An outburst of excitement filled Canada Life Centre on Saturday evening when Simon Hildebrandt, a resident of Winnipeg, made a remarkable three-point shot. This shot secured the Winnipeg Sea Bears their inaugural Canadian Elite Basketball League championship. The crowd and players erupted in jubilation as confetti showered the arena and Queen’s “We Are The Champions” blared through the speakers to commemorate the 98-84 triumph.
Reflecting on the moment, Hildebrandt described it as unexpected and surreal, stating that his mind went blank before the celebration ensued. This victory marked Winnipeg’s fourth season in the CEBL, with their first game back in 2023 being sealed by the late Chad Posthumus, another Winnipeg native.
Acknowledging Posthumus’s impact on the team, Hildebrandt expressed gratitude for being able to make a similar game-winning shot. Head coach Mike Raimbault, who also coaches the University of Winnipeg’s men’s basketball team, shared a special moment with Posthumus’s parents during the postgame festivities.
Amidst the celebrations, Sea Bears player Xavier Moon, who scored 29 points in the championship game, was crowned the CEBL finals MVP. Moon, a three-time league MVP, shouldered added responsibility following the absence of teammate Teddy Allen, who was sidelined after an assault incident at a Winnipeg nightclub.
Despite challenges, including the departure of key players Emmanuel Akot and Jeremiah Tilmon Jr., the Sea Bears overcame adversity in the playoffs, defeating multiple teams en route to the championship. The championship series against the Brampton Honey Badgers was initially planned as a best-of-three, but due to court conditions, it was condensed into a single winner-takes-all game.
Moon, who previously secured a CEBL title with the Edmonton Stingers, emphasized the significance of winning in a city that had never experienced a playoff victory before. The Sea Bears also set a new single-game attendance record with 12,519 fans in attendance, surpassing the league’s previous record.
In the midst of the celebrations and achievements, Hildebrandt expressed hope that young basketball players in Winnipeg would be inspired by their success, showcasing that with dedication and hard work, achieving greatness is possible.
