Big Ticket Previews: Sardis, Hugh Boyd, Sir Winston Churchill, Terry Fox, & York House
We are just over a week and a half away from The Big Ticket starting, and there are still plenty of great teams we haven't gotten to. So here are five more programs that will be attending Big Ticket beginning on November 25th.
Sardis - Senior Boys
"Falcon Tough" is the motto that head coach Adam Smith is implementing at Sardis Secondary. And the inspiration came courtesy a big-time coach from the state of Texas.
"I had a chance to spend a few days this summer down at Texas Tech watching Coach Beard's practices," said Smith on the Texas Tech head coach, "so we are trying to mirror that as much as we can while developing our culture."
The highlight of last year was definitely the team's 30 point comeback against Pinetree at the Pitt Meadows tournament. They should be a major player at The Big Ticket.
Hugh Boyd - Senior Boys
A Double-A program, Hugh Boyd has had three of their starters starting for the team since grade ten. Needless to say, this is a big year for the program.
Their goal for this season is the same as last year's — To be the number one AA seed out of Richmond and qualify for the AA provincial championships. Keep your eyes out for Nicholas Berda and 6'6 post Cory Meister.
Sir Winston Churchill - Senior Boys
The Bulldogs came brutally close to making provincials last year, falling short by one berth. But they're determined to make it to the big dance in 2020.
"We were able to play our best basketball at the end of the season," said coach Quyen Ly on his team's play down the stretch.
The team also hopes to make a run at the Vancouver city title, and hope to gain "some valuable early-season experience" at The Big Ticket.
Terry Fox - Senior Girls
The Ravens who now make up the senior girls' team had been a truly dominant team at the junior girls' level.
They had a perfect season and beat Kelowna in the junior girl's final by more than 40 points.
But perhaps the biggest story coming from that team is how they banded together and supported Karin "2K" Khuong, a teammate who was diagnosed with stage four cancer. She ended up returning to the court, and you can read about her inspirational story here.
York House - Senior Girls
For the York House Tigers, the goal of the season is to gain some experience at the senior girl's level.
"Early season excitement of being a part of a big, high profile event," said head coach David Prissinotti on what he's looking forward to at the Big Ticket. "[Also]" learning how to deal with the pressure that goes along with this, and having a chance to see some top teams early in the season."
Grade 11 Nadeen Wu should end up being one of the best shooters at the senior girls' level in the province.
Written by: Nick Bondi