The Junior Wheelchair Basketball Challenge was held at Hugh McRoberts Secondary School this past weekend (Nov 13/14). With three teams in the Junior 10ft Division and two teams in the Mini Division, it was a great weekend for BC’s junior wheelchair basketballers.
Saturday saw some good competition early on in the 10ft division with the Trojans taking an early lead over the Strikers in the first half, after a short delay in games due to a well-timed fire alarm the Strikers were able to come back. However the Trojans proved too strong and came away with the victory. They then moved into their second game of the day and defeated the Lions as well in a convincing victory. After a skills shooting competition in the break, which saw Avril Harris beating out all the other pairs solo, the last battle of the day between the Lions and the Strikers began. The Strikers controlled the game from the beginning and were able to take the Win.
The Mini division was run a little differently to the 10ft division. The younger kids shot at an 8½ foot basket. They played 4 on 4 and sometimes 3 on 3 to ensure that all the children were able to participate fully and practice their skills. Some of the up and coming stars of the Mini division were even lucky enough to be able to get some experience in the 10ft division with both the Strikers and the Lions picking up Mini players. Mini division also had a couple of skills contest between games in which all the players showed their best effort supported by their family's big cheering.
Sunday in the 10ft division was a repeat of the games from the day before but with slightly different outcomes. The opening game of the day saw the Trojans once again walk all over the Lions who were down a player from the day before. The already deflated Lions then took on the Strikers and were once again defeated. The last game of the weekend then became the decider for the tournament. It was a great game for people to watch, with both teams putting on good performances. But in the end the Strikers were too strong for the Trojans finishing the game 57-41 and took home the #1 place for the weekend. Congratulations Strikers!
Mini players had one more game on Sunday and then tried a 10ft game with some of their family members, students volunteers, and players from 10ft Division. The young players showed that they could push faster and shoot better than their family members and students older than them even in a 10ft game! Overall there were lots of laughs and cheering and smiles on and off the court.
As is customary at the Junior Challenge there were plenty of awards up for grabs at the end of the weekend:
In the Mini (8 ½ ft) Division
Layup Master: Ben Hagkill
Rebound King: Joel Ewert
Sultan of Sweet Speed: Balraj Zimich
ChairSkills Champion: Ben Garrett
Most Improved Player: Parveen Gill
Enthusiasm Award: Jasper Vaillant
Best All-round Team Player: Darian Niblett
In the 10ft Division
Sharp Shooter: Matt Ficocelli
Chair Skills: Avril Harris
#1 Hustle: Nathan Bragg
Defensive Player: Stephan Kerr
Leadership Award: Deion Green
Spirit of Fairplay: Erin Higgins
Thank you again to Trish Nicholson from McRoberts Secondary School and her leadership class, and all the officials, coaches, volunteers, parents and players that supported this thoroughly enjoyable event!
We would also like to thank all the sponsors for their generous support. Without their support, our event would not be a success!
Our Event Sponsors: Panago Pizza, Loyal Protestant Association, Save on Foods, Wheelchair Basketball Canada, Province of British Columbia, The Forzani Group Foundation
