By Adam Donnelly

Westsyde preparing to make noise at boys basketball provincials

Mar 5, 2018 | 4:19 PM

KAMLOOPS —- To says it’s been a good year for the Westsyde Whundas seniors boys basketball team would be an understatement.

 “We’re actually 31-and-0 which makes it even more shocking.” says Whundas head coach Ryan Porter.

But head coach Ryan Porter is downplaying his teams impressive win-loss record, as the Whundas make their final preparations for the B.C. boys “AA” basketball championships, kicking off Wednesday in Langley.

“We do have a good team—that’s definately one factor.” says Porter. “We have a veteran group that plays really well together — good chemisty — but for anyone to go undefeated for that long, you have to have a lot of luck.”

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It’s certainly been a season to remember for the players on the Whundas roster — according to big man Spencer Ledoux, the success the team has experienced has been the result of the work they’ve put in throughout their high school careers.

“All the committment before Grade 12,” says Ledoux “All the time we spent in Grade 8 and in the gym in the morning, and all these years, all these boys have committed the whole five years.”

While the team goes into the provincial tournament without having lost a game all season, they’ve been ranked second behind a tough Brentwood team — which might help take the pressure off the Whundas as the provincials tip off.

“I think we’re all excited, just happy to be back at provincials.” says Grade 12 player Nathan Strank, “It’s a fun experience to go to and try to do the best that we can.”

Westsyde has seen some great teams and graduated some great players from its program, but a provincial title is one thing the program is missing — a fact which isn’t lost on these players.

“It’s everything we’ve worked for all this time.” says Spencer Ledoux.  “We’ve been told since Grade 8 that our coach wants a banner up there, because he’s tired of all those girls banners. That’s all we’ve worked for, and finally to be able to maybe accomplish it would be amazing.”

For Ryan Porter, he wants to prepare his athletes as best as he possibly can, because once the tournament starts on Wednesday, the Whundas will need to play their best basketball of the season if they hope to win. 

“When it comes to provincials you’re going to see a ton of good teams there.” says Coach Porter.  “I’d say anyone in the top 10 or 12 teams — you have to be at your best in that game — you could lose any game if you have a mediocre game.   We could lose to the tenth team.  It doesn’t matter, if you get to provincials you’re good.”

Westsyde’s first game is Wednesday afternoon against South Ridge.