Three Brooks Secondary School athletes, Casper Poelen, Donovan Savage and Ben Carlson, just can’t get enough basketball.
Not only are they part of the Thunderbirds at Brooks, but now the threesome has the opportunity to compete with the province’s top players in the May long-weekend 2014 Club Championships in Langley.
The grade eight students were among 19 of the best ball players from North Vancouver Island who were trying out for 10 spots on the regional team. The tryouts took place recently. In the end all three of the Powell River crew made the cut. They will now practice in Courtenay twice a week so they can gel with their teammates in preparation for the tournament.
When the North Island team plays for the cup at the Victoria Day championship, the boys will also be evaluated individually by a committee of provincial team coaches from Basketball BC. Those players showing the greatest skills and the best potential will be invited to attend a team selection camp in early June. From there the top players will be called to join one of eight regional teams who will compete in the BC summer games in Nanaimo from July 17 to 20.
In addition, an even smaller number of players will be invited to join one of two provincial teams that will represent BC in elite level competitions in Canada and the US in games running from the beginning of June through to the end of July.
There is a lot of training and hard work ahead for the three Powell River youth, as well as fundraising to help cover the costs of travel.
All three are excited about the possibilities and looking forward to the challenges. “I’m thrilled,” said Carlson about making the team. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
