in the plaza(Philippine Basketball Court), five steps from the beach and John's house. You watch as Filipino children mimic John's play, his style, his jump shot, his aggressive attitude and swagger. As he walks back for his fifteen hour shift at his business you watch in awe as every kid in the plaza fights for the ball as if they were all The Animal. Every person who has ever picked up a ball in the court knows, respects, appreciates and likes John. It is tremendously rare in today's world where you find an athlete so admired, respected and competitive.
John does not lose!
I sat and appreciated the generosity of this amazing man. Numerous times I watched John put on massive basketball tournaments for every single child on that island. Organizing sponsors, reffing, paying for sound systems and bank rolling jerseys. I observed as Filipino kid's who didn't have shoes(They played in sandals), let alone a house would be able to put on a real basketball jersey for the first time. Those smiles will be imprinted in my mind for the rest of my life. After these tournaments I would hear John talk with pride about the day, the events, the basketball. Always thanking everyone else but himself.
The best basketball experience of my life I owe to John. Before my time was up in the Philippines John organized the Boracay All Star Traveling Basketball Team.(Picture above)This team was the best players from the island all wanting to go out and represent what Boracay Basketball was all about. John funded this entire trip, paying for jersey's, vans, food, travel and organizing each sponsor. He organized games and events for the guys between those games. We traveled down to Iliolo one of the bigger cities in the Visayan Area. John scheduled us a game with a local team as well as a local universities. For these guys this was their N.B.A. Championship and unexpectedly it also became mine. The memories, friendships and undefeated record that our team experienced during that trip will remain with all of us forever. During the games John inspired us! Leading us whethor hitting a big shot down the stretch or running over a cement pillar holding up the hoop. He refused to let our team lose, making it not even an option. I was amazed at how we all followed .Our team believed after that weekend the Boracay Island All Stars could have won the N.C.A.A. Championship and that was all due to John!!
John continues to do all of this today! Along with his son Chico Munro they form the most dominant father son tandem since Bill and Luke Walton. John has done all of this regardless of recieving praise or not! He did it because he loves his family and he loves the sport that his father Nev so graciously passed onto him. I am excited for the day when I can go watch Chico run these same tournaments just as Nev must have been excited to watch and hear about John's. I know that hero's are remembered but I also know that in 200 years the legend of "The Animal" will live on!
Big Thanks to the biggest supporters of all!!
I personally just wanted to thank my Grandma Mary who honestly is the toughest lady alive for all her support and leading the Munro Clan so determinely.As well as the best secretary ever my Mom(Kathie Mackinnon)and my dad, the legendary Hugh Mackinnon! As well as the Mcdonald family who's support and loyalty is endless!
Larry Street and the Vanier boys getting some Ink!
Boys high school hamper
Howard Tsumura, The Province
Published: Saturday, January 27, 2007
Larry Street agrees that it’s phenomenon, that what is happening with his star player shouldn’t really be happening at all.Just by basketball’s very nature, with bodies converging in the paint and free angles so easily denied, there is no reasonable way to explain what 6-foot-8 Nick Adair of Courtenay’s G.P. Vanier Secondary School is doing as a shot blocker for his No. 9-ranked Towhees this season.
Let’s be honest. Under the ultra-critical eye of say, the stat crew assigned to Houston Rockets’ games, Adair’s eye-popping statistical line score might shrink somewhat. But even that much scrutiny couldn’t do too much damage to what is one of the most incredible statistical seasons the B.C. prep game has ever seen.G.P. Vanier's Nick Adair is averaging a triple-double this season for the No., 9-ranked Towhees.Consider that after Tuesday’s 65-58 win over North Island rival Highland of Comox, Adair was actually averaging a triple-double of 23 points, 20 rebounds and 10 (actually 10.1) blocks per game. Against the rival Raiders, he was credited with 21 points, 19 rebounds and 17 blocked shots.“What amazes me is how many guys keep going at him,” laughed Street on Wednesday. “We have had guys that were so good in the post. I can remember (Nanaimo’s) Gerald Kazanowski was good at blocking shots (in the late 1970s). But Nick is one of very few.” Street admits those numbers won’t likely happen in a post-season atmosphere like the Telus B.C. championship tournament at the PNE Agrodome in March.“That won’t happen in playoffs,” says Street. “But Nick has done this against some very good teams. But even if he doesn’t block their shots, I can tell you that the opposition will be thinking about it when they get in there, and that is the key.” Yes, the ability to alter the opposition’s game plan just based on your presence on the floor. It’s enough of a tease that at least two dominant CIS programs -- the Victoria Vikes and UBC Thunderbirds -- have gone up-island to see for themselves, so often doubling up on the Vanier-Highland games to also see the Raiders’ outstanding guard Ryan MacKinnon, who in the loss to the Towhees registered 27 points and according to Street, more than 10 steals.
The move to FIBA rules next season at the university level means a quicker-paced game and a 24-second shot clock.Yet Adair is athletic and is the kind of player that you can anchor a defence around. Add him alongside Victoria’s Tyler Hass, Mitch Gudgeon and Jacob Doerksen and you’d been hard pressed to get to the rim.
Same thing at UBC where Bryson Kool, Matt Rachar and Cody Berg would love the help.
Yet perhaps the most interesting would be at SFU. With all-everything big man Aaron Christensen set to leave the program after this season, Adair would look great in conjunction with bruisers Nolan Holmes and Greg Wallis.“I think he can be a force right away,” says Street, “because he can rebound with anybody and he is a defensive presence. He’s also better than an 85 per cent student.”Adair’s Grade 11 year saw him adopt the bull-in-the china-shop approach to scoring in the paint. He still needs to extend his shooting range for the CIS game, but Street says it’s improving and that he had added a hook shot to his arsenal.And the rest of the Towhees, who last year were led offensively by the explosive Calvin Westbrook, currently in his first year at NCAA Div. 2 Cal State-Stanislaus?Well, part of the reason that Adair is allowed to freelance offensively is that the Towhees boast three other players that average double-digits in scoring.Mike Greer and Simon Nessman man the two guard spots and each stands at 6-foot-4. Nessman is known for his toughness and Greer has given Vanier enough ball handling ability that the Towhees are able to use their solid overall height to beat pressure defence and traps. And, 6-foot-8 Jay Valeri, who has adapted his game to compliment Adair, often brings the ball up court and is the team’s top three-point shooter. Grade 11s Will Palmer and Graham Peterson are among the players that have alternated in the rotation at the third forward position this season.
U of L School Newspaper
Player Profile - Scott Mackinnon
Tags: Sports
Player Profile
Scott Mackinnon
5th Year Kinesiology Major
Men’s Basketball
# 45
Meet Scott Mackinnon, one of the featured athletes for this week’s player profile. Born and raised in Comox, B.C., Scott developed his love for basketball by shadowing his father, a basketball coach, and progressed in his knowledge of the game by learning from his dad. Scott moved on to help coach Sr. Girl’s Basketball teams in his hometown and eventually landed himself a position on the Pronghorn’s roster.
Nowadays, you can find Scott in the Gym, in practice, or in his Kinesiology classes. Scott is an Education hopeful and plans to use the skills he has acquired on and off the Basketball courts to make him an enthusiastic and engaging teacher.
A 5th year player for the U of L, Scott is a versatile and valuable member of the Men’s Basketball team. Playing a variety of positions including Guard, Forward, and Utility, he is a great player to have around in any situation. “The best part about being a Pronghorn,” said Scott Mackinnon in an interview, “is that you get to be a part of a team and benefit from the close friendships that come from that. I also like being a part of the U of L community.” Scott feels that this year is a promising one for the Men’s Basketball team. “We have a big team and a lot of solid young players, like Richard Steed and Eric Gali, that are playing exceptionally well so far this season.” He stated “its going to be a great year.”
Scott recalled his fondest memory from his past basketball experiences as being a part of the 2001 Alberta Provincial team, lead by Coach Connolly, and bringing home the bronze medal from the Canada Games. “Hard work, perseverance, and determination are the qualities that make a good student athlete,” Scott professed, and he continues to make the U of L proud by demonstrating these characteristics.
Tags: Sports
Player Profile
Scott Mackinnon
5th Year Kinesiology Major
Men’s Basketball
# 45
Meet Scott Mackinnon, one of the featured athletes for this week’s player profile. Born and raised in Comox, B.C., Scott developed his love for basketball by shadowing his father, a basketball coach, and progressed in his knowledge of the game by learning from his dad. Scott moved on to help coach Sr. Girl’s Basketball teams in his hometown and eventually landed himself a position on the Pronghorn’s roster.
Nowadays, you can find Scott in the Gym, in practice, or in his Kinesiology classes. Scott is an Education hopeful and plans to use the skills he has acquired on and off the Basketball courts to make him an enthusiastic and engaging teacher.
A 5th year player for the U of L, Scott is a versatile and valuable member of the Men’s Basketball team. Playing a variety of positions including Guard, Forward, and Utility, he is a great player to have around in any situation. “The best part about being a Pronghorn,” said Scott Mackinnon in an interview, “is that you get to be a part of a team and benefit from the close friendships that come from that. I also like being a part of the U of L community.” Scott feels that this year is a promising one for the Men’s Basketball team. “We have a big team and a lot of solid young players, like Richard Steed and Eric Gali, that are playing exceptionally well so far this season.” He stated “its going to be a great year.”
Scott recalled his fondest memory from his past basketball experiences as being a part of the 2001 Alberta Provincial team, lead by Coach Connolly, and bringing home the bronze medal from the Canada Games. “Hard work, perseverance, and determination are the qualities that make a good student athlete,” Scott professed, and he continues to make the U of L proud by demonstrating these characteristics.
Doing Denman Island Proud
Howard Tsumura, The Province
Published: Thursday, March 01, 2007
Young Adair a block party waiting to happen
What a prospect! Averaging almost a triple-double, young blocker
to join UBC.
Nick Adair is too young to be a legend, but when he graduates this spring from Courtenay's G.P. Vanier Secondary, it's going to be a long time before a more dominating rebounder and shot blocker graces the gyms of Vancouver Island.Adair, a 6-foot-8, 210-pound phenom who is averaging 21 points,16 rebounds and eight blocked shots per game this season, told The Province that he will join the Canada West powerhouse UBC Thunderbirds next season."He still doesn't know how good he is or how athletic he is," said Vanier head coach Larry Street, who remembers Adair getting so high off the court last season that he bruised his elbow on the rim while blocking a shot. Added UBC head coach Kevin Hanson of Adair, who will enroll in UBC's engineering department: "He had 19 blocks in a game last week. I don't care where you're playing, that is an amazing feat. He's almost averaging a triple double. The upside I see in Nick is incredible. You can use that old cliche about a diamond in the rough, but I call Nick a gem because he already does so many intangible things." Adair's primary focus is on getting his team to the Telus B.C. championships, a treacherous path that begins today (3 p.m.) at Victoria's Mt. Douglas Secondary when the Towhees face the Claremont Spartans. The top two Island teams advance to the provincials, so Vanier will be battling the likes of Dover Bay and Oak Bay for the coveted
spots.
As he prepared for his senior season of high school, Adair admitted that he has tried to develop more facets to his game, both to help the Towhees and to make him a more varied threat at the CIS level. But he can't help but admit he's most comfortable in the middle of the fray. "Last year I just played inside," he said. "This year I wanted to show I could score more and play more on the outside. I've worked a lot on my jumper. But it's frustrating because really, I just love to get in there and bang around inside." UBC is just waiting for the block party to begin.
© The Vancouver Province 2007
Published: Thursday, March 01, 2007
Young Adair a block party waiting to happen
What a prospect! Averaging almost a triple-double, young blocker
to join UBC.
Nick Adair is too young to be a legend, but when he graduates this spring from Courtenay's G.P. Vanier Secondary, it's going to be a long time before a more dominating rebounder and shot blocker graces the gyms of Vancouver Island.Adair, a 6-foot-8, 210-pound phenom who is averaging 21 points,16 rebounds and eight blocked shots per game this season, told The Province that he will join the Canada West powerhouse UBC Thunderbirds next season."He still doesn't know how good he is or how athletic he is," said Vanier head coach Larry Street, who remembers Adair getting so high off the court last season that he bruised his elbow on the rim while blocking a shot. Added UBC head coach Kevin Hanson of Adair, who will enroll in UBC's engineering department: "He had 19 blocks in a game last week. I don't care where you're playing, that is an amazing feat. He's almost averaging a triple double. The upside I see in Nick is incredible. You can use that old cliche about a diamond in the rough, but I call Nick a gem because he already does so many intangible things." Adair's primary focus is on getting his team to the Telus B.C. championships, a treacherous path that begins today (3 p.m.) at Victoria's Mt. Douglas Secondary when the Towhees face the Claremont Spartans. The top two Island teams advance to the provincials, so Vanier will be battling the likes of Dover Bay and Oak Bay for the coveted
spots.
As he prepared for his senior season of high school, Adair admitted that he has tried to develop more facets to his game, both to help the Towhees and to make him a more varied threat at the CIS level. But he can't help but admit he's most comfortable in the middle of the fray. "Last year I just played inside," he said. "This year I wanted to show I could score more and play more on the outside. I've worked a lot on my jumper. But it's frustrating because really, I just love to get in there and bang around inside." UBC is just waiting for the block party to begin.
© The Vancouver Province 2007
Talented Valley boy commits to UCFV
The Comox Valley’s loss is the Fraser Valley’s gain.
Jay Valeri of the G.P. Vanier Towhees senior boys basketball team is joining the University College of the Fraser Valley Cascades next year. The Cascades play out of Abbotsford and are a Canadian Interuniversity School in the competitive West Coast League with SFU, UBC, UVic, Trinity Western and Thompson Rivers.
Cascades’ head coach Pat Lee is excited about Valeri joining his squad and sees a promising future for him. Details of his athletic scholarship are still being finalized, but Valeri is looking forward to the move. “I had interest from Malaspina, Camosun, Thompson River and Trinity. But I talked to Pat and it felt like that was the best place for me to attend and improve as a player,” he told the Record this week.
Vanier coach Larry Street notes the 6’,8” point/forward was a big contributor to the Towhee team that tied for 10th at this year’s provincial high school championships and part of the B.C. champion 3-on-3 team. “Jay was an all-star at three tournaments and was a key in breaking presses with his excellent ball-handling skills and court vision.” Street said Valeri loves to shoot the three, but also is very crafty around the key with lots of moves and excellent fakes.
Valeri feels his ability to control the ball off the dribble will be an asset to the Cascades. “I enjoy playing the small forward position, but I’ll play anywhere I’m needed. With my size I can go inside, and with my speed I can play outside. On defence I will be able to hold my ground against big men or shorter and quicker players.”
The Royston resident has enjoyed honing his skills through his school years. “I have played for a few great coaches,” he said. “I’d like to thank Kent Milburn very much for helping me in the middle school years. He was an awesome coach and an excellent person.
“My Grade 10 coach Craig Follis is one tough SOB,” Valeri laughed. “He helped me toughen up and it was fun playing with such a competitive coach. He was a fun teacher, too. Larry Street has helped me for many years, improving my game and helping me as a person.
“This man couldn’t possibly give any more time towards his players. He loves the game and will do anything to make them better, as long as they are willing to put in the time.” Valeri noted Street spends countless hours in all aspects of the game.
“Lastly, I’d like to thank my parents. Without their support I wouldn’t be much of a basketball player. It’s been great playing ball in the Valley and I can see that it is growing and becoming more competitive.”
Ryan Mackinnon and Julian Spearchief Morris commit to UVIC.
MBBall: Three Recruits Commit to Vikes Men's Basketball
The University of Victoria Vikes men's basketball team have reloaded with the announcement of three key recruits who have committed to the program for the 2007-08 season. Joining the Vikes are Brandon Dunlop, Ryan Mackinnon and Julian Spear Chief-Morris.
"It is a honor to have these three talented young men join our basketball program," said head coach Craig Beaucamp. "They bring us skill, quickness and athleticism. In addition to their basketball ability they bring character to our team. Each of these players have been leaders in their respective programs and we expect they will be leaders for us and within the university."
Dunlop, a graduate of Claremont Secondary School, is a 6'1" guard, who spent the past season with the Camosun College Chargers. At Camosun, he was a BCAAC 1st team all-star and rooke-of-the-year. In addition to his prowess on the court, Dunlop excelled in academics, earning the John Crowther Memorial Athletic Scholarship in 2006 and was an honour roll student at Claremont from 2003 to 2006.
“It is an honor and privilege to have the opportunity to play for the University of Victoria," shared Dunlop. "I am thrilled at the chance. It is something I have been working towards and dreaming of since I was a little kid.”
Mackinnon comes to the Vikes directly from Highlands Secondary School in Comox, B.C.. The 6'4" guard, was a member of the 2006 U-17 Provincial team and was the 2007 North Island High School League Most Valuable Player. In addition he was an nominee for the All-Canadian game.
"I am honoured to be playing at UVic next year and hopefully contribute to what is already a great program," stated Mackinnon. "I am looking forward to getting my degree from an outstanding university and also to follow in the footsteps of my uncle John Munro who played on the Vikes 1983 CIAU (CIS) championship team."
Spear Chief-Morris joins the program from Lethbridge Collegiate Institute. A versatile player, he is comfortable at shooting guard, on the point or at small forward. The 6'4" Spear Chief-Morris has been a member of Alberta's Nike Training Centre for the past three years and he participated in the Canadian Junior National Team Christmas camp this past December. Now in his final year of high school, he led the Southern Alberta High School Basketball League in scoring, averaging 28.9 points a game and scoring 376 points in 13 games.
Victoria finished tied for first in Canada West with an regular season record of 20-3 but lost to UBC in the Pacific Division final. The did receive the wildcard berth for the Canada West Championship but finished fourth.
The University of Victoria Vikes men's basketball team have reloaded with the announcement of three key recruits who have committed to the program for the 2007-08 season. Joining the Vikes are Brandon Dunlop, Ryan Mackinnon and Julian Spear Chief-Morris.
"It is a honor to have these three talented young men join our basketball program," said head coach Craig Beaucamp. "They bring us skill, quickness and athleticism. In addition to their basketball ability they bring character to our team. Each of these players have been leaders in their respective programs and we expect they will be leaders for us and within the university."
Dunlop, a graduate of Claremont Secondary School, is a 6'1" guard, who spent the past season with the Camosun College Chargers. At Camosun, he was a BCAAC 1st team all-star and rooke-of-the-year. In addition to his prowess on the court, Dunlop excelled in academics, earning the John Crowther Memorial Athletic Scholarship in 2006 and was an honour roll student at Claremont from 2003 to 2006.
“It is an honor and privilege to have the opportunity to play for the University of Victoria," shared Dunlop. "I am thrilled at the chance. It is something I have been working towards and dreaming of since I was a little kid.”
Mackinnon comes to the Vikes directly from Highlands Secondary School in Comox, B.C.. The 6'4" guard, was a member of the 2006 U-17 Provincial team and was the 2007 North Island High School League Most Valuable Player. In addition he was an nominee for the All-Canadian game.
"I am honoured to be playing at UVic next year and hopefully contribute to what is already a great program," stated Mackinnon. "I am looking forward to getting my degree from an outstanding university and also to follow in the footsteps of my uncle John Munro who played on the Vikes 1983 CIAU (CIS) championship team."
Spear Chief-Morris joins the program from Lethbridge Collegiate Institute. A versatile player, he is comfortable at shooting guard, on the point or at small forward. The 6'4" Spear Chief-Morris has been a member of Alberta's Nike Training Centre for the past three years and he participated in the Canadian Junior National Team Christmas camp this past December. Now in his final year of high school, he led the Southern Alberta High School Basketball League in scoring, averaging 28.9 points a game and scoring 376 points in 13 games.
Victoria finished tied for first in Canada West with an regular season record of 20-3 but lost to UBC in the Pacific Division final. The did receive the wildcard berth for the Canada West Championship but finished fourth.
Nice to see Valley Players doing well
Valley Talented Hoop Stars excel down Island
Comox Valley hoops talent took centre stage at the 20th annual Vancouver Island High School Classic All-Star Games, April 7 at St. Margaret’s School in Victoria.
Eleven senior boys and girls took part, with all three local secondary schools well represented: G.P. Vanier - Alyson Schmidt, Katie Armstrong, Mike Greer, Simon Nessman, Jay Valeri and Nick Adair; Highland - Kate-Rae Stewart, Scott Young and Ryan MacKinnon; Mark Isfeld - Keenan Milburn and Peter Christianson.
The Boys B game was up first, with the North Island pulling away in the second half for an 85-70 win. Milburn quarterbacked the victory and earned Player of the Game honours for his 19 points (including three treys) and numerous assists. Nessman and Greer helped turn the tide in the North’s favour with numerous steals while Greer added an acrobatic 10 points and Nessman drove through heavy traffic for tough lay-ups and 13 points.
Young finished with eight points and several rebounds. It was the second win in as many years for the North Island B boys, who also had Brian Richter of Carihi in their lineup.
The Girls game was up next, and the South Island eked out a 65-56 win to lay claim to their second straight year of Island bragging rights. University-bound Schmidt tallied nine points (one trey), Armstrong added nine and Rae-Stewart hit for five (one trey). Carihi’s Richelle Rafknjelson and Tawny Roberts were also in the North lineup.
The Boys A game put the “classic” in this year’s Classic as the South Island led most of the way but needed overtime to post a 108-102 win. The North Island (who won last year) were heavy favourites to repeat, what with two Dover Bay boys (B.C. AAA champs), a strong player from Ladysmith (B.C. AA champs) and four Valley boys who represented the region extremely well at Provincials and the B.C. High School All-Star game.
MacKinnon led all scorers with 24 points and dished 11 assists, Christianson played tough defence and added eight points, Valeri battled hard against some big bodies and contributed six points and Adair had some incredible blocks and tallied seven points.
Player of the Game Elliot Rushton (Oak Bay) had the South in front midway through the second half when Christianson stole two passes and hustled in for two big baskets. Still down by nine late in the half, Valeri hit a trey to pull the North within six, then in the last minute MacKinnon hit two long threes to tie the game.
The North had a chance to win at the buzzer with a fantastic pass from MacKinnon to Adair, but Adair was unable to convert in heavy traffic. In the five-minute overtime, the North could not finish inside while the South drained some long bombs from somewhere in the vicinity of beautiful downtown Blanshard Street to take the win.
“It was a great way for all high school seniors to end their prep hoops careers, and showed all those present that the Comox Valley produces some fine basketball talent,” said Vanier vice-principal Hugh MacKinnon.
Comox Valley hoops talent took centre stage at the 20th annual Vancouver Island High School Classic All-Star Games, April 7 at St. Margaret’s School in Victoria.
Eleven senior boys and girls took part, with all three local secondary schools well represented: G.P. Vanier - Alyson Schmidt, Katie Armstrong, Mike Greer, Simon Nessman, Jay Valeri and Nick Adair; Highland - Kate-Rae Stewart, Scott Young and Ryan MacKinnon; Mark Isfeld - Keenan Milburn and Peter Christianson.
The Boys B game was up first, with the North Island pulling away in the second half for an 85-70 win. Milburn quarterbacked the victory and earned Player of the Game honours for his 19 points (including three treys) and numerous assists. Nessman and Greer helped turn the tide in the North’s favour with numerous steals while Greer added an acrobatic 10 points and Nessman drove through heavy traffic for tough lay-ups and 13 points.
Young finished with eight points and several rebounds. It was the second win in as many years for the North Island B boys, who also had Brian Richter of Carihi in their lineup.
The Girls game was up next, and the South Island eked out a 65-56 win to lay claim to their second straight year of Island bragging rights. University-bound Schmidt tallied nine points (one trey), Armstrong added nine and Rae-Stewart hit for five (one trey). Carihi’s Richelle Rafknjelson and Tawny Roberts were also in the North lineup.
The Boys A game put the “classic” in this year’s Classic as the South Island led most of the way but needed overtime to post a 108-102 win. The North Island (who won last year) were heavy favourites to repeat, what with two Dover Bay boys (B.C. AAA champs), a strong player from Ladysmith (B.C. AA champs) and four Valley boys who represented the region extremely well at Provincials and the B.C. High School All-Star game.
MacKinnon led all scorers with 24 points and dished 11 assists, Christianson played tough defence and added eight points, Valeri battled hard against some big bodies and contributed six points and Adair had some incredible blocks and tallied seven points.
Player of the Game Elliot Rushton (Oak Bay) had the South in front midway through the second half when Christianson stole two passes and hustled in for two big baskets. Still down by nine late in the half, Valeri hit a trey to pull the North within six, then in the last minute MacKinnon hit two long threes to tie the game.
The North had a chance to win at the buzzer with a fantastic pass from MacKinnon to Adair, but Adair was unable to convert in heavy traffic. In the five-minute overtime, the North could not finish inside while the South drained some long bombs from somewhere in the vicinity of beautiful downtown Blanshard Street to take the win.
“It was a great way for all high school seniors to end their prep hoops careers, and showed all those present that the Comox Valley produces some fine basketball talent,” said Vanier vice-principal Hugh MacKinnon.
Some really nice words!
Hats off to Scott
Submitted by Sletto on Thu, 2007-02-15 21:27.
Author
Kris Kantrud
Hats off to Scott
*Photo caption- This weekend’s pair of games marked the end of a brilliant Pronghorn basketball career for many players. One of such players is #45 Scott Mackinnon has spent the past five years playing his heart out and making the University of Lethbridge proud.Some things can never be replaced. They are just too important, too transcendent, and so valuable that they become invaluable; a first car, a pet, or that pair of blue jeans that start to look like just a waistband. These things are priceless, timeless. When they’re gone, nothing will ever fill their void. This past weekend the Pronghorn Men’s basketball team lost a player of this kind, #45 Scott Mackinnon. Mackinnon played his last game after five seasons in Pronghorn blue on Saturday night and without question his legacy will live on. But so much will be missed at Pronghorn games without the mop-topped floor leader.
What makes Scott so irreplaceable one might ask?
Is it his numbers? No. Scott fills the box score, no doubt about it. He puts up points, rebounds, makes pretty assists, and always plays big minutes. But this isn’t about stats.Is it his clutch play? No. Scott does make some big shots and key defensive plays late in games, but this is only one facet.Is it the way the fans respond to him? The fans love to cheer for Scott, but it is still something more.
Well then what is it you ask?
It is everything. It’s his demeanor, his hustle, his humbleness, his sacrifices. How it looks like he is in more pain after missing an important shot than when he hits the ground hard after enduring a powerful charge from an opposing player. He always plays and practices like a consummate professional, but still seem to love the game and compete because he simply wants to. He is simultaneously the ultimate leader and a completely selfless team player. He is a workhorse that doesn’t rely on only his god-given talent because it would be unjust. Perhaps most importantly it is Scott’s off-court persona that means so much to Pronghorn basketball and U of L sports in general. He is kind, friendly and has a personality warm enough to be a kindergarten teacher. I had the pleasure of taking a basketball class with Scott at the University and he never took credit for something unless it was somebody else’s mistake. On one particular occasion he threw a pinpoint pass to me on a break. The ball sliced through my hands, bounced off my chest, and out of bounds. Without hesitation, Scott put his hand in the air and genuinely hollered “My bad” as if it was his fault that my co-ordination quit progressing after the third grade. He plays any position and leaves everything on the floor. At the buzzer all that matters to Scott was getting the win. A former Pronghorn player once told me that if Scott hung twenty-five points, eight rebounds, and eight assists on the opponent in a losing effort he would still hang his head and apologize to his teammates saying the defeat was on his shoulders. This player went on to say, “you could not ask for a better a teammate.”
This is not to belittle what Scott’s teammates did, especially the ones that also played their last games in Pronghorn uniforms on Saturday. Hometown product Matt Bekkering is criminally underrated and as smart as they come. Todd McClenaghan oozes swagger and provides endless excitement anytime he graces the hardwood. Bruce Carbert is a fan favourite due to huge defensive plays and the occasional thunderous slam. Kevin Monson is a burst of energy off the bench that always inspires teammates and fans. Jordana Miltimore will be sorely missed as the women’s perennial producer, and Lindy Lauder showed great resiliency by battling through numerous injuries.
Without teammates Scott would have no one to pass praise to. He would have no one to defer to in the good times, and then shield in the bad. Scott Mackinnon will never be replaced on the Pronghorn court, as a person or as a player, because sometimes there just simply is no replacement.
Sir Charles on Steve Nash
Steve Nash
Sunday, Apr. 30, 2006 By CHARLES BARKLEY
I've been all over the world, and I always think people won't know who I am. They do. The way basketball has been embraced globally always amazes me. And I'm glad the world has got a chance to learn from a guy like Steve Nash.
What has he taught us? It pays to be selfless. You can be content just to make the players around you better. There are too many scoring point guards in the NBA today, and the game has suffered. People think that in order to be a great player, you have to lead the league in scoring. Forget that—despite averaging only 15.5 points a game, fourth best on his team, Nash was the MVP of the NBA last season, the first Canadian ever to win that honor. He deserved it: his 11.5 assists per game clinched it for him. And he's doing an even better job this season. To top it off, Nash, 32, is just a nice guy. He recently used endorsement money to help pay for a new pediatric cardiology ward in a Paraguayan hospital. That's beyond admirable. Over the past few years, his popularity has exploded. His ego could have swelled—everyone else's does. But he still just wants to pass the ball.
I'm a lucky guy to be living in Phoenix. The sun. The golf. And I get to watch Nash act like a magician on the court. Can't top that. And who knows? Maybe he'll inspire a whole new generation of kids to pass out of double teams the way he does. Like Nash, maybe they'll be selfless off the court too. That would be even better.
Sunday, Apr. 30, 2006 By CHARLES BARKLEY
I've been all over the world, and I always think people won't know who I am. They do. The way basketball has been embraced globally always amazes me. And I'm glad the world has got a chance to learn from a guy like Steve Nash.
What has he taught us? It pays to be selfless. You can be content just to make the players around you better. There are too many scoring point guards in the NBA today, and the game has suffered. People think that in order to be a great player, you have to lead the league in scoring. Forget that—despite averaging only 15.5 points a game, fourth best on his team, Nash was the MVP of the NBA last season, the first Canadian ever to win that honor. He deserved it: his 11.5 assists per game clinched it for him. And he's doing an even better job this season. To top it off, Nash, 32, is just a nice guy. He recently used endorsement money to help pay for a new pediatric cardiology ward in a Paraguayan hospital. That's beyond admirable. Over the past few years, his popularity has exploded. His ego could have swelled—everyone else's does. But he still just wants to pass the ball.
I'm a lucky guy to be living in Phoenix. The sun. The golf. And I get to watch Nash act like a magician on the court. Can't top that. And who knows? Maybe he'll inspire a whole new generation of kids to pass out of double teams the way he does. Like Nash, maybe they'll be selfless off the court too. That would be even better.
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