The 49th Western Canada Basketball Tournament presented by Restoration by Trades kicked off yesterday and did not disappoint.
Taking on the Holy Trinity Northern Knights, the Kelowna Secondary School (KSS) Owls cruised to a 93-72 win, booking their ticket to a semifinal matchup against the defending provincial champions.
Playing in the last game of the evening, the Northern Knights jumped out to an 11-6 lead over the Owls halfway through the first quarter.
The early deficit did not faze KSS as they clawed back at the score, ending the quarter with a step-back three by Nash Semeniuk to send the Owls into the second frame up 17-14.
The Owls continued to roll as they established a double-digit lead, including a steal by Dominic Sodaro and a feed to Jake McParland to make it 39-29 in the final minutes before the half.
Both teams then added a few more scores as the Owls padded their lead to 45-32 going into halftime.
The KSS Owls are up 45-32 at half as they take on the Holy Trinity Northern Nights in their first match of the 2024 Western Canada Basketball Tournament. pic.twitter.com/pdiQKUAzWQ
— KelownaNow (@KelownaNow) February 2, 2024
KSS went on cruise control in the third and fourth quarters, dominating towards a 93-72 win and a trip to the semifinals.
The Owls will take on the Semiahmoo Thunderbirds with a chance to play in the finals of the event for the first time since 2020.
The KSS Owls take their opening match 93-72, booking their ticket for a Friday night showdown against the Semihamoo Thunderbirds. pic.twitter.com/af7LacXTrA
— KelownaNow (@KelownaNow) February 2, 2024
On the other side of the draw, the St. George’s Saints defeated the Raymond Comets 79-51.
Facing the Saints will be the Oak Bay Bays after defeating the St. Paul’s Crusaders 72-57.
The first semifinal game involving the Saints and Bays will take place at 5:15 pm tonight.
Afterwards, the KSS Owls will take to the court at 7:30 pm, following the 7 pm three-point contest.
Tickets are available at the door and more information can be found online at this link.
