The Arctic Winter Games boy's basketball tryouts took place at F.H. Collins in Whitehorse Saturday and Sunday from 12 to 4 p.m.

There was a good turnout with approximately 30 boys taking part.

Cole Marshall was running the tryouts with help from Sean McCarron and Joesel Rumbaoa.

Marshall is born and raised in Yellowknife and has been here since February. He said the tryouts were going good.

"I haven't seen many of these guys before so getting a first look at them and so far, so good. There's some definite talent here."

Marshall explained how the tryouts work.

"It's a little bit of a weird Arctic Winter Games because of the cancellations of the last ones. They've upped the age to, I think, 19U, so you can be 19 years old on this team, which is relatively new.

"The process is to just get a good eye on people and see what we want to do as far as a territory to provide the best possible team for Arctics in Fort McMurray."

"This is the first day for a session, so they've got about a half hour break, then we'll go for round two and then tomorrow afternoon at noon we have our third round and then we'll solidify our 10 and probably our four alternates and then we'll start practicing."

Marshall added they'll be practicing three to four times a week for the next few months.

"It's early for this year, it's the end of January, which is a full month and a half earlier than typical. This is usually early to start Arctics in most years, but because of the time frame we have, it's important to get these guys working as a unit for the next couple of months."

Eban Basnett was participating, but wasn't trying out for the team.

"I've competed at (Arctic Winter) Games before and I graduated last year and my plan right now is to go travel the world, so I'm planning in the next month to go to Australia but I still wanted to come our for fun. I love basketball."

Arlo James-Walker, 18, had a shot at making the team.

"I want to play my last Arctics cause it's my last year to play."

James-Walker played in the Games before.

"I have when I was in Grade 10. But then COVID happened so it got cut short."

He said the tryouts had been good so far.

"It's been amazing. It feels good. It feels good to be back in the Yukon. I moved away to Calgary to play basketball but it feels good to be back home to play basketball here."

James-Walker added if he does make the team, he'll be back.

"I think I'll come back a few times for holidays. And I'll be back in February, so I think we'll have enough time to practice and get with the team."

Luke Wesley, 16, is from Atlin, but is attending F.H. Collins in Whitehorse. He said he "Just come to try out, develop as a player.

"This is my first time trying out."

Wesley said the tryouts were going "good. Fun. I like the game of basketball."

As far as if he has a shot at making the team, "Maybe not this year," he said. "I'm just looking to get better as a player."

Wesley said he hasn't been playing basketball for very long.

"Just on my own and watching basketball and stuff. I haven't played on a team before.

"I'm liking it. It's fun.

"It's a lot of good competition. Good to learn from them. See how they play."

Wesley added that it's a "good experience" and that he's "just happy to be here."

The 2023 Wood Buffalo Arctic Winter Games take part Jan.29 to Feb. 4. Basketball tips off at Ecole McTavish Junior and Senior High School in Fort Mac. The schedule for the Games is coming soon.