Basketball fanatics rejoice!
The eighth annual Cochrane Classic tournament is set to kick off on Jan. 7, at high schools all over town.
The event, which runs from Jan. 7-9, has become a New Year’s staple in the local athletics community.
It brings varsity teams (both senior and junior) from all of Cochrane’s high schools as well as ones from across the province.
“This is the largest version of the tournament we’ve done up to date,” said tournament organizer Doug Jensen.
“We tried to have the same size event last year, but we had a team or two drop out at the last minute.”
Last year, Cochrane teams where shut out of the winner’s circle, except in the junior girls category where Cochrane High Cobras defeated Bow Valley Bobcats in the final.
This time around, local teams will be out for revenge against a larger, competitive field.
“This year, we’ve got 32 teams, at all levels,” Jensen said.
“There’s a fair number of teams that are travelling from a good way away. Memorial, from just outside of Edmonton are coming, and so are Leduc. There are also a few Calgary schools like Centennial and James Fowler as well.”
How many teams from Rocky View will be participating?
“For the most part, apart from the Cochrane teams we try to stay away from Rocky View teams,” Jensen said.
“We see them all the time during the year in league play and local tournaments, so we wanted some variety with this event, and go up against some teams we don’t normally get to play.
“It’s especially good for the senior level, where teams are trying to improve their ranking and go to provincials. We like seeing other 3A schools outside our division.”
The first games of the tournament are set to begin at 5:45 p.m. on Jan. 7 as junior girls teams at Cochrane High School, Bow Valley High School, and St Timothy High School will be hosting.
Junior boys teams are set to play on Jan. 8 in front of their school populations at 12 p.m.
“We’ve set up the tournament so that each of the Cochrane schools get to play their first games in front of home crowds,” Jensen said.
What do the winners in each category receive?
“There’s never any money at the high school level,” Jensen said.
“It’s all about bragging rights. The winners get T-shirts and a keeper plaque.
“High school athletes are playing for experience and for fun.”
