By Shaun Scott, Puyallup Tribal News
When the clock hit zeros, Puyallup Tribal Councilman James Rideout gladly footed the bill for a memorable championship celebration.
Rideout stepped in to coach the final two games of the Parks Tacoma 12U boys basketball team comprised of multiple players from the Puyallup Tribe, and helped guide the PNW Elite Wolves to a victory in the 12U Boys Division II Championship game on Feb. 15 in Tacoma. The squad finished the six-week season with an overall record of 7-0.
Before the championship tilt began, Rideout informed the team he would pay for the postgame meal at Golden Spoon Buffet in Federal Way if the team was victorious.
The mission was accomplished and the feast commenced.
“We were up by three points in the last four minutes of the fourth quarter and the parents were chanting, ‘All you can eat, all you can eat,’” Rideout said.
Rideout was a late addition to the coaching staff for the end-of-season tournament.
“I can’t take the credit for it,” Rideout said of the undefeated season. “It was truly about the coaches who worked with these kids all season.”
Following the buffet feast, Rideout said he addressed the squad and provided wisdom to the youthful players.
“I told them it’s their victory, their championship and that they earned it. Most importantly, it matters to be a good person and to represent yourself, the Tribe and your community with honor,” he said. “Being a student is more important than being just an athlete.”
The team roster consisted of Andreus Leon-Case (Puyallup/Blackfeet), Hakadah Case (Puyallup), Omar Renteria (Navajo/Blackfeet), Raiden Tom (Puyallup/Siksika (Blackfoot)), Jayden Satiacum (Puyallup), Alvin Redbow (Salish/Kootenai), Marshawn Wiley (Hopi/Sioux), William Miller (Puyallup), Jack McCloud (Puyallup) and Princeton Sentao (Tsimshian).
