By Rob Blaich and Bill PetersThe 6th Annual Hoops From The Heart Basketball games were played again this year on Monday evening May 12th at the University of Winnipeg's Duckworth Centre. This year a combined University of Manitoba / University of Winnipeg men’s team took on a Legends All Star team of some of the best “retired” players in Manitoba! This exciting game (won 78-74 by the All Stars) was followed by a traditional women’s game featuring the University of Manitoba facing off against the University of Winnipeg. The University of Manitoba prevailed by a score of 67-47.
“We had some great sponsors, dedicated volunteers, enthusiastic athletes and generous referees this year who helped us make this a reality with their contributions”, said Dr Grant Pierce. “The real winners were the 150 inner city kids who not only enjoyed the evening but will wear their Hoops T shirt proudly and enjoy the basketballs for a long time into the future too!”Over 150 inner city kids were there to watch the games, receive a free meal, get their own 2014 Hoops From The Heart T shirt and take a basketball home signed by one of the players. Proceeds from Hoops From the Heart benefit the Basketballs for Inner City Kids project and cardiac research at St. Boniface Hospital.
Special thanks to all the players who participated
- U of Winnipeg/U of Manitoba Men’s Team
- Coaches: Mike Raimbault and Kirby Schepp
- Tim Ireland
- Jamar Farley
- Kuet Kuet
- Denzel Soliven
- Khas Tokar
- Malik Irwin
- Amir Ali
- Justus Alleyn
- Boris Zimbakov
- Wyatt Anders
Manitoba Legends Men’s All Star Team
- Coach: Jeff Laping
- Isaac Ansah- University of Manitoba
- Nick Lother- University of Winnipeg
- Josh Stolar- University of Winnipeg
- Keith Omoerah- University of Manitoba
- Ogo Okwumabua- University of Manitoba
- Matthew Pierce- Thompson Rivers
- Nick Loewen- Mount Royal University
- Jarred Ogungbemi-Jackson – University of Calgary
- Tyson Jones- University of Alberta
University of Winnipeg Women’s Team
- Coach: Tanya McKay
- Emma Arnott
- Stephanie Kleysen
- Alyssa Grant
- Shawn Pallister
- Payton Gomes
- Jasmine Ibrahim
- Danielle Baril
- Skylar Boulanger
- Katie Hastings Van
- Paige Hastings Van
- Kerri Kuzbyt
- Megan Noonan
University of Manitoba Women’s Team
- Coach: Michele Hynes
- Rebecca Potter
- Montana Kinzel
- Vanessa DeVries
- Allison Balasko
- Jenilyn Monton
- Robyn Eyer
- Caitlin Ticzon
- Stephanie Gill
- Claire Harvey
- Samantha Pyke
- Sheree Carmona-Galdamez
And many thanks to all of our sponsors:
- Basketball Manitoba
- City of Winnipeg
- Club St B
- Home Run Sports
- Larry Vickar Chevrolet
- Los Chicos Restaurante y Cantina
- Manitoba Association of Basketball Officials
- Marigold Restaurant
- Meyers Norris Penny
- Philippine Basketball Association
- Randy Viray Financial Services
- Royal Bank of Canada
- Safeway
- Star Building Materials
- Tim Hortons
- University of Manitoba
- University of Winnipeg