This basketball season has ended with some great highs and some lows, but throughout the journey, SJS athletes have shown up with dedication, integrity and pride-worthy sportsmanship.
Senior Girls Basketball
It was a record-breaking run for the Senior Girls at the BCSS 1A Provincial Championships!
The team started strong with a powerful 68–63 victory over regular competitor John Knox Christian. This propelled the Eagles into the quarter-finals and the top-half of the provincials brackets, against some steep competition.
Facing the top-seeded and highly experienced Acwsalcta Thunder in the quarter-final, the Senior Girls showcased immense character by battling back from an early 16-point deficit to pull within single digits late in the fourth quarter. Although the Eagles ultimately fell 72–58, their fearless rebounding and refusal to fold against a championship favourite earned them high praise for their resilience.
The team then faced the Timbers from Ebenezer Reformed Christian School. SJS came out on fire behind the three-point shooting of Grade 12 powerhouse Kareena Sandhu, and went into halftime with a 38–21 lead. The basket for SJS shrunk in the second half, and the Timbers took the lead 49–45. With a minute and thirty seconds left, Eleni Irinakis (Grade 9) hit two drives to tie the game. Then with only nine seconds on the clock, Kareena sank a 22-foot three pointer to win the game for SJS. Final score 52–49.
The Senior Girls closed out provincials with their final match against Bulkley Valley Royals. It was a hard-fought battle, but SJS had to settle for 6th place after a tough 44–32 loss. Our very own Grade 12 Kareena Sandhu was named an All-Star as one of the top ten players of the tournament.
Congratulations to our Senior Girls Basketball team for the best ever SJS finish of 6th at Senior Girls basketball provincials. Check out our previous Athletics Report for photos of the girls in action at provincials.
Senior Boys Basketball
The Senior Boys team had an excellent season filled with tournament victories and a powerhouse run through the 1A BCSS Provincial Championships.
The weekend opened with a decisive 108-48 victory over Queen Margaret’s. The boys were laser focused and very much aware of not taking their opponent lightly. Kian Afshar led the game with 32 points, with special shoutouts to Lukas Pawloski and the defensive power of Philip Wong.
SJS then secured a 82–54 quarter-final victory over the Credo Christian Kodiaks, fueled by a high-powered offense and relentless full-court defense, with stand out performances from Douglas Cassidy and Kian Afshar. This propelled them to the semi finals where they beat out Immaculata Mustangs 73–49.
The Senior Boys team faced Similkameen Secondary in the final. The game started strong with the teams trading baskets up until the fourth quarter when unfortunately Similkameen pulled ahead. Our Eagles brought home the silver medal, with Remi Anderson-Francois being named the SJS Player of the Game. Lucas Pawlowski was also named Best Defensive Player of the tournament, and Kian Afshar, Remi Anderson-Francois and Douglas Cassidy were named tournament All-Stars.
The sportsmanship and respect that our team demonstrated throughout the entire tournament speaks volumes. Across the weekend other coaches and spectators regularly commented on how well our athletes carried themselves. We’re so proud of our boys and how well they represented SJS on the provincial stage.
Scroll down to see photos of the boys in action at provincials.
Grade 8 Bantam Boys Basketball
The Grade 8 boys have had a stellar season this year. Not only were they standouts in several tournaments, beating out AAAA teams like the St. George’s School “A” Team and the Southridge Storm, they also were undefeated in their league play. This set up the team nicely for the GVISSA playoffs.
The boys entered the playoffs with a fierce determination to bring home the banner, and started that journey off with a 48–35 victory over École des Pionniers-de-Maillardville Lynx. Next they faced the KDHS Lions for a place in the finals, where the boys took the win 60–42.
With the gold on the line the Bantam boys faced off against the SH Sabres. With grit and determination the Eagles came out on top with a 54–42 securing the victory and the GVISSA West Championship for 2025–2026.
Congratulations Eagles
Congratulations to all our athletes this season! Time and time again you demonstrate what true sportsmanship and exceptional athleticism are, and we could not be prouder with how you represent our school.
We also want to say a very special thank you to the coaches who have made this season all the more special. The teams’ successes would not be possible without your time, dedication and passion.
We also have an special congratulations to give to Coach Kinman, who was awarded the 2026 Rich Goulet Award for Basketball Lifetime Achievement. This award goes to coaches who have coached for 25 years or more who advance the game of basketball with purpose and passion, exhibition extraordinary ability to build basketball in the community and at different levels. Congratulations Coach!
And finally a shout-out to our parents, who come to games to cheer on our students. The energy you bring propels the teams forward.
We already can’t wait to see what next season brings.
Go Eagles!
