Both were starters on the 1975–76 Manitoba High Schools Athletic Association AAAA boys’ championship DMCI Maroons team, where Ken Opalko emerged as one of the most talented high school players in Canada.
Each went on to leave a lasting mark on Canadian basketball.
Their friendship began nearly 53 years ago on the outdoor courts at Sargent Park.
That journey came full circle when Phillips presented Opalko with a golden basketball—already signed by members of Canada’s senior national teams, including Opalko himself.
Phillips had received three of these Golden Balls on behalf of the Canadian National Basketball Teams Alumni Association to present at special basketball occasions in Canada.
Phillips presented two of them to MVPs of past Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association championships, and the third was reserved for Opalko and presented recently at the 12th West End Legends Shoot-around at Sargent Park.
Fellow west-end high school players and friends from the 1970s in attendance added their signatures to the Golden Ball.
Making the Golden Ball a meaningful keepsake that now carries names from the beginning of Opalko’s career, his national team peers, and the community that still honours him today.
Opalko became one of the top scorers in Canadian university history, represented Canada internationally and later coached new generations. Phillips built a media career that earned international recognition for preserving and promoting basketball’s history and legacy.
Photo: Daniel McIntyre Collegiate Institute alumni Curtis J. Phillips (right) presents former teammate Ken Opalko with a special Golden Basketball.