Patty Mills North Shore Classic Recap
“The North Shore community and its people has meant a lot to me and my family over the years. As an Indigenous Australian coming from the Torres Strait Islands, seeing the commonalities of culture, traditions and deep connection to the land, sky and sea throughout the North Shore is something that I truly respect and value.”
The Patty Mills North Shore Classic is an annual NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament in Laie, Hawai’i, that debuted on Friday, November 25, and Saturday, November 26 2022. The University of Hawai'i, Texas State, Sacramento State and Southern Utah competed in the inaugural event on the island of O’ahu, each team played two games at the Cannon Activities Center on the campus of BYU–Hawai'i.
As a demonstration of his commitment to extend the reach of the event, Patty invited members of the North Shore community to take advantage of an affordable ticket rate made possible by this purpose-driven event. Hundreds of free tickets were also presented to North Shore community members for the tournament.
The University of Hawaii Men's basketball team defeated Texas State to take home the title of winners of the Inaugural Patty Mills North Shore Classic. University of Hawaii's Noel Coleman was named Most Valuable Player of the tournament with 41 points total over the weekend. The All- Star Team consisted of Zach Chappell (Sacramento State), Bernado Da Silva (U of Hawaii), Brandon Davis (Texas State), Mason Harrell (Texas State), and Tevian Jones (Southern Utah).
“The opportunity and impact I hope to create through this college basketball tournament, goes beyond the inaugural event in Laie later this month. The ripple effect that will be felt not only by the athletes themselves, but the fans, families and communities around them is unique to community sporting events like this. We hope to amplify that impact and have designed a long-term program that focuses on bringing all of that together for years to come.”
Supporting Local Business
The Patty Mills North Shore Classic provided the perfect opportunity to spotlight and support local businesses on the north shore. Musician/Singer-songwriter Gabriel Miller performed as doors opened and guests arrived on Friday. Concessions were provided by local vendors; Raised by the Waves Cafe, Haleiwa Bowls, and Aloha Taps.
Art + Culture
On both Friday and Saturday to start the Hawaii games the national anthem was accompanied with Hawaii Pono'i which was sung by the younger siblings of the Tonga Sisters; Vilimuli, Vai'ataa, and Tapukitea born and raised in Laie. On Saturday the Hawaii Pono'i was sung by the Tonga Sisters; Sia Tiueti, Siva, and Nini.
Aunty Kela performed with Halau Hula O Kekela a Heke Mai chant and opening Hula on both Friday and Saturday Night. The Brigham Young University Students of the Samoan Club performed a cultural presentation on both Friday and Saturday as well. To close the weekend, A traditional Hula Auana was performed to Lei Ho'Oheno.
I Nui Ke Aho
I Nui Ke Aho is a non-profit organization based in Waialua on the North Shore of O'ahu which operates a traditional double-hulled Hawallan sailing canoe built and maintained by dedicated staff and volunteers, using mainly traditional techniques and materials. This canoe, Wanana Paoa, was built for the purpose of community building through Indigenous education. With Wanana Paoa, I Nui Ke Aho seeks to strengthen the North Shore community. The aim is to create a traditional Hawaiian navigator's mindset, while also providing educational programs that teach collaboration, knowledge, and pono decision-making to the youth, ohana and community.
With the help of the North Shore community, Team Mills Foundation was proud to be able to help facilitate and donate $10,000 to I Nui Ke Aho through Patty Mills North Shore Classic shirt sales and a foundation grant.