Midwest Tibetan Basketball Champions

I’m now back in Japan after 5 nights in Minneapolis, Minnesota where the 2005 Midwest Tibetan Picnic was held. In celebration of World Tibet Day (July 3) and the Dalai Lama’s birthday (July 6), Tibetans from all over the world gather this weekend annually. With a population of over a thousand Tibetans, Minnesota has quickly become home to one of the largest Tibetan communities in the United States. In addition to Tibetan cultural events, including a Tibetan Performing Arts show and a concert "For the Dalai Lama’s Long Life," – the Midwest Tibetan Picnic also features a basketball and soccer tournament.

After winning 4-West Coast Tibetan Picnic basketball championships, this year my team headed east to the midwest. This year marks our first appearance at the midwest championships. With an undefeated record over four years on the west coast, we were the favorites in a field including: Minnesota A, Minnesota B, Kentucky, Chicago, Madison A, and Madison B.

Our first round game was versus Minnesota "B." With the entire hometown crowd cheering their every shot, we beat Minnesota’s "B" team 37-24. The semi-final game was shortly after the first-round game and proved to be the most competitive of the tournament. Minnesota’s "A" team, apparently undefeated and the reigning Midwest champions played determined and with a lot of pride. With an even larger hometown crowd for the semi-final game, we managed to win 52-45. In the finals we played Kentucky. Although Kentucky showcased one good player, it was not enough to end our now 5-year Dynasty. Kentucky eventually fell by 20 points (81-61) and we improved our lifetime record to 13-0.

The trophy case now contains 4-West Coast Championships and a Midwest Championship. Next stop on the World Tour; New York City or Toronto.

Stand-by for the press release.