For the first time since 2019, the Big Ticket tournament is back and talented programs across British Columbia are ready to get in on the action. As always forty thousand dollars in scholarships are available for senior boys and girls en route to post secondary thanks to generous sponsors, Venue Kings & Omni Group.
More than 100 teams will compete for one of the largest B.C. tournaments of the season after a two-year hiatus. This year will prove to be a great showcase of B.C. talent.
New to this season, The Big Ticket will feature a grade 8 division.
Returning programs and many new to The Big Ticket are keen to lace up and make some noise early. In anticipation of the event, we will highlight teams you should pay attention to before tipoff on Monday, November 28.
R.A McMath Senior Girls
The reigning 3A Provincial champions are heading to The Big Ticket. After bringing home R.A. McMath their first provincial title, the team looks ready to do it again.
All eyes will be on Marina Radocaj, who committed to Arizona State University heading into her final high school season.
Be wary of the Wildcats to pick up exactly where they left off as they look to bring home more titles.
Walnut Grove Senior Girls
The number 2 ranked 4A squad Walnut Grove, looks to continue its stellar play.
The University of North Dakota commit Kiera Pemberton is entering her final season as a Gator. Pemberton averaged a record 41.75 PPG in the provincials and was honoured on the first team. Pemberton will look to close her high school career at the peak, starting with the big ticket.
The Gators have consistently remained a top team in the province and a difficult matchup for any team playing against them.
Abbotsford Senior Boys
The 2019 Big Ticket champions, Abbotsford Senior will be playing with something to prove this season following an upset loss to Fleetwood Park in the 2022 provincial championships.
Coming into the season ranked 4th in 4A, the Panthers are poised to turn some heads and shock the province.
The Panthers have the star power to pay attention to this season as the reigning Eastern Valley MVP (Most Valuable Player) Dilveer Randhawa, returns for his 12th grade. Abbottsford Senior will be a tough fight for many teams meeting them this season.
Honourable Mentions
A.R Macneill Ravens Senior Boys
The Ravens finished their last season 9-1 and 3rd in the provincial tournament. Lost to graduation, Everett Swaim’s play will be missed. However, second-team all-star Josh Mayan will look to fill that hole.
The Ravens will be a team to watch out for this year, looking to show the province they belong.
Yale Secondary Jr Girls
Yale Secondary School will be a formidable opponent this year, finishing third in the provincials.
First and second team All-Stars Ava Heppner and Tylin Manning will come back and build off their strong season.
With star power and a battle-tested roster, Yale will be one team to watch in the junior division.
St. Patrick’s Jr Boys
The Celtics are fresh from a deep provincial race where they placed 3rd after a loss to Burnaby South.
Celtics all-stars Jovin Sunner and Isaac Gonzales, return to the lineup looking to continue their stellar play.
Previously ranked 4th in the province, the Celtics could leave the tournament heads high as champions.Big Ticket 2022 will be an exciting event for those who attend, with big players and teams. If you want to attend, check out this article that highlights some of the best games
