South Surrey senior boys hoops squads take the first step towards provincial AAA championships this week, as the Fraser Valley Southwest zone playoff tournament tips off.
The play-in round of the tournament was held Tuesday night for lower seeds, with four South Surrey entries hitting the court; Sullivan Heights defeated Earl Marriott 70-54, and Elgin Park knocked off Semiahmoo 84-60.
The second round hit the court Wednesday at Tamanawis Secondary, with White Rock Christian Academy taking on the Seaquam Seahawks, and the host Tamanawis Wildcats, one of the top teams in the province, playing Sullivan Heights.
In the two other first-round matchups, Elgin Park was to play No. 2-seed Delta, while South Delta and North Delta played in the final game.
Results were not available by Peace Arch News’ deadline.
Historically, WRCA has done well in divisional tourney – winning it more often than not over the course of the last decade – but this year enter as just the third seed, behind Tamanawis and Delta.
“We expect to be number one, of course, but this year, Tamanawis and Delta just played better than us, it’s as simple as that,” WRCA head coach John Dykstra said.
“There’s no gimme games in this conference – it’s much tougher than it has been the last few years.
“It’s going to be tough.”
Games continue today through Saturday, all at Tamanawis. The top eight teams advance to Fraser Valley Championships.