The 28th annual Surrey RCMP Classic kicked off Sunday (Jan. 13) with 24 teams in action on opening day – 16 senior squads and eight junior.
The all-Surrey boys basketball tournament involves close to 650 student athletes this week, at school gyms across the city.
It’s among the largest school basketball tournaments in B.C., and organizers consider it the largest RCMP-sponsored sporting event in Canada.
“Our officers really enjoy attending the tournament and interacting with our student athletes, along with being part of the coaches-versus-RCMP game,” says Surrey RCMP Superintendent Shawn Gill.
“We are very proud of how this event has evolved over the years and is a highlight for the students each and every year. These types of events afford a positive road to success and our city is lucky to have so many positive youth role models.”
Kevin De Boice, principal at Tamanawis Secondary and co-chair of the tournament, said the Classic is a “very positive legacy amongst our alumni, as every year more and more of them return to cheer on their school.
“The Surrey RCMP’s presence at our games also adds to the excitement and engagement of our students,” De Boice added. “We value their involvement, from presenting awards and scholarships to their attendance at games throughout the week.”
The 28th annual Surrey RCMP Basketball Classic started today. Checkout the schedule and don't miss the chance to watch some excellent highschool competition https://t.co/edcyaKX2R2 @Surrey_Schools #youth #hoops pic.twitter.com/rPWGdp0OCx
— Surrey RCMP (@SurreyRCMP) January 13, 2019
• RELATED STORY: Surrey RCMP Classic brings together public, private schools.
The senior and junior championship games are set for Saturday, Jan. 19 at Enver Creek Secondary, 14505-84th Ave. The tournament schedule and scores can be found online at surreybasketballclassic.info.
In eight senior qualifying-round games played Sunday, winners were Princess Margaret, Queen Elizabeth, Johnston Heights, North Surrey, Enver Creek, Surrey Christian, Sullivan Heights and L.A. Matheson.
Monday’s Pool B action, at Frank Hurt Secondary’s gym, has Kwantlen Park playing Regent Christian, Earl Marriott facing Fraser Heights, Elgin Park up against Panorama Ridge and White Rock Christian Academy battling Frank Hurt.
Tuesday’s action includes eight games: Lord Tweedsmuir vs. Princess Margaret, Southridge vs. L.A. Matheson, Guildford Park vs. Surrey Christian, Fleetwood Park vs. North Surrey, Tamanawis vs. Queen Elizabeth, Pacific Academy vs. Enver Creek, Clayton Heights vs. Sullivan Heights and Semiahmoo vs. Johnston Heights.
In junior action, winners on Sunday were Johnston Heights, Earl Marriott, Frank Hurt and Princess Margaret. 10 games are on Monday’s junior schedule.
In the 2018 RCMP Classic final last January, Semiahmoo topped Tamanawis to win the Classic’s senior boys championship by a score of 73-64. In the 2018 junior final, Tamanawis beat Lord Tweedsmuir.
tom.zillich@surreynowleader.com
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