Pair of Wolverines look to family for inspiration during LIT

Quinn Honoway and Josie Valley have had some great athletic role models to look up to in their basketball careers.

For Valley, it’s her older sister Sarah, who is currently playing with the Dalhousie University Tigers in Halifax.

“I just always followed in her footsteps,” the Grade 11 Winston Knoll student said Friday before the Wolverines senior girls team played its second game at the Luther Invitational Tournament at Luther College High School.

“It’s awesome. I always watch her games and stream them online and it’s so cool to see her competing at the next level.”

It has shown Valley that it’s attainable to play basketball at a high level following high school.

Quinn Honoway (left) and Josie Valley are participating in the 69th LIT high school basketball tournament. (Britton Gray/980 CJME)

“I remember watching (University of Regina) Cougar games when I was younger and now to know a bunch of people playing at the U Sport level, it was awesome,” Valley said.

In Honoway’s case, her uncle Jon Ryan has been a major influence on her and her sibling’s lives when it comes to sports.

“Everything in our family is competitive. You can’t imagine game nights at our house. Our calendar is full every single day with our parents driving us around,” said Honoway, who’s also a member of the Wolverines.

“My whole family has always been involved with sports and I think that it’s thanks to my uncle. From when I was born, I was always watching football so I think that inspired all of us.”

While Ryan is known for his professional football career that spanned 18 years in the NFL and CFL, he’s also an LIT champion, having won it in 2000 with the Sheldon-Williams Spartans.

“He just decided to play basketball that year and they won so I’m proud to be here after he did that,” Honoway said.

While Valley’s older sister didn’t get a chance to play in LIT — this is Winston Knoll’s first appearance in the girls side of LIT — her cousin Madyson Hautz played in it with the Campbell Tartans.

“She was telling me how it’s always a packed gym and to not focus on the fans but live in the moment because it’s a crazy experience to be a part of,” Valley said.

This year marks the 69th edition of the LIT after it made its return following the COVID pandemic. The tournament was cancelled in 2021 with a modified version played in 2022.

“It’s been awesome. I love this tournament and it has been a dream of mine to compete in this tournament. I grew up watching it all the time and so it’s surreal to be here,” Honoway said.

And it’s extra special for the two since the pandemic forced the cancellation of a number of events during their first two years of high school.

“It’s really fun. You forget what tournaments actually are until you attend them again. It has just been so much fun to be a part of and such a great team bonding experience,” Valley said.