The Winnipeg Sea Bears clinched their first-ever Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) championship by defeating the Brampton Honey Badgers with a final score of 98-84 in the league’s single-game title showdown on Saturday. Simon Hildebrandt, a local favorite, secured the championship-winning three-pointer before a record-breaking crowd of 12,519 at the Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg, with the target score set at 97.
Xavier Moon, a three-time CEBL MVP, led the Sea Bears in scoring with 29 points, shooting three for four from beyond the arc, and contributing seven rebounds and six assists. Moon, who made a comeback to the CEBL this season after a five-year hiatus, earned his third Finals MVP accolade, playing a pivotal role in Winnipeg’s victory despite the absence of the injured star forward Teddy Allen.
Moon expressed his elation, stating, “It’s incredible to return to this competitive atmosphere. Winning is familiar to me, but achieving it in a city that had never won a playoff game holds significant meaning.” He emphasized the special nature of this championship and conveyed his happiness for his teammates and the city of Winnipeg.
Jelani Watson-Gayle, a guard for the Sea Bears, made a notable contribution by sinking five three-pointers off the bench. Hildebrandt also delivered a strong performance, scoring 24 points with four successful three-point shots. On the opposing side, Sean East II led the Honey Badgers with 27 points, while Trentyn Flowers added 20 points. Brampton trailed 46-42 at halftime and 73-60 heading into the final quarter.
Sea Bears’ new head coach Mike Raimbault expressed his joy for the organization’s well-deserved championship victory, emphasizing the hard work and dedication put in by everyone involved. The CEBL championship was originally planned as a three-game series, but due to court conditions causing the suspension and subsequent cancellation of the first game, the format reverted to a single-game finale.
The Honey Badgers, aiming for their second CEBL title after their 2022 victory when the team was based in Hamilton, faced tough competition from the Sea Bears. Winnipeg, who secured the second spot in the Western Conference, triumphed over the Saskatoon Mamba and Vancouver Bandits in the playoffs to secure their spot in the final game. Despite the outcome, East II acknowledged the team’s resilience in overcoming challenges and praised their efforts in uplifting the Brampton program.
Overall, the Winnipeg Sea Bears’ victory marked a historic moment in CEBL history, showcasing exceptional talent and determination on the basketball court.
