Inaugural girls division for annual basketball tournament in Saskatoon

The gym at Centennial Collegiate was buzzing with energy and the stands were packed with students on Friday.

In its 14th year, the Centennial Chargers Charity Classic, or C4, welcomes 14 different teams from schools around the province.

It’s become a school tradition, but not just for the basketball.

“All of our proceeds go towards charity,” said Trevor Mirtle, co-tournament director. “ So in our last 13 years, we’ve donated over $30,000 to the Saskatoon Children’s Hospital, and we’re super proud about that here at our school.”

After 13 years with just a boys division, staff, volunteers, teachers and teams stepped up to add a girls division this year.

“I’m really happy that Trevor Mirtle and Erin Brimacombe brought that to this tournament,” said Maddy Humbert, Chargers senior girls coach. “So great, today we got to play in front of the home crowd and it was packed. Having so many people supporting female athletics was such a big moment for me as a coach and get to see my players get to play in front of that was a really cool experience.”

Students were able to watch the Chargers game in the morning, cheering on their classmates in an overtime nailbiter.

“People were on their feet for the entire time,” Said Mirtle. “It was loud, it was intense, and that’s what we really want right? We just want that community involvement with it and make an entertaining product obviously for everybody in the stands.”

With teams coming from Prince Albert, Moose Jaw, North Battleford, Weyburn and Saskatoon, it’s a chance to compete against players they might not usually see, and the competition is fierce.

“They definitely do, they came wanting to win,” said Cole, a post with the Chargers senior boys team. “A lot of the outside teams are really good, so its definitely a harder competition.”

“In our OT game we played North Battleford, and that’s one of those teams that we wouldn’t always see,” said Paige, a point guard with the Chargers girls team. “And its great to see out of town teams that are right in there with us too, and they can play with city teams. So it was great competition, it was a great game to play in.”

For grade 12 students, it was the one and only C4 tournament, but it’s a memorable one.

“We have been talking about having a girls side,” said Maya, point guard on the senior girls Chargers. “And it was great to see all the teachers come together and make it happen this year and it’s super fun playing my last year. I’ve been playing with these girls since grade 10.”

Proceeds from the 2024 C4 tournament support the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation, Interval House, Global Gathering Place and the daycare at Mount Royal.

The tournament wraps up Saturday night.