The History of the BC Catholics Basketball Tournament

The 2026 BC Catholics Basketball Tournament is underway with teams from Catholic independent schools across British Columbia competing through intense round-robin and playoff action. Schools including Holy Cross, Vancouver College, St. Patrick’s, St. Thomas More, Notre Dame, Immaculata, Archbishop Carney, St. John Brebeuf, and St. Thomas Aquinas with fans watching live and online as the field narrows toward the finals. Early results show competitive matchups in both boys and girls divisions, leading to final games that will decide the 2026 champions in front of packed crowds and strong school support.

The BC Catholics Basketball Tournament began in 1987 as a plan by school leaders to bring Catholic high school basketball teams together across British Columbia. The goal was simple: increase competition, reconnect old rivals, and build new friendships between athletes from different schools. Holy Cross Regional High School played a central role in launching the event.

Early tournaments set the tone for intense competition. In 1988 the Notre Dame girls team won the first girls title, while Holy Cross took the boys championship with a disciplined style of play. Rivalries formed quickly. By 1989 the St. Thomas Aquinas Fighting Saints upset St. Thomas More, and standout players like Lorraine Denis anchored massive games.

Throughout the 1990s, the tournament grew in profile and competition. Little Flower Academy, St. Patrick’s, and St. Thomas More all claimed titles across multiple years. Teams battled in finals that became community highlights. In 1991 the girls final featured strong performances from emerging stars at Little Flower Academy, while Notre Dame dominated the boys bracket with strategic discipline.

The tournament’s format supported both athletic excellence and school pride. By the early 2000s tournament size expanded, reaching a record 23 teams in 2001. Finals regularly matched historic rivals. In 2002 Little Flower Academy won a thrilling girls final in overtime, and Archbishop Carney claimed its first boys title.

In the mid 2000s, matchups between the Knights of St. Thomas More and the Crusaders of Holy Cross defined the competition. The 20th anniversary year in 2007 lived up to expectations with exciting finals on both the boys and girls sides. Vancouver College joined later as a powerful contender, winning titles with future provincial all-stars.

The 2010s brought larger crowds and memorable finishes. There were overtime games, skill contests, and dramatic comeback wins. Holy Cross and St. Thomas More often battled in finals. Immaculata also emerged as a contender, winning its first title in 2003. The tournament adapted and thrived with strong performances and community support.

After a break during pandemic years, the tournament returned in 2023 with packed venues. Holy Cross and Vancouver College met in headline finals, and Lions Events Center hosted packed crowds. Teams played with intensity and celebrated renewed community engagement. (BC

In 2025, Vancouver College’s boys team and Holy Cross girls team captured championships. Both finals drew large audiences and showcased high skill levels. The event showed continuity in tradition while spotlighting new stars.

Across four decades, the BC Catholics Basketball Tournament has grown into one of the largest high school basketball events in Canada. It showcases athletic excellence, builds school community, and strengthens bonds between Catholic schools across the province.