For 36 years, basketball players from the south Island have faced off with their northern counterparts in the South Vancouver Island Basketball Association (SVIBA) All-Star Game.
This weekend, that rivalry will be renewed once again at Spectrum Community School.
The annual showcase brings together the top high school seniors from across Vancouver Island, pitting them against each other in a highly competitive format that has stood the test of time.
Among the event’s notable alumni is two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash, who led the 1992 game with 17 points.
SVIBA president Brett Westcott has been involved with the game since its early days and has watched it grow into a staple of the Island’s basketball community.
“It started initially with Gary Mols and Dave Hutchings, who founded the South Vancouver Island Basketball Association,” Westcott said. “They brought me in as one of their helpers, and we started with the initial matchup – North Island against South Island.”
While some all-star events turn into flashy exhibitions, Westcott insists this one remains a true competition.
“Unlike most all-star games, like in the NBA, these games are highly competitive because it’s North against South,” he said. “Nobody wants to lose.”
The selection process for the All-Star Game is rigorous, with ballots going out to senior coaches across the Island in January.
“I send an email to all the coaches on the Island, and they submit a list of names they want included,” Westcott explained. “Coaches can’t vote for their own players, so it keeps things fair.”
Saturday’s games will feature top talent on both sides.
The South team boasts several provincial all-stars, including three players committed to the University of Victoria next season. Tyler Felt (Spectrum), Justin Hinrichsen (Spectrum), and Toren Franklin (Oak Bay) – who grew up playing together – will reunite at UVic and look to make an impact for the South Island squad.
From the north Island, Frank Linder, a UBC commit and provincial all-star, headlines the roster, while Van Suiter, another key player from Dover Bay, earned second-team provincial all-star honours. They will look to combat the south Island's top-tier talent.
In the girls' game, local standouts are also making waves. Avery Geddes (St. Michaels), Eden Henderson (Oak Bay), and Iva Kalabric (Claremont) are all set to continue their careers at the post-secondary level.
“These are three really strong players who are continuing their careers beyond high school, which is great for the development of the game in the region,” Westcott added.
Westcott acknowledges that basketball on Vancouver Island is growing, though there are challenges, particularly on the girls’ side.
“The girls’ numbers aren’t growing the way they should, and part of that is a lack of coaches at younger levels,” he said. “Schools with long-term, dedicated coaches tend to have the most success.”
Despite these challenges, the SVIBA All-Star Game remains a premier showcase of the Island’s best talent, a fierce rivalry, and a testament to the sport’s growing presence in the region. As Westcott put it, “It’s going to be a great game on Saturday – nobody wants to lose.”
The weekend kicks off Friday night with the Rising Stars Game, featuring the top female talent from Grades 8 to 11.
On Saturday, the action begins at 4 p.m. with the boys' ‘B’ game, followed by the girls' game at 5:45 p.m. The marquee boys' ‘A’ game will close out the night at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $10 for all three games.
