Big Ticket 2019 Previews: Riverside, A.R. MacNeill, Heritage Woods, Walnut Grove, & Handsworth
A.R. MacNeill - Junior Boys
The goal for the junior Ravens is simple — finish strong in the Richmond zone and do well at provincials.
In terms of The Big Ticket, head coach Bali Sandhu is hoping the tournament is an "opportunity for the team to build chemistry, play tough back to back games and have the players understand the level of basketball that needs to play to compete." Keep your eyes peeled for Marco Esteban and Cameron Pacheco.
Heritage Woods - Junior Girls
For coach Rob Clough and his team, an improvement on a 3rd place finish at Fraser Valleys would be a great season. The expectations are high, and returning starters Jenny Lee, Makenna Clough, Raeann Bettles and others are hoping to build some chemistry at The Big Ticket.
"They truly love playing with each other and enjoy each other off the court as much as playing on it," said Clough.
Walnut Grove - Senior Girls
The Gators don't show signs of slowing down anytime soon.
After finishing 2nd in the province and losing key starters Jessica Wisotski and Tavia Rowell to graduation, Walnut Grove looks as strong as ever coming into a new season. Back to Back Top Defensive Player Sophia Wisotski is a year more experienced, and Fania Taylor should be a force.
Two new additions will be Tia Rowell, last year's Fraser Valley MVP and Kiera Pemberton, the MVP of the Grade 8 Provincial Championships.
Riverside - Junior Girls
The Riverside Junior Girls team only lost four games all of last season, but there is still room for improvement. Head coach Desha Puri only has three grade 10's returning from last season, so The Big Ticket is the perfect place to develop some chemistry before the start of the season.
"We are a very young team," she explained "and my expectation for them is to develop their skills and game throughout the season. I hope to compete and improve throughout the season."
Handsworth - Senior Girls
For the Royals, the season will be full of learning experience as they look to build to the playoffs. Last year they lost to Argyle by a single point for a provincial berth but managed to beat Lord Byng in the same tournament.
Watch out for Samantha Mark — she was the second-leading scorer last year and returns as a grade 10 starter.
Written by: Nick Bondi