The Pima Community College women’s basketball team is hosting its fourth annual Indigenous Peoples game this weekend at the school’s west campus.
The team takes on Park University’s JV team at 7:15 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14, at the Aztec Gymnasium, 2202 W. Anklam Road.
However, the event is more than a single game, it’s a celebration of Indigenous culture throughout Southern Arizona. Attendees can expect multiple basketball games, a Native American blessing, a hoop dancer and more.
Annalise Holthaus, of Pima Community College, second from left, looks up at her coach and father, after shouting out to her teammates on the court during a game against Ottawa University in Tucson on Oct. 16, 2023. Amelie Buffill-Gutierrez, second from right, laughs.
“I’m so excited because it grows a little bit every year,” Pima women’s basketball coach Todd Holthaus told “Spears and Ali on ESPN Tucson” on Wednesday. “Our new (Pima College) chancellor, Dr. Jeffrey Nasse, has been awesome in coming out to athletic events and supporting our different fall teams. He’s going to do the welcome and it’ll be the first time the chancellor has come to this event. ...
“One of my players is the Miss Pima Community College Native American Queen, so that’s cool. It’s been a lot of fun and it’s been building each year.
“I’m excited, the community is excited and I think that’s what it’s about. I’ve always appreciated that and respect that. I’m enjoying it and excited for Saturday.”
Doors officially open for the event at 2:30 p.m., but the first game takes place an hour later when JV teams San Pasqual HS and Baboquivari HS compete at 3:30. The high schools’ varsity teams play at 5.
Before Pima’s game at 7:15, Nasse will welcome attendees with opening remarks at 7.
Following the remarks, Gloria Johns will give a Native American blessing and Kylee Toehe will perform a Native American national anthem, according to a post on Pima women’s basketball Instagram.
Pima women’s basketball coach Todd Holthaus gathers the Aztecs for last second instructions before they tipped off against Scottsdale in the NJCAA Region I, Division II semifinal at Pima Community College West on March. 7.
At halftime, attendees will see a presentation from Pima’s Native American Student Association, a powwow dance, hoop dancer and a short ceremony recognizing the game’s guest of honor, Tayla Nez.
For more information about Pima’s annual Indigenous Peoples game, visit tucne.ws/1rdx.
