Pictured L-R: Rhett Cawood, Nate Fransoo, and Eston Glass each returned from California with at least a single championship suiting up for Team Saskatchewan. (submitted photos)

By Martin Martinson

Representing Sask

Battlefords locals shine on international basketball stage

Aug 2, 2023 | 8:38 AM

A trio of Battlefords locals are coming off a summer to remember, taking home championship hardware with Team Saskatchewan at a series of international basketball tournaments in Seal Beach, California.

Eston Glass won a gold medal at the International World Championship and silver at the Summer Classic Championship with Team Sask’s U17 Developmental Men’s Team, while Nate Fransoo won tandem gold at the U15 level in both tournaments. Rhett Cawood also took home dual gold at the International World Championship and ‘Swoop’ Tournament with Saskatchewan’s U15 Developmental Men’s Team.

U17 Developmental Men’s Team

Eston Glass helped lead the Sask U17 Developmental Team to a perfect 4-0 record on their way to the International World Championship, and 7-1 record to finish second-place in the Summer Classic. He’s coming off his first season of senior basketball with the North Battleford Comprehensive High School (NBCHS) Vikings.

The International World Championship winning U17 Developmental Men’s Team, featuring Eston Glass (front row, second from right). (Submitted photo/Eston Glass)

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Playing primarily point guard and shooting guard, Glass’ impact included a sizzling streak in the second tournament that saw him hit five three-pointers in a row during one game to seal a victory for his team.

Finding his niche early in his first taste of tournament play with Team Sask, Glass called it a valuable experience to suit up for the province.

“It was really cool to win the first tournament and have such a good record in the tournaments since it’s international [competition] and the other teams are from all over the place,” Glass said. “It was a great experience and I now know my strengths and what I need to work on better [for next time].”

U15 Men’s Team

Nate Fransoo also hit the ground running at his two tournaments, in his debut donning the Team Saskatchewan jersey.

Fransoo is coming off his Grade 9 year with the John Paul II Collegiate Crusaders’ basketball team. Playing primarily as a wing, he helped the U15 Men’s team to a 5-1 record on their way to first place at the International World Championship, and 5-0 record at the Summer Classic Championship for an all-but-perfect record with just a single blemish through the back-to-back tourney wins.

The International World Championship and Summer Classic champion U15 Men’s Team, featuring Nate Fransoo (third from right). (Submitted photo/Nate Fransoo)

Fransoo said the idea to even try out for the team only came onto his radar through the encouragement of his coach with the school team.

“I never really considered it in the years before or anything. It was my high school coach Heidi Campbell who recommended I try out,” he said.

Fransoo went on to say the experience was something he’ll remember for some time.

“The experience was unforgettable, being able to compete in a different country was truly a gift,” he said. “Being able to win both tournaments certainly boosted our team’s confidence. I knew that whatever the score was we could come back.”

U15 Developmental Men’s Team

Rhett Cawood and his U15 Developmental Team posted a perfect 4-0 record en route to the International World Championship, following up the performance with another three straight (3-0) on their way to the Swoop Tournament championship.

Cawood, who is NBCHS-bound come the fall, had some prior experience competing at international baseball tournaments in Vegas and Phoenix, the former of which took place just earlier this year in February of 2023. He said getting the chance to compete against top competition in basketball at this summer’s tournaments fulfilled a goal he’s been working toward.

“It was really cool going down there and [facing] really top-level competition, that was the highest level of basketball I’ve ever played,” Cawood said. “Winning an actual ring was also cool because I’ve always dreamed of winning a championship ring.”

“It was my first time going on a team bus and to California, it was really long but fun still and just the feeling of representing Saskatchewan, it was pretty cool.”

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1