Little Harbour is a long way from the bright lights of Las Vegas. However that is
precisely where, arguably, the best basketball player ever in Arnold's Cove history laced them up for St. Michael's. Sadly, yoout migration has taken its toll on local teams forcing them to combine three teams (Southern Harbour, Sunnyside and Arnold's Cove) into one squad now known as the Tricentia Timberwolves.
I first met Trevor at a basketball camp in Corner Brook, a nice city in Western Newfoundland. We became quite good friends over the years and went to many camps together. Trevor was the best guard I ever played against. He had a lightening quick first step, could finish through contact and could use either hand to finish at the rim. Blessed with a sick jumper and defensive energy, no one really knew what to do with him on the court! All would agree that he is a pass first kinda guy who motivated the team to GO!! Let's just say if Derek Guy had one of his frequent hot hands, Gilbert got him the ball! Trevor and I had a long standing series of 1 v. 1 that we still carry on and it currently sits at 256 to 232 in Trevor's favour....we have played a lot of ball together! After this past trip to the desert we managed to get one game in and with a little help from Liam, we pushed me to 233 wins!!! We both agreed that while we have missed a step or two since the big 50 happened, we could still handle things on the court! Next up is my chat with Trevor in Las Vegas this past week!! Sit back and enjoy the ride folks!
1 - Can you give us an introduction. Name, high school, are you still involved with basketball now?
Trevor Gilbert, St. Michael's Integrated. He just plays pick up at the courts these days!
2 - What got you hooked on basketball?
Basketball was introduced to Trevor in Grade 5 when he switched schools to attend the bigger St. Michael’s in nearby Arnold’s Cove where he took to the sport naturally! By the time Grade 7 rolled around everyone knew this kid was going to be the real deal!
3 - Best coach you ever had
In my era of playing basketball usually the Physical Education teachers automatically coach the teams. They tried hard to learn on the job in most cases. Trevor had one coach (aside what he got in summer camps) whose name was Frank Penney. He tried to play everyone somewhat equally with the grade 12’s snagging the most minutes. When Trevor came on the scene Coach Penney was now faced with a real conundrum…to not play Trevor (the Uber talented, affable natural leader) despite his personal coaching guiding principles he realized it would be silly in this case to sit Trevor. Everyone also appreciated the time and energy Coach Penny gave to the kids, he was one of the good guys!
4 - Tell me about your high school gym. Big? Where did fans sit?! How was the Level of fan support?
Arnold’s Cove had a regular size gym with seating on the sides and stage for the fans who showed up in droves to cheer on the mighty Mariners! The gym could only be accessed in the old fashioned way where the gym was elevated. Once in the doors you took a hard right just as you came into the building before heading up the stairs to the gym!! The floor of the gym was rubber cement and it was not very cushioned.
5 - Tell me who were your top 2 teammates over the years?
Trevor wanted me to emphasize that he enjoyed playing with all his teammates and I made him pick two!
Robert Upshall
Robert was also from Little Harbour and in the same grade as Trevor. Robert was a large presence on the court both offensively and defensively, he was the big man dog down low…dunking with ease. He had a well developed game and was unselfish with the ball Trevor remembers. He always put the team first over his individual stats.
Derek Guy
The connection on the court between Derek and Trevor was unspoken. It was like one knew what the other was doing when they both were on the court. Derek was truly a gifted scorer and had more post moves than Kevin McHale (Boston Celtics great played with Bird) in his bag of tricks! When Trevor would get him the ball you knew what was coming...drop step, turn and fade, up and under, jump hook wow! Now that is a tool kit brother!
6 - What was your record for points per game in high school? Best guess! Most points in a single game?
35 points in a single game
20 ppg average over the course of Grade 12
Ball out my my friend!
7- Have you played any basketball in the summer? Camps? NLBA?
Trevor went to Marine Institute so he didn't have a team to try out for once he finished high school and he hasn't travelled for bball provinciallly. He has, however, attended invite only camps such as the MUN Super camp.
8 - Most memorable basketball moment
Trevor's most memorable basketball moment was winning A provincials when he was in grade 12! They traveled all the way to the West Coast to play in the provincial tournament that year and they defeated the host school St. George's to take the banner home! They were hoping for a championship run in grade 11 but Big Leon Peddle, shifty Blair Drover and tough Duane Smith beat them by 3 to end their season in the regionals. And...Leon and Company went on to win the A provincials that year!
9 - Who is the most difficult player you have guarded?
Hands down John Devereaux was the best player Trevor ever played against. John was automatic from roughly half court and was equally good driving to the basket. He used picks elegantly, coming off the screen to nail the shot 90% of the time I'm betting! John went on to play five years at MUN, Two years overseas (in Germany) and eventually returned to MUN as an assistant coach. So don't feel bad Trevor not very many people got him anyway!
10- Last question and just for fun…who is your favourite NBA team? Favourite NBA player?
Despite LeBron now having more points then anyone else in the history of basketball, Trevor maintains MJ is his favourite player and the Chicago Bulls are still his fav team!!
I would like to thank Trevor for taking the time to answer my questions and reminisce about his basketball days in Arnold's Cove. These articles are not designed to create conflict but are simply written to allow the reader an inside look at their favorite NL basketball players hey days and what they are up to now. I love the writing, the discussing and the dreaming! Thanks again Trevor!
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