Here are highlights from the 2012 NABI Championship Game Northern AZ Elite vs Cheyenne Arapaho.
In the 10th annual Native American Basketball Invitational, the Cheyenne-Arapaho team captured their fifth boy's NABI title after defeating Northern Arizona Elite of Window Rock, Ariz., 63-58, at Grand Canyon University.
Northern Arizona Elite's Corey Quigley, who led all scorers with 24 points, helped stage a comeback as the team made an 11-0 run in the latter part of the game. That was too late as the team came as close as 3 points at 51-48, when Darren Ashley hit two free-throws with 2:49 remaining.
With the momentum back in their favor, Arizona team only needed to play tough defense and execute on the offensive end. But jumpers by Bills, who was voted as the tournament's most valuable player, and Jones killed the momentum instantly, by stretching the lead, 55-49.
Bills went 4-for-4 at the charity stripe to finish with 16 points, while Jones hit 2-of-2 for 19 points to secure the game and the title, 63-58.
"Our depth really helped," Island said. "Their shots weren't falling. That team was excellent. In the first half our boys took them for granted. They went on an 11 and 0 run. I didn't call a timeout because I wanted our boys to play through it."
Northern Arizona Elite head coach Homer Ashley said his team's 7-point lead at the half made his team relax.
"I was hoping the boys wouldn't get into relaxation mode," he said adding that his team also became tired after playing bigger, stronger teams like the Oglala Lakota Nation and North Dakota Warhawks in the semifinals and quarterfinals.
"This whole tournament we ran," Ashley said. "We full-court pressed and played man-to-man. Our shots were off. Kevin Yazzie from Chinle always had that three-point shot. He was averaging four three pointers a game, even Kyler Ashley and Cyrus Cly."
Homer Ashley said had his team sank the five free-throws they earned from drawing fouls late in the second half, "We could have tied up the game."
Ashley, however, did give credit where it was due.
They're a good ball team," he said. "I knew they were tough. They're big guys. They're tall and strong and a well-balanced team. They're a pretty good team."
Even for his team, Ashley was satisfied with a second-place finish.
"I'm so proud we got this far," he said. "I didn't expect to get this far. I don't know if there has been a Diné team that played in the championship game."
Quigley, who is one of 10 underclassmen on the team, said the five-point lost to the five-time champs will be used a motivation for next summer.
"It's a good experience for us because were mostly all juniors and sophomores," he said. "We're planning on using this as motivation next year. We'll beat them next year."
In addition to Quigley, Northern Arizona Elite also included Darren Ashley, Kyler Ashley, Keane Ashley, Plazza Bowman, Rain Brady, Jalen Claw, Cyrus Cly, Taylor Davis, Alexander Destea, Cecil Hubbell and Kevin Yazzie.
"I like to think I'm building a dynasty even though its only Native American ball," Island said. "The leading scorers in this game were just sophomores. We will be back for a couple more years for sure."