The Mount Boucherie Secondary School Bears boys basketball team held and won the 2nd annual Joe Kolar Classic on Jan. 18 and 19.
Formerly the Westside Classic, this yearâs tournament featured eight teams from across B.C. and Yukon. Because of poor weather conditions, Sardis Secondary out of Chilliwack wasnât able to make the trip. Because of that, MBSSâ junior boys team filled in, playing against opponents at a higher level than them.
Before MBSS started the tournament against South Okanagan Secondary on Jan. 18, an opening ceremony featured the West Âé¶čAV and Âé¶čAV Firefighting Honour Guard. This is because Joe Kolar, who the tournament is named, was a firefighter in the community for 29 years before losing his battle with cancer. He played competitive basketball and volleyball in West Âé¶čAV for nearly 40 years, inspiring many athletes. He also coached numerous teams, including his daughterâs.
âWhat a pleasure it has been to be a part of The Joe Kolar Classic,â MBSS head coach Kelly Broderick. âI had the amazing opportunity to grow up with Joe and feel extremely fortunate to call him a friend. This tournament is a celebration of Joe and what he stood for, community, competition, and hard work to actualize your dreams.â
The Bears beat Team Yukon in the finals on Friday night to win the tournament on their home court. MBSSâ Nic Defreitas was named tournament MVP.
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