The Tomahawk will dominate basketball courts

Chippewa Secondary School will host the largest two day high school basketball tournament in Canada and one of the two largest tournaments in North America next weekend.

The 52nd Tomahawk Basketball Tournament will take place December 4-5th, 2009. The event will include 72 teams competing in three different divisions (midget, junior open, senior open).

Over 1200 athletes, 110 coaches, 150 volunteers, as well as hundreds of fans, parents and officials will converge in North Bay for this two day event. The tournament will see 132 games of basketball played at all eight high school locations as well as Canadore College Commerce Court gym.

"The Tomahawk is the oldest consecutive basketball tournament in the country and my partner Art Gabor has been involved with everyone since he started it in 1957. In fact, Mr. Gabor has officiated at least one game in every Tomahawk. Mr. Gabor is still very involved today," convener Tim Simpson said in a press release.

"The economic impact for this tournament to the city is substantial. Conservative estimates peg the dollar value at over 500,000 dollars with money spent in hotels restaurants and our shopping malls, as many parents use the weekend to Christmas shop right here in North Bay."

Though Chippewa hosts the event all area high schools have entered the draw and will host games. (Chippewa, Widdifield, Algonquin, Odysee, SJSH, West Ferris, Heritage, and W.J. Fricker, Heritage and Canadore) The championship games are set for Saturday night at 5:00,6:30 and 8:00 p.m. at Chippewa Secondary.