November 10,2024

TRU Wolfpack Sr. Boys Howler 2024

Tournament Recap
The TRU Wolfpack Sr. Boys Howler 2024 was an exhilarating event, featuring top-tier AAA and AA volleyball teams clashing in a showcase of skill and spirit. The tournament highlighted the impressive talent pool within British Columbia's high school volleyball community.

AAA Division: KSS Triumphs in Expectation
As anticipated, the AAA division concluded with a showdown between the top two ranked teams in the province: Kelowna Secondary School (KSS) and Elgin Park Secondary. In a highly competitive final, KSS lived up to their #1 ranking, claiming the tournament title against #2 Elgin in a decisive victory. The match confirmed KSS as the dominant force in BC AAA high school volleyball, reinforcing their position at the top of the rankings.

Meanwhile, the tournament also proved fruitful for AAA #5 Okanagan Mission Secondary (OKM), who demonstrated their ability by finishing in a solid 5th place. This performance promises to solidify their status among the top teams in the Provincial rankings, making them a contender to watch in the upcoming events.

AA Division: Upsets and Surprise Performances
The AA division was a hotbed of surprises, particularly with the unexpected exit of #2 Surrey Christian School (SCS) in the quarterfinals. They faced a solid Mennonite Educational Institute (MEI) squad that dispatched them in straight sets, a result that is likely to shake up the BC Schools Sports rankings and move MEI high on to that list. After a promising start with a victory in the round of 16, SCS faltered dramatically, losing all three subsequent matches in the tournament. While SCS will undoubtably remain on the AA Provincial Ranking list, it is unclear if they can remain in the top 5. 

In the bronze medal match, Kalamalka Secondary School made a significant impression by clinching the bronze medal after a resounding win over MEI. This victory is expected to elevate Kalamalka from their current #5 ranking, marking them as a team to look out for in future matches.

Also feeling the strain was Duchess Park, ranked #3, who failed to secure a place in the top-tier bracket, potentially jeopardizing their hold on a top 10 position. On a more positive note, #4 DP Todd had an impressive tournament performance, finishing in the top 6, which will help maintain their strong standing within the top half of the Provincial rankings.

Meanwhile, College Heights, currently ranked #6, faced setbacks of their own after losing in the quarterfinals. This outcome raises the possibility of a slight drop in their rankings as they look to regroup and reassess their strategy moving forward.

Conclusion
The TRU Wolfpack Sr. Boys Howler 2024 served as a pivotal moment in the volleyball calendar, with both AAA and AA teams showcasing high-caliber matches that will have ripple effects on the upcoming rankings. With strong performances from KSS, Elgin, Kalamalka and MEI, alongside surprising exits from teams like SCS and Duchess Park, the tournament not only entertained but also reshaped the competitive landscape of BC high school volleyball. As teams prepare for the upcoming regional championships, the stage is set for an exhilarating Provincial Championship.

October 14,2024

Thanksgiving Weekend Volleyball: A Feast of Upsets and Triumphs

It's looking like this Thanksgiving weekend might turn the BCSS Provincial Rankings topsy-turvy! Let's dive into the excitement of three separate volleyball tournaments that took place over the past few days.

Starting with the Sr. Boys at the VIU tournament, there were a few surprises in store. The #2 AA ranked MEI squad suffered an upset at the hands of the unranked Mark R. Isfeld team. Isfeld put on a stellar performance and finished with the silver, while the #4 AA ranked Lambrick Park team clinched the gold for their second tournament win of the season. Dylan Young of Lambrick Park was a standout player, showing off his skills and helping his team secure the top spot.

Over at the UFV tournament, the Sr. Girls saw some major upsets as well. The #3 AA leading team ACS was knocked out in the quarterfinals by a strong Walnut Grove Secondary team, who are currently ranked #7 in the AAAA division. This opened the door for some new teams to make their mark. In the semifinals, unranked Yale secondary faced off against Walnut Grove, with Yale emerging victorious. In the other semifinal match, Unity Christian faced the #5 AA ranked Langley Christian team, with Langley Christian coming out on top. The bronze medal went to Walnut Grove, while Langley Christian took the gold after defeating Yale in the finals. Both of these teams are sure to see a rise in the provincial rankings in their respective divisions.

The Sr. Girls at the UBCO tournament also brought the Heat (pun intended), with a strong showing from several top Okanagan teams. In the highly anticipated finals, the powerhouse OKM team, currently ranked #2 in the AAAA division, faced off against Vernon Secondary, who are ranked #4 in the AAA division. As expected, these two teams put on a spectacular show, but ultimately the OKM girls were too much to handle. Despite the loss, Vernon Secondary showed incredible promise and should be watched closely in the coming weeks.

Overall, this Thanksgiving weekend was full of excitement for volleyball fans, with major upsets, impressive performances, and new teams making their mark. The provincial rankings are sure to see some changes, and fans can't wait to see how these teams continue to perform as we head into the rest of the season. 

September 21,2024
TWU Senior Boys Volleyball Tournament   

LCS Claims Gold at Thrilling TWU Sr. Boys Tournament

The recent Trinity Western University (TWU) Sr. Boys Volleyball Tournament provided an exciting opportunity for young athletes to showcase their skills, culminating in an intense final match between Langley Christian School (LCS) and MEI. LCS emerged victorious, securing the gold medal with a commanding win over MEI in two straight sets. This final match highlighted the exceptional skill and competitiveness that defined the tournament, with LCS’s powerhouse offense led by senior standout setter Tayven Magnowski. His adept setting decisions enabled teammates, including Jarom Smith and Seth Brunoro, to execute fierce attacks that consistently breached the MEI defense. Magnowski’s leadership proved crucial in generating team momentum, ultimately delivering LCS’s second tournament title of the season.

Despite the defeat, MEI showcased remarkable perseverance and talent, ensuring that the match remained competitive thanks to strong players like Eric Bensler, who delivered impactful attacks from the middle, and senior setter Caden Thiessen, who effectively orchestrated plays. Ezra Sperling also played a vital role from the left side, demonstrating MEI’s depth and flexibility. Prior to reaching the finals, MEI faced a challenging semifinals' against Pacific Academy, which they managed to triumph in after an exhilarating third set of the best-of-three series. This hard-earned victory underscored MEI’s determination and set the stage for an electrifying championship clash.

Leading up to the finals, LCS confronted Lambrick Park in a semifinals' showdown. Although Lambrick Park had recently claimed victory at the Camosun Chargers Classic, LCS proved too strong, dominating the match in two straight sets. The entire tournament atmosphere was charged with excitement, showcasing athletic skill, teamwork, and sportsmanship among all teams involved. This event not only demonstrated the high caliber of boys' volleyball in the region but also nurtured a sense of community among the schools, enriching the overall experience of the tournament. As teams competed for top honors, the camaraderie and spirited competition created an unforgettable event in the local sports calendar.

Our Mission

Initially launched in 2018, Strongside Volleyball set out to train volleyball players from grassroots levels up to Grade 12 throughout British Columbia. Although our efforts faced a significant halt in 2019 due to the pandemic, we remained dedicated to providing technical expertise and enhancing the skills of youth athletes through various camps and private training opportunities. The COVID-19 pandemic instigated a necessary shift in our mission. As the world grappled with unprecedented challenges, we took a step back to reassess our goals and rededicate ourselves to prioritizing youth volleyball players across British Columbia. As the landscape of sports continued to evolve in response to the pandemic, our approach transformed in tandem. The need for connection, visibility, and opportunity became more pronounced than ever. With many traditional avenues for athlete promotion disrupted, we pivoted our focus toward utilizing social media and digital platforms to showcase the skills and potential of our BC athletes. Our vision now encompasses not only training but also amplifying awareness of our talented youth through innovative online strategies. In an era where visibility can significantly influence an athlete's future prospects, Strongside Volleyball has harnessed the power of social media to promote our players and highlight their achievements. Our goal is to ensure that coaches, scouts, and volleyball enthusiasts alike have front-row access to the exceptional talent emerging from British Columbia. Through carefully curated content that showcases training sessions, game highlights, athlete profiles, and success stories, we aim to weave an engaging narrative around our players. By celebrating their dedication and hard work, we aspire to inspire them to reach new heights. This past summer, we launched a campaign focused on identifying and promoting our Team BC athletes, both boys and girls. Looking ahead, Strongside Volleyball has ambitious plans on the horizon. In the upcoming year, we are thrilled to expand our reach and leverage the extensive network we have cultivated across the country. By forging partnerships and collaborations with other volleyball organizations, we aim to create more opportunities for our athletes, such as exposure to national tournaments, training camps, and potential partnerships with collegiate programs. Our commitment to athlete development remains unwavering. We believe that by providing our province's players with increased visibility, we can open doors that lead to scholarships, recruitment opportunities, and lasting connections within the volleyball community. We will continue to invest in our athletes, not just as players but also as individuals, fostering a sense of camaraderie and support that extends beyond the court. Strongside Volleyball stands at the forefront of a new era in youth sports, where technology and passion converge to empower young athletes. We are not merely a training organization; we are a community dedicated to uplifting and amplifying the voices of the next generation of volleyball stars. As we forge ahead, we invite players, parents, coaches, and volleyball enthusiasts to join us on this journey. Together, we can cultivate a vibrant volleyball culture in British Columbia and beyond, ensuring that our athletes receive the recognition and opportunities they truly deserve. Join Us As we embark on this exciting chapter, we encourage you to follow us on social media, share our content, and support our mission to promote youth volleyball. Together, let us champion the athletes who inspire us every day and continue to build a dynamic community centered around the love of volleyball. Strongside Volleyball is committed to shaping the future of our sport, one player at a time.