Bella Bella was not a stranger to the winner's circle coming into the 2025 Intermediate final at the All Native Basketball Tournament. The Heiltsuk boys had won the division five times in ANBT history.

But it had been 36 years since they hoisted the trophy. 

Unfortunately, they were up against a team that had just tasted victory last year in the Metlakatla (AK) Raiders and who easily slid through the winners bracket undefeated.

Although they had to come in through the back door after losing to Massett in their second game of the week, Bella Bella never looked like they didn't belong in the final.

In the early going, Metlakatla looked like they may walk away, but by the end of the first quarter Bella Bella had scratched back to lead 21 - 20.

Through the second and third periods, the game saw almost countless lead changes as each team matched each other basket for basket and run for run.

It was also a one-point lead, this time for Metlakatla, going into the 4th quarter. 

Again, the teams matched each other score for score until the middle of the frame, when the Alaskans went on a run putting them up by nine points, the biggest margin for either squad up to that point.

But again, the Heiltsuk boys had an answer, banging in a three-pointer to start a little run of their own that brought the scoreboard back to tied at the three-minute mark.

Arch Dundes Jr. answered immediately with a three-banger following a turnover, a rarity in this game, and Metlakatla was back to an eight-point lead.

Bella Bella wasn't done though, a three-pointer followed by a quick turnaround and two more points made it a one-possession game again. An unfortunate foul, though, on an inbound put last year's MVP, Shayne Anderson, on the line with two free throws. He didn't miss making it a five-point lead again.

After another turnover and with just seconds left on the clock, Bella Bella was forced to foul and the free throws made it a 96-89 final in a game that was tighter than that score indicates.

While they will have to wait at least another year to hoist the trophy at All Native, the Intermediate boys did their Nation proud in a time of mourning.

Heiltsuk was originally supposed to be the host nation, but had to back out of the opening ceremonies at the last moment.