High school hoops are in a full-court press this week as several boys' basketball Island championships tipped off on Thursday afternoon.
Vic High plays host to the AAA tournament, with the top three teams qualifying for the B.C. provincial championships at the Langley Events Centre from March 6 - 9.
Vic High athletic director Matt Phillips said hosting the tournament will give people from across the Island a great chance to see their updated facilities.
"It's a great opportunity for us to showcase our [renovated] school," said Phillips. "Not many people outside of our school have got the chance to see what the school has transformed into."
While Vic High is hosting the tournament, their team is not one of the eight participating, including Stelly's, Edward Milne, and Reynolds from the south Island.
"I like the chances for one of the south teams to take a run at it, there are some really quality teams down here," said Phillips. "The Island has become a bit of a powerhouse over the last couple of years, we're starting to see some of the schools take over."
The opening game of the tournament saw Stelly's of Central Saanich lose a heartbreaker 75-73. Arjun Sraw of Stelly's netted 32 points to be named player of the game along with Jayden Miguez of Alberni.
The other two south Island teams start their tournament Thursday night, Sooke's Edward Milne battles with Kwalikum Secondary, while Reynolds from Saanich will meet Mark Isfeld in the Thursday nightcap.
Lambrick Park welcomed seven other schools to Saanich for the Island's AA tournament. The host squad started off in style, dominating Ladysmith 83-51.
Other schools involved in the AA championships consist of: Pacific Christian of Saanich, Shawnigan Lake, Victoria's Glenlyon Norfolk, Brentwood College, St. Michaels of Saanich and Highland from Comox.
The eight teams will compete for three seeds in the provincial championship.
Additionally, the AAAA championships began today at Dover Bay Secondary in Nanaimo. Four Greater Victoria schools were in the mix as Oak Bay, Belmont, Claremont, and Spectrum all sent teams north as they aim to secure sports in the provincial championships.
All three tournaments will conclude on Sunday, Feb. 22.
