Prince Rupert Royals Backcourt Flush

By Kelly Sharp

#11 Paul Veale of Royals chases down UNBC player, Royals #15 Justin Adams at top of key

There drive to compete on the hardwood is obvious when watching guards Chris Veale and Justin Adams guide the attack of the Douglas College Royals men’s basketball team. The fourth year college basketball players can trace their competitive fire to an intense rivalry in Prince Rupert.  Veale and Adams faced each other in many a basketball game.

“He (Justin) was competitive and I was competitive,” said Chris Veale who played his high school ball at Charles Hays Secondary. Justin Adams controlled the basketball floor for Prince Rupert Secondary.

A brief ferry ride to Alaska was always welcomed to test their basketball skills against American talent. The 6-2 Adams of the Nisga’a Nation looked forward to early February and the basketball tradition known as the Prince Rupert All-Native Basketball Tournament. Under the tutelage of Mel Bishop, Justin Adams took his game to the next level with the Prince Rupert Secondary Rainmakers.

“Mel Bishop is one of the best coaches in the country, let alone in the north,” UNBC men’s basketball coach Zane Robison said. “Prince Rupert has produced some of the best players.”

The Rupert combination is all smiles when talking about the Douglas College Royals, ranked No. 1 in Canadian Colleges Athletic Association basketball.

“There is a level of unselfishness, said Veale. “We just want to win.”

The two 25 year-old guards from Prince Rupert complement each other on the Royals offense. Whomever has the scoring touch will get the ball more often.

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