NABA Tournament 2016

After a season of intense practices, Winnipeg’s NABA basketball and volleyball delegations made their mark in this year’s tournament in Manheim, Pennsylvania on the Labour Day weekend, September 3 to 5, 2016.

The Men’s volleyball team took home first place after arduous battles of bump, set and, spike. And although Winnipeg’s Co-Ed team has taken home first place in the past, unfortunate injuries hampered the team and they had to settle for second place in the finals this year. Winnipeg’s Ladies Division also took home a respectable second place.

This is only the fifth year that Volleyball has been included in the annual NABA tournament. Jon De Jesus headed Winnipeg’s volleyball teams this year.

Winnipeg’s basketball teams didn’t bring home any trophies, but they came very close. Out of 146 teams throughout Eastern North America, Winnipeg’s Junior team, coached by Jai Mendez placed in fourth, while the Bantam team, coached by Eric Fernandez, placed in fifth, with 19 teams to beat in their respective divisions. Winnipeg’s Ladies and Juvenile teams, both coached by Angel Brana, placed third, just a win short of getting into the finals. All these teams did a tremendous job on the court.

Overall, the weekend of volleyball and basketball for Winnipeg’s delegation did a great job, letting everyone know they are there to fight to the end.

Next year, the NABA 2017 tournament will be held in Central Jersey, New Jersey. For more information, e-mail nabawinnipeg@gmail.com.

From a report by Rizza Valera