THE LAST WEEK before Christmas Break saw the Bobcats playing two nonleague games. On Tuesday they defeated the Littleton Butte Volunteers in a competitive game. On Friday the Sinkiuse teams traveled three hours to Chelan and then took a ferry up the long, narrow Chelan Lake to Stehekin Landing High School. Both boys and girls suffered defeats from the Hyaks, but the contests were closely contended and provided good competition.
The Bobcats accepted an invitation to the annual Chesaw Christmas Tournament. Although Chesaw was a much larger school with dominant teams, Spirit considered this tournament as an important benefit to keep the Bobcats occupied, in good shape over the break, and tuned-up to finish the remainder of the league season. An added benefit, the tournament was only about an hour drive. During the first day of the tournament Chesaw easily defeated Smohalla and Spirit’s boys routed the Similkameen River Club Team from British Columbia. The following day the Bobcats showed their best, had several bright spots on offense, but lost by 20 points in the championship game.
After the conversation with Coach Kanaskat, Spirit could not get Kay off his mind. Once again, Spirit tried to contact his one true, memorable love. But she would not answer his calls. It was another lonely Christmas for Spirit. He questioned himself, Can I continue like this? I’m proud of all my work with these kids, but shouldn’t I have more out of life… I guess I’m lucky though, lucky to have a life, but I must do more with this life. The reservation mood seems better, the bands work more closely together, the kids are all doing well in school, there’s the prospect of a brighter future, but what about me, what else is there for me?
After New Year’s Day, the Bobcats continued the crossover phase of the season as they played the five remaining eastern division teams over a three-week period. The first two of those contests were easy wins against the Lions and the Mustangs. But the following game was closely contested with the Panthers.
The most talented player on that team, Baptiste Auld was garnering numerous steals. When he stole the ball he dribbled past everyone and scored. Late in the game the Bobcats lost their small lead as Larry fouled out. Spirit had both eighth graders on the floor simultaneously so Tyee Tulameen was double teamed as soon as he crossed half-court. With four seconds left the Bobcats trailed by two points. Sylix took the ball out-of-bounds and lobbed a pass to Tyee in front of the backcourt foul line. Tyee pivoted square to his basket, took two quick dribbles, and launched a three-quarter court desperation shot. The buzzer blew as Tyee’s attempt was at the top of its arc. The shot hit its mark and the Bobcats escaped with a 68-67 victory. Spirit rushed out to the Tulameen boy and gave him a big hug. The Bobcats felt that luck was on their side as they could not stop smiling on the long ride home.
