The Carihi Senior Boys Basketball team played exceptionally at the Islands AAA Championships this past weekend. The tournament was held at Carihi, attracting wide public support.
Game One matched up Carihi against Victoria High School, with Carihi taking the win with a final score of 76-34. Player of the Game was awarded to shooting guard Jonah Shankar, Carihi’s Male Athlete of the Year. Game Two against Wellington Secondary remained close in score until the last period in which the Carihi Tyees brought themselves up to a winning score of 70-66, qualifying them for the B.C Provincial Tournament. Carihi’s Player of the Game was awarded to Connor Nast, the team’s forward.
Making their way to the Final Championship, Carihi faced Mark Isfeld, a close game for the first half, with Mark Isfeld taking the win 73-53. Carihi’s Player of the game was awarded to Connor Hall, a power forward.
Through determination and hard work, Carihi placed second in the Island Championships, advancing with Mark Isfeld and Vanier to the B.C Provincials Tournament.
“All of us have been playing together since grade 7,” says Jonah Shankar. “This will be our fourth time at provincials.”
In 2016, the Carihi Tyees made history as their first time to Provincials in 20 years. “The three times before we had very little success” Shankar continues, “but this year we hope to win some games and place well.”
“We really owe it to our coaches,” says Gurjot Mann. “Cleon has been coaching most of us on and off the court since we were kids, and has encouraged all of us every step of the way.”
Mann played exceptionally well at the Island Championships, exhibiting strong agile and defensive skills throughout the tournament.
“I think the reason we play well together is because we’ve all gotten super close over the years and everyone has learned to communicate and work together really well.”
The B.C Provincial Championships will be held at the Langley Events Centre from March 8-10.