The champs. (Facebook/ Carlton Senior Boys Basketball)

By Nigel Maxwell

Basketball

Carlton opens season with victory at home tournament

Dec 1, 2025 | 5:17 PM

Focused on making a return to HOOPLA, the provincial high school basketball championships, the senior boys basketball team at Carlton Comprehensive Public High School has got the ball rolling in the right direction.

The school’s invitational tournament was held Friday and Saturday and the Crusaders finished first. Coach Scott Manson said it’s been four years since the team accomplished that feat.

“We had good stuff from all our news guys and all our returners; it was just a great way to start the season.”

The two-day tournament featured a number of teams from across the province, including Moose Jaw, Yorkton, Swift Current, Warman, Martensville, North Battleford and Estevan.

After going undefeated in round robin play, the Crusaders knocked off John Paul II from North Battleford and then Moose Jaw.

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The final game was decided by one point.

Acknowledging a veteran squad with a few young players, Manson said all of the athletes contributed and moved the ball well.

“A lot of our returning players were really demonstrating some leadership on the court, so that was nice to see,” he said.

Manson also stated they have a couple of players who are a force on the inside.

“So seeing them play inside and then when we moved the ball, we got open shots and we were knocking them down.”

On Thursday, the boys will travel to Saskatoon for a tournament and in their opening game will face last year’s HOOPLA champions – Holy Cross.

St. Mary finished third at the Carlton tournament, losing out to Moose Jaw in the first playoff game before beating JPII.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell