On September 9th thru 11th, five of Canada’s best teams (Men's National Team, Men's Jr National Team, Team Quebec, and two teams from BC) and many of Canada’s top players were able to showcase their talents at the Richmond Olympic Oval for the 2011 Version of the West Coast Classic.
This is an able bodied tournament in its third year. Last year, wheelchair basketball had a demonstration of the sport, and this year, BCWBS and tournament organizers set their sights on having a full blown tournament which also included a referee clinic.
We are extremely appreciative of the organizing committee in opening their tournament up to a wheelchair division. It allowed all of the teams present to play in some very high quality, fast paced games.
One of the highlights for our senior national team was the match against our Jr National Team hopefuls. Coach Steve Bialowas suggested we split up the two teams and give the opportunity for the young guns to play alongside and against our seasoned veterans. We also decided to exchange our 4.5 players, Nik Goncin and Patrick Anderson at half time which would allow the game to have a different look. The game was a bit of a classic in itself coming down to a last second three point attempt to tie the game, but the shot fell just short and so ended a very exciting game.
The final game of the tournament was also a nice treat as two all-tournament teams were assembled pitting former teammates against each other while also having former foes play alongside each other. Again another very well played, close game that came down to the wire.
Our athletes were also invited to enter the three point contest in which Max Poulin shot very well, made it into the top 4 and dropped 13 three pointers to show very well and the crowd loved it.
This was a unique opportunity that allowed our national team players an opportunity to play in a fun, competitive tournament after coming off six weeks of training and intense international competition and travel.
On behalf of all the participants, we would like to thank Mark Starkey, Joe Higgins and the BC Wheelchair Basketball Society for hosting such a fabulous and unique event.
Who knows, maybe next year the slam dunk contest!!!!!
by Paul Bowse, Assistant Coach, Canada Men's Wheelchair Basketball
More photos are available on our facebook page
