(Saskatoon, SK) Saskatoon has recently been experiencing warmer winter temperatures than usual but the outside temperature will drop as the competition heats up this upcoming weekend (January 10-12, 2019) as the Bedford Road Invitational Tournament (BRIT) basketball tournament returns.
The BRIT basketball experience showcases elite teams from across the country, historical rivalries, and the next generation of Canadian talent. Aside from the talent on the hardwood, the showcasing of Cheer and POM teams, the amazing panel artwork completed by Bedford Road students and the atmosphere created by the local fans and student body, makes this a premier basketball event in Canada.
The Bedford Road Invitational Tournament (BRIT), celebrating its 51st anniversary, began in 1968 with Saskatoon-based high school teams competing for the title. The host Bedford Road Redmen (now Redhawks) claimed the first BRIT title. The following year, the tournament expanded and invited teams from around Saskatchewan. BRIT further expanded the field of teams again in 1972 when Calgary and Winnipeg teams received the sacred invite. In 1988, the New York Gauchos became the first American team to play and win BRIT. Scots College, making the journey in 2004 from Sydney, Australia, became the first team to be invited from outside of North America.
Notable BRIT competitors include former NBA players Eric Mobley and Robert Sacre, FIBA 3X3 All-Star Michael Linklater, Canadian National Team members Thomas and Phillip Scrubb, and University of Saskatchewan Huskies Chan De Ciman, Addison Dewar, Alexander Dewar, Emmanuel Akintunde, and Joseph Barker.
The teams competing in BRIT 51 (January 10th-12th) represent Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia. The tournament will be full of highlight plays and clutch moments.
The BRIT 50 champion Handsworth Royals (North Vancouver, BC) will not be returning and, therefore, a new BRIT champion will be crowned.
The teams competing in BRIT 51 are:
Bedford Road Collegiate (Saskatoon, SK)
Bishop McNally High School (Calgary, AB)
Carson Graham Secondary School (North Vancouver, BC)
Centennial Collegiate (Saskatoon, SK)
Collingwood School (West Vancouver, BC)
Garden City High School (Winnipeg, MB)
Harry Ainlay High School (Edmonton, AB)
Holy Cross High School (Saskatoon, SK)
Luther College High School (Regina, SK)
Miller Comprehensive High School (Regina, SK)
River East Collegiate (Winnipeg, MB)
St. Joseph High School (Saskatoon, SK)
To follow BRIT 51 go to:
Facebook: BRIT Bedford Road Invitational Tournament
Instagram: BRITBASKETBALL
Twitter: @TheBRITClassic
Live Games: britbasketball.net
Written by Connor Jay
