VICTORIA – Following a two-year Covid induced hiatus, the University of Victoria Vikes men's basketball alumni are set to host a 5th Senior Boys Invitational. All 12 games will take place December 28-30 at the CARSA Performance Gym in Victoria and feature eight well regarded teams from BC and Alberta. In addition, the UVic men's and women's varsity will host the University of the Fraser Valley in collegiate exhibition action.

In first thanking sponsors Greater Victoria Sport Tourism Commission and Queen Margarets School, "without whose support the tournament could not take place", alumni basketball chapter chair Phil Ohl commented further on the depth of the playing field. He indicated that "the event features numerous top-level squads and many high-quality individual performers."

"Fans are in for a real treat," Ohl said. "And with the Vikes varsity teams also playing, there is something for everyone."

In Game one of the high school event, SMUS faces a daunting task in its meeting with Strathcona. The Blue Jags have been slow out of the gates in the face of an imposing early season schedule. Still, for a program that tends to close well come playoff time, hope springs eternal. Senior guards Max Clayton and Oscar Lau are capable scorers, with grade 11 forwards Kian Colgate and Damon Bains developing nicely. Point guard Leo Wang has speed to burn. Still, the local Independent will need to limit turnovers, make timely 3s, and gain something close to parity on the boards to spring an upset.
 
Expectations for 2022-23 are running high at Strathcona. The Edmonton outfit is one of the elite schools in the province, noted for all round athletic excellence. Numerous players have moved on to the university ranks at CIS level. The Lords, coached by Dane Owen, showcase 6'3" senior guard, Josh Ahayere, fresh off a top performance with the Alberta U18 team at the Canada Summer Games this past summer. Likewise, Sulaiman Oseni, Jayden Bector and Joe Lemieux are a trio of imposing 6'6", grade 12 forwards.
 
In the tournament's second matchup, Belmont takes on Vancouver College. The Langford crew have a rich hoops history, with over 25 grads, including former Vikes Kevin Harrington, Amrit Lalli and Tyler Hass, playing at the collegiate level since 1972. 

This year's edition of the Bulldogs is led by explosive guard Michael Adarkwah-Nti and sharpshooter Trajan Chahal. Lance Cabal is another very capable perimeter player, with 6'4" junior post Ryder Greenwood also a threat.

2016 Vikes Alumni co-champions, Vancouver College, provide the opposition. Incredibly, despite numerous BC AAAA Final 4 appearances, the Fighting Irish continue their hunt for a first BC title since 1967. This could be the year, given the school's athletic pedigree. Indeed, the assembly line continues to turn out topflight teams and players, with each of the school's grade 8, 9 and 10 squads crowned provincial champions last March. Look out for quick and clever senior point guard Mikyle Malabuyoc and fellow backcourt mate Isaiah Bias. Up front, 6'8" pivot Roko Maric and forwards Mikey Joseph and Charles Menard provide muscle, scoring and rebounding strength. 
 
In the 5:30 p.m. matchup, Nanaimo's Dover Bay aims to bring some North Island moxie to the capital city. For the Dolphins, now back at AAA level and a definite provincial contender, coach Darren Seaman will rely heavily on 6'4" wing Luke Linder, a smooth operator and elite level scorer. Brother Frank Linder, a rangy 6'5" grade 10 point guard, will run the offence while 6'8" post Jack Benjamin provides the relentless work ethic and other intangibles rarely found in box scores.
 
The Dolphins face an imposing round one foe, with 2018 champion and perennial Vikes alumni contender Harry Ainlay on the docket. The perennially strong and talented Titans, whose rich tradition of basketball excellence has produced multiple Alberta titles and sent countless grads to NCAA and CIS programs, will again floor a formidable lineup. Point guard Gabriel Humilde runs a high tempo attack, well supported by sharpshooting wing Evan Li.
 
Finally, in what promises to be an enthralling close to the day, an uber talented St Patrick's squad makes its Invitational debut. Currently ranked AAA#1 in BC, the Celtics have been in outstanding form, as evidenced by a decisive recent victory over powerful Semiahmoo. In the eyes of many, prodigious scorer Irish Coquia is the best player in the province and well supported by gritty Kaden Carrion. In addition, grade 11 Jerome Alojado has been a revelation, while undersized forward Joey Panghulan anchors a swarming defence.
 
Standing in their way is a well balanced Oak Bay team that, on the heels of a comprehensive, recent Tsumura tournament title, has deservedly vaulted up to #2 in the BC AAAA polls. Leading the way is 6'5" forward Griffin Arnatt, an all-purpose performer who can score, rebound, pass, and defend as the game situation demands. The starting backcourt, featuring Matthew Magnan and Heath Taylor, improves with every outing, with grade 10 Toren Franklin increasingly in the mix. Up front, 6'7" centre Owen Lewis provides double digit scoring and rebounds. Certainly, led by experienced bench boss Chris Franklin, the Bays will have a very legitimate opportunity to secure a provincial championship banner in March 2023.

TICKET PRICES
Adults:  $20 Tournament Pass/ $8 Day Pass*
Students: $8 Tournament Pass/ $4 Day Pass*
Vikes Nation members & Children under 12: Free
*includes the UVic Vikes games
 
Please note that, for spectators attending, CASH only for single day tickets and tournament passes. Charge or debit cards cannot be accepted.

TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

Wednesday, December 28
2.00pm	Game 1	SMUS	vs	Strathcona
3.45pm	Game 2	Belmont	vs	Vancouver College
5:30pm	Game 3	Dover Bay	vs	Harry Ainlay
7:15pm	Game 4	Oak Bay	vs	St. Patricks
Thursday, December 29
11:15am	Game 5	Loser Game 1	vs	Loser Game 2
1.00pm	Game 6	Loser Game 3	vs	Loser Game 4
2.45pm		Victoria Vikes (Women)	vs	Fraser Valley (Women)
4.45pm	Game 7 (semifinal)	Winner Game 1	vs	Winner Game 2
6.30pm	Game 8 (semifinal)	Winner Game 3	vs	Winner Game 4
Friday, December 30
8.30am	Game 9 (7th/8th)	Loser Game 5	vs	Loser Game 6
10:45am	Game 10 (5th/6th)	Winner Game 5	vs	Winner Game 6
Noon		Victoria Vikes (Women)	vs	Fraser Valley (Women)
2.00pm		Victoria Vikes (Men)	vs	Fraser Valley (Men)
4.00pm	Game 11 (3rd/4th)	Loser Game 7	vs	Loser Game 8
5.45pm	Game 12 (1st/2nd)	Winner Game 7	vs	Winner Game 8
7.15pm	Tournament Presentations