Royals Start Hot, Rainmakers Finish Strong: Charles Hays Claims Spirit Game Victory over Handsworth
Handsworth Royals vs Charles Hayes Rainmakers
Dec. 11,2025
The annual Handsworth Spirit Game lived up to its reputation for intensity and heart, with the gym packed in honor of Quinn Keast, whose pregame tribute video reminded everyone why they were there. The moment was both solemn and energizing, setting the stage for a fiercely contested matchup between the Handsworth Royals, and frequent tournament visitor from Prince Rupert, the Charles Hayes Rainmakers.
When the game tipped off, Handsworth’s shooting guard Hadi Sharif came out on fire, hitting a series of deep shots and driving aggressively to the hoop. The Royals’ offense was clicking, and the crowd erupted as the home team built an early 15-point lead. For a stretch, it looked like the Royals might run away with the game.
But the Rainmakers weren’t intimidated. Led by Grade 11 guard Nate Sawka, Charles Hayes clawed their way back, using quick ball movement and sharp perimeter shooting to chip away at the deficit. Sawka proved a constant threat, attacking the basket, pulling up for jumpers and keeping defenders on their heels. The Rainmakers’ energy and resilience slowly began to quiet the packed Royals’ faithful.
The first half quickly became a battle of momentum swings. Every Royals run was met with a Rainmakers counterattack, making for a back-and-forth spectacle that had the crowd on the edge of their seats. Mistakes and turnovers from both sides fueled the drama, but the Rainmakers’ determination shone through.
By halftime, the visitors had completed their comeback, taking a 37–35 lead. The Royals, who had started with such dominance, looked frustrated as they headed to the locker room, while the Rainmakers carried a newfound confidence and energy into the second half.
Half time score: Charles Hays 37, Handsworth 35
Halftime random thought: Where is ex-Handsworth Royal/ Los Angeles Laker player Rob Sacre now?
Rob Sacre is currently involved in basketball in Spokane, Washington (where he attended Gonzaga University, as the head coach for North Central High School, while also serving in a senior advisory role for the Vancouver Bandits (CEBL) and staying active in local youth programs, bringing his winning experience to coaching and front-office work.
The second half at Handsworth continued the story of momentum swings, though this time the Charles Hays Rainmakers maintained the upper hand. The Royals, whose shooting had burned brightly in the opening minutes, found their shots drying up, and frustration mounted as turnovers and missed opportunities piled up.
Meanwhile, the Rainmakers picked up the pace, moving the ball with a speed reminiscent of an OKC Thunder fast-break offense. Quick passes, crisp cuts, and relentless pressure allowed Charles Hays to extend their lead, growing to as many as 13 points in the third quarter. The Royals tried everything to regain control, cycling through multiple substitutions in search of a hot hand, while the Rainmakers relied on just four players on the bench, showing impressive stamina and focus.
Q4 offered a glimmer of hope for Handsworth. The Royals fought back, trimming the deficit to single digits at one point, but every potential run was quickly halted by a Rainmakers squad that had found its rhythm. Defensive stops and timely scoring runs showcased their discipline and poise, proving too much for the Royals to overcome.
With the victory secured, the Rainmakers finished 79–62, demonstrating not only skill and speed but also remarkable endurance given their limited bench. For Charles Hays, the win was a testament to teamwork, focus, and resilience—qualities that will be crucial as the Rainmakers continue what promises to be a long and challenging tournament. For Handsworth, it was a night of highs and lows, with flashes of brilliance but an opponent ultimately too fast and too steady to contain.
Final Score: Charles Hays 79, Handsworth 62
Player of the Game: Charles Hays’ #0 J. Leighton
No Regrets