On the first day of the BC High School Boys Basketball Championships’ 4A tournament at the Langley Events Centre, the Panorama Ridge Thunder pulled off one of the biggest first-round upsets in recent memory.
The Thunder, seeded 15th in the 16-team draw, defeated the No. 2-ranked Sir Winston Churchill Bulldogs of Vancouver, 66-54 to advance to the second round of play.
The Thunder – who were without leading scores Chuks Udevi for much of the game, after he left with an injury – were led by Harsimran Bhullar, who had 17 points and nine rebounds.
The two teams were familiar with each other, having squared off in the consolation final of the Tsumura Basketball Invitational back in December – a game Churchill won 98-80.
Panorama Ridge advanced to Round 2, where they squared off against No. 7 W.J. Mouat Thursday. All second-round games were played after Peace Arch News’ press deadline.
Wednesday was also a good one for another sound-end Surrey team, as the No. 3-ranked Tamanawis Wildcats cruised to the second round after a 113-73 win over Fort St. John’s North Peace Secondary.
Miguel Tomley led the Wildcats’ offence with 38 points, while Gary Sahota tacked on 12.
The Wildcats played No. 6 Kitsilano in second-round action Thursday.
One other Surrey squad, the Holy Cross Crusaders, also advanced to Round, as the No. 9 seed defeated No. 8 St. George’s Saints 78-66. They battled Oak Bay in the second round.
In the AAA tournament – also played at the LEC – the top-seeded Southridge Storm advanced to Thursday’s second round, defeating Nelson’s L.V. Rogers 88-58 Wednesday afternoon.
The Storm were led by Hunter Hughes, who had 31 points and nine rebounds.
Southridge advanced to play No. 8 Mark Isfeld Secondary on Thursday.
Both the 4A and AAA tournaments continue today (Friday) with the championship games in both set for Saturday night.