Here is where you will find all of the information for our 2023-24 Elite Girls program. Please contact Coach Rachel (rachel@northerntrailblazers.com) or Coach Adri (adri@northerntrailblazers.com) if you have any questions.

Group 1 Attendance June 18 Update

Isabelle (94%), Moriah (84%), Penelope (96%), Arra (90%), Rebecca (94%), Lola (80%), Carly (80%), Madison H. (94%), Kara (90%), Julia (73%), Olivia M. (78%), Alexia (81%), Emma-Rose (33%), Avery (84%), Esther (78%), Rebel (90%), Olivia T (82%), Kavya (71%)

Group 2 Attendance June 18 Update

Brookelyn (91%), Brianna M. (70%), Brianna R. (70%), Adrianna (70%), Aditi (88%), Dhyana (92%), Eyaana (87%), Tegan (46%), Catey (83%), Blaire (75%), Bayyinah (44%), JaDaLane (62%), Kinley (76%), Drushti (95%), Jill (43%), Braelyn (81%), Adrija (60%), Jomi (63%), Keira (73%)

Group 3 Attendance June 18 Update

Tianna (83%), Taylor (68%), Anushka (59%), Ciera (90%), Nirva (83%), Kadience (97%), Isla (71%), Ellen (61%), Hailey (53%), Chy-Lei (66%), Madison M. (68%), Paige (73%), Chiamaka (77%), Keeley (25%), Davianna (INJURED – 37%), Alana (60%), Janelle (76%), Emily (97%), Elizabeth (67%), Hadassah (80%), Kayla (62%), Mlaika (40%), Jadesola (35%), Tamara (60%)

Fort McMurray, Alberta – Northern Trailblazers Basketball would like to congratulate and celebrate Kayla Giroux. Kayla was part of the U16 Team Alberta squad that captured the gold medal this past weekend at the prestigious North American Indigenous Games in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

The North American Indigenous Games is a multi-sport event showcasing the talents of indigenous athletes across North America. The competition was intense during tryouts, with players from all over Alberta vying for a spot on the team. However, Kayla’s dedication and skill on the court earned her a well-deserved place on the Alberta U16 Girls Indigenous team.

Team Alberta demonstrated dominance throughout the tournament with an impressive 5-0 record. In pool play, they showcased their strength by defeating Ontario with a remarkable score of 74-24 in the first game. In their second pool match, they triumphed over Eastern Door and the North with a noteworthy score of 94-12.

Moving on to the quarter-finals, Team Alberta faced a tough challenge against Manitoba. However, their determination and teamwork prevailed, leading to a hard-fought 58-51 victory. The semi-finals proved no different, with Team Alberta overpowering Minnesota with an impressive 73-36 win.

In the final, Team Alberta faced off against a formidable opponent in Wisconsin. Nevertheless, they remained composed under pressure and secured a historic 54-42 win, claiming the gold medal.

Kayla Giroux’s performance during the tournament was commendable, with an average of 5.0 points per game. She had her tournament-high score during the match against Eastern Door and the North, where she scored an impressive 12 points, showcasing her skills and determination.

The North American Indigenous Games Council governs the event, consisting of a 26-member council representing 13 provinces and territories in Canada and 13 regions in the United States. The Games have been held intermittently since 1990, celebrating the rich cultural heritage and athletic abilities of indigenous athletes from the region.

“We are extremely proud of Kayla Giroux and her exceptional contributions to Team Alberta’s success at the North American Indigenous Games,” said Coach Adri. “Her talent, hard work, and dedication inspire her teammates and aspiring athletes across the nation.”

Kayla Giroux’s achievement at the North American Indigenous Games is a testament to her talent, passion, and commitment to the sport. Northern Trailblazers Basketball is honored to have such a remarkable player on their team, and they eagerly await her future accomplishments both on and off the court.

For media inquiries and more information, please contact:

NTB ADMIN

Northern Trailblazers Basketball

780-881-2968

info@northerntrailblazers.com

www.northerntrailblazers.com

Fort McMurray, July 24th, 2023 – The North East Zone U14 Boys basketball team has emerged victorious at the Alberta 2023 Summer Games, clinching the gold medal with an outstanding 5-0 record. Spearheaded by the exceptional performances of seven NTB athletes, Ethan Matutu, Luv Patel, Elliot Murphy, Shema Rwangombwa, Emmanuel Okei, Tiago Lance, and Ivan Saenz, the team showcased their prowess in the sport and brought home a well-deserved victory.

The Alberta 2023 Summer Games, held every two years, offer a prestigious platform for young athletes between the ages of 11 and 17 to compete and excel in communities across the province. A host community is selected through a rigorous bid process, and the Games allow athletes to celebrate their achievements and reach their full athletic potential.

The journey to securing the gold medal was remarkable for the North East Zone U14 Boys. During the round-robin play, they displayed their dominance with a flawless 3-0 record. In their first game, they faced off against a tough Sunny South team, prevailing with a nail-biting score of 75-72. Undeterred, the group continued their winning streak by defeating Black Gold 70-47 in their second game and securing an 80-71 victory against Parkland in their final round-robin match.

Advancing to the semi-finals, the North East Zone U14 Boys maintained their winning momentum and triumphed over Calgary with an impressive 78-68 scoreline. In the championship game, the team faced a rematch against the formidable Sunny South. Demonstrating their unwavering determination and skill, they dominated the court, culminating in an outstanding 88-76 victory, ultimately clinching the gold medal.

The North East Zone U14 Boys basketball team’s success at the Alberta Summer Games is a testament to their dedication, hard work, and talent. These young athletes, under their coaches’ guidance and their families’ support, have proven that the Alberta Games are a pivotal stepping stone in athlete development. This remarkable achievement will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of aspiring athletes and serve as a source of pride for their community.

The Alberta Summer Games have a rich history of nurturing athletic potential and acting as a springboard for further achievements. Many athletes who have participated in these Games have gone on to represent their communities at the prestigious Canada Games and have even had the honor of representing Canada at the Olympic Games.

The North East Zone U14 Boys’ journey to gold exemplifies the spirit of the Alberta Summer Games – fostering camaraderie, determination, and sporting excellence. As we celebrate their remarkable achievement, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Ethan Matutu, Luv Patel, Elliot Murphy, Shema Rwangombwa, Emmanuel Okei, Tiago Lance, Ivan Saenz, and the entire team for their outstanding performance and for bringing glory to their region.

For media inquiries and further information, please contact:

NTB ADMIN

780-714-8981

info@northerntrailblazers.com

About the Alberta Summer Games:

Since their inception in 1974, the Alberta Summer Games have provided a platform for thousands of young athletes aged 11-17 to showcase their skills and compete in various sports across the province. The Games celebrate the achievements of these athletes and serve as a critical milestone in their athletic journey, with many going on to represent their communities at higher levels of competition. A rigorous bid process selects a host community every two years to host the Games, fostering local pride and community engagement.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Northern Trailblazers Basketball Celebrates David Chijioke’s Selection to Represent Basketball Alberta in the 2023 17U Provincial Team

Fort McMurray, July 13, 2023 – Northern Trailblazers Basketball is thrilled to announce that David Chijioke has been chosen to represent Basketball Alberta as a 2023 17U Provincial Team member. David’s exceptional skills and dedication have earned him a spot for the upcoming 2023 Canada Basketball Men’s Nationals, scheduled in Quebec from July 30th to August 6th at Sherbrooke University.

2023 Teams

Alberta North (2023 Artic Winter Games Silver Medalist)

NTB 18U Elite Team (2023 Swoosh Volvo 18U Gold Division Champions, 2022 United Storm Thanksgiving 3rd Place finish)

This season David led his NTB 18U team to one tournament 1st place finish and one tournament 3rd place finish. The team finished with a 15-4 record on the season.

Holy Trinity Varsity Boys (2023 3A ASAA Silver Medalist)

David led Holy Trinity to a 23-2 record and a remarkable 2nd-place finish at the 3A Provincial Championships. David’s outstanding statistics speak volumes about his talent, as he averaged an impressive 25.6 points per game, with 3.0 assists, 3.1 rebounds, and 3.7 steals.

As David heads into his senior season, his exceptional performance has garnered the attention of several U-Sports schools actively recruiting him. With his sights set on a future in kinesiology, David is keen on pursuing his academic and athletic aspirations at the collegiate level.

To prepare for the upcoming tournament, David will join the 17U Provincial Team for a training camp in Calgary, Alberta, on July 15th, 2023. This intensive training program will allow David to fine-tune his skills and build chemistry with his teammates before representing Basketball Alberta on the national stage.

The entire Northern Trailblazers Basketball community extends its heartfelt congratulations to David Chijioke on this remarkable achievement. We are immensely proud of his hard work, determination, and perseverance, which have led him to this well-deserved recognition. As David embarks on this exciting journey, we wish him the best of luck in Quebec and know that he will continue to shine as a representative of our basketball program and the province of Alberta.

For media inquiries, please contact:

NTB ADMIN

780-881-2968

info@northerntrailblazers.com

Grande Prairie, Alberta June 9th, 2023 – We’re thrilled to announce that our 11U Girls team will participate in the Swan City 2023 Pomeroy Invitational Tournament. The tournament will take place in Grande Prairie, Alberta, where the Trailblazers will showcase their exceptional skills and competitive spirit against teams from the north zone.

The 11U Girl’s team has been making waves with outstanding performances in recent tournaments. Displaying unwavering determination and sheer talent, the Trailblazers secured an impressive first-place finish in the 2023 Swoosh Maximum Madness and the 2023 Swoosh Volvo tournaments. These back-to-back victories have solidified their position as a force to be reckoned with in their age group.

Coaches Adri and Rachel have been instrumental in guiding the team to success, emphasizing the importance of teamwork, discipline, and relentless effort both on and off the court. The Trailblazers’ commitment to continuous improvement and relentless pursuit of excellence has allowed them to develop into a formidable unit that thrives on challenges.

The Swan City 2023 Pomeroy Invitational Tournament presents an exciting opportunity for the Northern Trailblazers 11U Girls team to compete against exceptional talent and measure their skills against some of the best teams in the region. The players eagerly look forward to showcasing their abilities, determination, and teamwork in the upcoming tournament.

Follow the Northern Trailblazers 11U Girls team’s journey at the Swan City 2023 Pomeroy Invitational Tournament by staying connected through our website, social media channels, and local news updates. Let’s rally behind these exceptional young athletes as they continue to inspire us with their passion for basketball and dedication to their craft.

For media inquiries, please contact:

NTB Admin

Northern Trailblazers Basketball

780-881-2968

info@northerntrailblazers.com

Edmonton, AB – June 5, 2023 – The Northern Trailblazers Basketball U15 team soared to victory at the highly competitive West Edmonton Basketball Association 2023 Summer Kickoff tournament. With an impeccable record of 4-0, the team displayed exceptional skill, determination, and teamwork, ultimately claiming the championship title.

Throughout the tournament, the Northern Trailblazers U15 team demonstrated their prowess on the court, consistently outperforming their opponents. With an impressive point differential margin of 34 points, their dominant presence was felt in every game. Their remarkable achievements include defeating Swoosh Selects with a resounding score of 87-28, overpowering WEBA U15 White with a final score of 73-37 during the round-robin play, defeating WEBA U15 Blue with a score of 74-51 in the semi-finals, and triumphing over TNBA U15 Black with a final score of 87-69 in the exhilarating championship final.

Guard, Tiago Lance emerged as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP). Lance’s remarkable performances throughout the tournament showcased his exceptional skills, leadership, and ability to make crucial plays. Tiago’s 3-point shooting ability and playmaking made the difference for his team. He hit 3 or more 3s in each of the team’s 4 games.

Moreover, the NTB U15 team was fortified by the impressive performances of guards Erl Flores and Ethan Matutu. Their unwavering determination, skillful plays, and ability to consistently contribute to the team’s success were instrumental in securing victory in each game. Forward Folakade Ologunde’s dominance in the paint played a pivotal role, creating a formidable presence that opponents struggled to contend with throughout the weekend.

The Northern Trailblazers Basketball U15 team’s success in the West Edmonton Basketball Association 2023 Summer Kickoff tournament marks a significant milestone in their journey. The U15 age group is one of the most competitive age groups in Alberta.

The NTB Elite program has a record of 64-40 in the Spring Elite season. The next opportunity for the program to travel will be on June 9th-11th as the team will travel to Grande Prairie, Alberta to compete in the 2023 Swan City Pomeroy Invitational.

For media inquiries, please contact:

NTB ADMIN

Northern Trailblazers Basketball

780-881-2968

info@northerntrailblazers.com

Fort McMurray, June 2nd, 2023 — We’re thrilled to announce that our U15 Boys, High School Boys, U15B Girls, and U15A Girls teams will participate in the highly anticipated 2023 WEBA Summer Kickoff tournament, taking place in Edmonton from June 2nd to June 4th.

This Spring, NTB Elite teams have a record of 57 wins and 31 losses. This event is an opportunity for our club to continue demonstrating that we are one of the premier basketball clubs in Alberta. May 19th -21st weekend was the last weekend that our clubs travelled. That weekend eight teams finished with a 26-6 record winning 5 out of 8 divisions. These teams have shown tremendous growth and teamwork and are eager to face tough competition in a spirited atmosphere.

“We are extremely proud of our athletes and coaches for the effort and commitment they have put into this season,” said Coach Grace, a Director for Northern Trailblazers Basketball Club. “The WEBA Summer Kickoff presents a unique platform for our teams to showcase their abilities and passion for the game. We do not doubt that they will represent our club with integrity, sportsmanship, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.”

The Northern Trailblazers Basketball Club is renowned for its emphasis on developing well-rounded athletes who excel on and off the court. With a commitment to fostering character, discipline, and leadership, the club continues to make a positive impact in the lives of its players, providing them with invaluable life skills. This year we are 1 of 3 organizations nominated to win the Heart of Wood Buffalo “Community Impact Award.”

For more information about Northern Trailblazers Basketball Club and our upcoming events, please visit our official website at www.northerntrailblazers.com. Visit our Facebook or follow us on Instagram @northerntrailblazers_bball to stay updated with live scores, highlights, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content during the WEBA Summer Kickoff.

About Northern Trailblazers Basketball Club: Northern Trailblazers Basketball Club is a renowned organization dedicated to developing young athletes through basketball. With a strong emphasis on character building, skill development, and team unity, the club aims to inspire and empower individuals on and off the court. Offering programs for various age groups and skill levels, the Northern Trailblazers Basketball Club is committed to fostering a love for the game while instilling values that will last a lifetime.

Media Contact:

NTB ADMIN

info@northerntrailblazers.com

780-881-2968

Eight NTB Elite teams headed to Edmonton last weekend to compete in the Swoosh Volvo Challenge. The Swoosh Volvo Challenger is one of the biggest tournaments in Western Canada, with over 150 teams competing; NTB teams finished with a 26-6 record and brought home 5 Championship trophies. All five teams finished the tournament with a perfect record.

Our Elite teams have emerged as the true trailblazers in the basketball arena, securing extraordinary victories at the highly anticipated Swoosh Volvo Challenger Basketball Tournament. The tournament, held from Friday, May 19th to Sunday, May 21st, in Edmonton. Featured clubs from BC, Manitoba, and cities all over Alberta.

NTB Elite Teams won the following divisions:

1. 11U Boys Gold Division: The 11U Boys A team finished with a 4-0 record and outscored their opponents 281-86. The team displayed unrivaled skill and determination.
2. 11U Girls Gold Division: The 11U Girls finished with a 4-0 record and outscored their opponents 180-33. The team showcased their incredible talent and resilience, emerging victorious in all their games.
3. 13U Boys Gold Division: The 13U Boys finished with a 4-0 record and outscored their opponents 298-91 dominating all 4 of their games from start to finish.
4. 15U Boys Gold Division: The 15U Boys finished with a 4-0 record and outscored their opponents 335-210, playing at a fast pace and averaging 83.8 points a game.
5. High School Boys Gold Division: The High School Boys finished with a 4-0 record and outscored their opponents 324-222. The team’s tournament performance was highlighted by an 84-83 championship game win over a very talented Basketball Factory Club based out of Calgary, Alberta.

The success of our Elite teams can be attributed to their tireless dedication, rigorous training, and the unwavering support of their coaches and parents. Their achievements at the Swoosh Volvo Challenger Basketball Tournament serve as a testament to their commitment and the outstanding development programs fostered within our organization.

Our program will travel to Edmonton on June 2nd to compete in the WEBA Summer Tournament. We look forward to some competitive games and an opportunity to represent Fort McMurray against other clubs across Western Canada.

2022 Swoosh Volvo Tournament Records

Team	Record	Place
11U A Boys	4-0	1st Place
11U B-Boys	2-2	4th Place
11U Girls	4-0	1st place
13U Boys	4-0	1st Place
15U B-Boys	3-1	N/A
15U A Boys	4-0	1st place
U16 Girls	1-3	N/A
High School Boys	4-0	1st place

Spring 2023 Season Update

So far this season, NTB Elite teams have competed in 6 tournaments and have a 57-31 record. This season has been the busiest Spring season to date. Elite teams have already travelled to Edmonton, Calgary, Grande Prairie, and Saskatoon.

Coaching Staff

Coaches	Years
Rachel Ivey	5
Adri Ivey	5
Grace Lokole	5
Jeremy Fresz	5
Tatenda Matutu	5
Shawn Fitzgerald	4
Nathan Okoh	1

For media inquiries, please contact:

NTB Admin Staff

info@northerntrailblazers.com

780-881-2968

Eight NTB Elite teams will head to Edmonton this weekend to compete in the Swoosh Volvo Challenge. Last season our teams had tremendous success at this tournament. The Swoosh Volvo Challenge is one of the biggest tournaments in Western Canada. Last year over 150 teams competed in the tournament; NTB teams finished with a 28-8 record and brought home 5 Championship trophies and two 2nd place trophies. Four teams finished the tournament with a perfect record.

2022 Swoosh Volvo Tournament Records

Team	Record	Place
11U Boys	3-1	2nd place
11U Girls	4-0	1st place
U13 Boys	5-0	1st place
U13 Girls	4-0	1st place
U14 Boys	3-1	N/A
U15 Girls	1-3	N/A
15U Boys	3-1	1st place
U16 Boys	4-0	1st place
18U Boys	2-2	2nd place

Teams Participating

-11U Girls

-11U A Boys

-11U B Boys

-13U Boys

-15U A Boys

-15U B Boys

-U16 Girls

-18U Boys

Spring 2023 Season Update

So far this season NTB Elite teams have competed in 5 tournaments and have a 32-24 record. This season has been the busiest Spring season to date. Elite teams have already travelled to Edmonton, Calgary, Grande Prairie, and Saskatoon.

Coaching Staff

Coaches	Years
Rachel Ivey	5
Adri Ivey	5
Grace Lokole	5
Jeremy Fresz	5
Tatenda Matutu	5
Shawn Fitzgerald	4
Nathan Okoh	1

Our 15U Boys and HS Boys program represented Fort McMurray well at the Underground Hoops King of The North Round Robin Invitational. The boys were split into four teams (15U A, 15U B, 17U, and 18U). The Spring 2023 Elite Boys record is 24-10 against basketball clubs outside Fort McMurray.

Team Records

Team	Record
NTB 15U-A	5-0
NTB 15U-B	4-1
NTB 17U	2-0
NTB 18U	2-0

This was the first time our club had travelled to GP. We’re looking forward to developing a relationship with more Northern clubs to continue offering competitive schedules for our athletes.

Team Performances

15U-A– The 15A’s finished with a 5-0 record winning all five games by double digits. The highlight of their weekend was beating a tough Underground Hoops U17 team 62-46. The final score was not a reflection of how competitive the game was. The Underground 17U made a run in the 2nd half and were only down 36-35. The boys responded with a 12-0 to push their lead to 48-36 and finished the game on a 14-11 run.

15U-B– The 15B’s finished with a 4-1 record. The team outperformed expectations with wins against Underground Hoops U15 and U13, Dawson Creek Raiders U15, and Dawson Creek Wildcats.

17U– The 17U team dominated in both of their games. Winning both by 20 or more points. The team did not trail at any moment and time in both of their games.

18U– Although the 18U boys won both of their games. The team struggled to defend the ball and made mental mistakes that led to inconsistent play. Players and coaches look forward to returning to practice and working on these issues.

May 19th-21st will be the next opportunity for our program to compete, and we look forward to attending the 2023 Swoosh Volvo. Last year 7 out of 9 of our teams finished in either 1st or 2nd place in their divisions (5 1st place and 2nd place).

We want to thank parents and supporters who make these opportunities possible. Travelling out of Fort McMurray to compete is no small task; we couldn’t do it without dedicated parents.

For more information about the Northern Trailblazers Basketball organization, please visit northerntrailblazers.com.

Contact:

Northern Trailblazers Basketball

780-881-2968

info@northerntrailblazers.com