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Students have spent months preparing to welcome some of Canada’s best high school basketball players to the 56th annual Bedford Road Invitational Tournament (BRIT).
For three days, 12 teams will compete in one of the country’s biggest high school basketball tournaments.
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Student volunteer and BRIT organizer Irish Sandhu said fans can expect to see packed stands this year and that “every moment of work is worthwhile when we actually get to see the teams come here.”
“There’s three motives that we always follow, excellence, community and tradition within BRIT,” she said. “It’s just the vitality of BRIT that brings it a lot of attention.”
Students are deeply involved in bringing the tournament to life from preparing ceremonies to media interviews and planning the school’s pep rally which takes place on Friday.
Sandhu said people can participate in a dunk contest, a three-pointer contest and a blindfolded basketball game.
Sandhu said the BRIT has been a longstanding tradition since 1968, noting the tournament serves as a significant platform for players to develop their skills and gain valuable experience.
“In the past we’ve had some players go into the NBA, so this is definitely a great place to start.” she said.
Robert Sacre, a former NBA centre, was a BRIT champion with the North Vancouver-Handsworth team. He was named the Tournament MVP in both years he played, 2006 and 2007.
Sandhu said she’s most excited to experience the sense of community the BRIT will bring this year.
“Every corner of the gym, you probably know somebody,” she said.
“A lot of great friendships are made here.”
This year’s tournament will be a first for Parker Bond, who will play with the Bedford Road Collegiate Redhawks.
He said the team has been preparing all season and is ready to take on the challenging task of going up against some of the best high school basketball teams in Canada.
“I’m excited about playing in front of the whole school and getting to play in front of a really big crowd,” he said. “It’s pretty rare that I get to do that, other than at BRIT.”
For more information about the schedule, check here.
– With files from 650 CKOM
