The first day of the 2025 B.C. School Sports Provincial Basketball Championships welcomed 64 teams vying for victory. The excitement was palpable as players showcased their skills on the court.
In the Okanagan region, six schools competed, and four advanced to the quarterfinals, making it a day to remember.
AAAA
Mount Boucherie’s Noah Watters stole the spotlight, scoring an impressive 42 points in a thrilling 95-85 win against Heritage Woods. His performance was a game-changer, demonstrating exceptional skill and determination.
Bennett Messer supported Watters with a solid 22 points, along with 17 rebounds and four blocks. The Bears pulled ahead in the second half, showcasing their strength as a team. This victory marked their first win at a provincial championship since 1984, setting the stage for a tough quarterfinal match against the top-ranked Spectrum Thunder.
AAA
In AAA action, the Vernon Panthers faced a challenging game against the Wellington Wildcats, losing 63-47. Despite their effort to rally back from a halftime deficit, they succumbed to a strong finish by the Wildcats.
Domenic Zaino led the Panthers with 18 points. They’ll be looking to bounce back in their next game against the Edward Milne Wolverines.
AA
The Summerland Rockets opened their championship journey with a dominant 114-56 win over the Fernie Falcons. They set the tone early, scoring 38 points in the first quarter and never looking back.
Brothers Mateo and Dezi Ducheck were outstanding, scoring 38 and 41 points, respectively. Dezi’s remarkable performance earned him player of the game honors as he captivated the crowd with three three-pointers and a phenomenal 16-point third quarter. The Rockets will now face the Notre Dame Jugglers, who won their earlier match against Brentwood College.
A
The Aberdeen Hall Gryphons had a stellar game, defeating the Houston Christian Wildcats 101-79. Ciro Bertolutti stole the show with an incredible 52 points, setting a tournament high.
His scoring will be crucial as they prepare to take on the top-ranked St. John’s Eagles. Meanwhile, the Immaculata Mustangs came from behind to beat Nanaimo Christian 66-52, with Mateo Rizzo leading their efforts with 19 points. They look ahead to a challenging matchup against the Unity Christian Flames.
Lastly, the Osoyoos Rattlers fell short to the Sparwood Spartans with a close score of 67-62. Chris Bojanowski shone for the Rattlers with 29 points. They aim to regroup for their next game against St. Ann’s Academy Crusaders.
The championship continues to unfold, full of thrilling moments and standout performances. Each team is eager for another chance to showcase their talent and determination.
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