The Filipino Canadian Basketball League of Yukon (FCBLY) got its 13th season rolling on Saturday at F.H. Collins. The crowd was loud and all the teams donned their new uniforms in advance of the night’s festivities.

The FCBLY knows how to kick off a season in style. The first order of business was to introduce the teams. In their new threads and carrying their sponsors banner the teams were introduced one-by-one and proceeded around the gym.

Cheers from the crowd echoed through the F.H. gym and the cellphones were out in full-force to snap photos of the players. The athletes worked the cameras well, as they smiled and waved, some even busted out some dance moves.

Once the final team entered and fell in line with the rest down the centre of the gym, the national anthems of the Philippines and Canada were sung – both beautiful renditions.

Joselito Tobias the league organizer told the Star last year that the opening ceremonies are always a big event because sports, especially basketball are a big thing for the Filipino community.

Tobias welcomed the crowd and described the values of the FCBLY.

“Th FCBLY is about exercise and having a healthy life,” said Tobias. “This is about family. Sometimes people are at work, kids are at school and this is our time to get together. FCBLY is all about family and community.

“I welcome you to the 13th season of the Filipino basketball league.”

Jason Bilsky the president of Basketball Yukon kept his message to the players short and sweet.

“I hope you have a great season, a safe season and a wonderful season,” said Bilsky.

Basketball is a game that requires teamwork and people working together as one.

Deputy Premier Ranj Pillai, who plays on the Crimson Tide, applauded the new young team to join the league, the Wolverines.

“It’s amazing to see this young team put their team together what leadership,” said Pillai.

Pillai also said that the FCBLY “adds an incredible richness to the community.”

MP Larry Bagnell, who won re-election on Monday and runner-up, Conservative Jonas Smith, took time from their busy campaign to speak to the players and fans and watch the basketball action.

“Have a great season and remember winning isn’t the ultimate goal,” said Bagnell. “If you just play and you play your best and your hardest and show good sportsmanship that is what winning really is.

“Thank you all for your contributions over the years to the people of Whitehorse. It makes everyone healthy and happy and contributes to everyone having a good life. Thank you for participating and making that happen for everybody.”

“Play hard, play fair and have fun everyone,” said Smith who began by saying he had not prepared to speak.

Once the formalities were over there was only one thing left to do and that was play ball.

The U13’s kicked off the night as the Air North Jets battled the MPM side. It was fast-paced action between the young-guns.

Each team rebounded the ball well and pushed the floor while finding the open cutter for easy baskets at the rim.

The individual skill was also on display with impressive shows of dribbling and some nasty step-back jumpers that would make James Harden of the Houston Rockets jealous.

It was the Jets who were able to take-off to a lead early. They maintained it throughout but MPM kept it close. At the final buzzer, it was the Air North Jets 56, MPM 43.

The Jets had a balanced attack and had three players in double digits in scoring. Miguel Portea drained 16, Ethan Stoker scored 13, and Brit Pagoba chipped in with 12.

RJ Williams led the MPM offence wracking up the points and finishing with 24. Pier Deleon added 13 points.

The U35 teams tipped-off shortly after the U13 game finished. Domino’s Pizza took on the Wolverines, a team of Porter Creek Secondary School players.

It was an offensive onslaught by Domino’s Pizza as they bucketed 136 points. The Wolverines replied with 78.

Domino’s had a balanced attack with five players hitting the double-digit mark. Four of them poured in over 20 in an impressive display of offence.

Josh Rumbaoa led all players with 38 points. Chad Williams dropped 24, Bryan Hermosa and JB New had 22 apiece and Ralph Hermosa had a cool 19 points.

Kiiwaadin Swan led the Wolverines offence with 17 points.

Last year’s opening ceremony opened with a women’s game. It was the first time the FCBLY had a women’s game.

Tobias told the Star last year that the “first game was an exhibition but if they want to continue we will schedule them a slot.”

The FCBLY had two women’s teams registered for the 13th season. They stole the show during the opening ceremonies parade.

Their game on Saturday was also an exhibition and their tournament play begins next month.