The Osoyoos Secondary School Rattlers senior boys basketball team is hoping to qualify for the provincial championships when they travel to Lumby this week for the Okanagan Valley championship tournament. Head coach Casey Brouwer is confident his talented squad can attain their goal to reach the provincials. Team members include (back row left to right) Arsh Gill, Gurkirat Toor, Benson Cheng, Gurlal Dhaliwal, Robby Rosa and Jotdeep Brar. In the front row are leading scorer Aman Rai (left) and Gurshan Sandhu. DALE CORY
OSS squad head to Vernon this week, looking for a spot in the B.C. High School Basketball provincials
There’s been a lot of blood, sweat and tears poured into this season.
Countless practices and team meetings have been held. Many games have been played – all with the goal of getting to this spot.
The Osoyoos Secondary School Rattlers are now just a few wins away from a spot in the B.C. High School Senior Boys Basketball Championships.
The Rattlers will compete in the Valley playdowns this week. It all begins tomorrow (Thursday) in Lumby.
And head coach Casey Brouwer’s says Rattlers are ready to go.
“Honestly I have mixed feelings going into Valley’s,” he said. “On one hand I am super excited and pumped for some great basketball and on the other hand I am really nervous.
“We know heading there we will be up against some great teams. I don’t know who is more excited about it the guys or myself.”
Brouwer said he has never coached a team to provincials and it’s nerve wracking to think the team is so close to making that dream come true.
“We have been close the past two years, but always fell short by one spot,” he said. “Based on our current ranking in B.C., we are tied for fifth in the province. Most likely that means we would be heading into Valley’s ranked in the top three in the Okanagan. In the past we have been the underdog headed to battle against the top teams. This time we are one of the top teams that the underdogs are after.”
And that puts additional pressure on the Rattlers, who have enjoyed a great season so far, finishing first in league play.
To be victorious in Lumby and advance to provincials, coach Brouwer will need to rely on everyone.
For starters, let’s focus on a pair of surprises to the team this season.
Starting forward Robby Rosa averages six points a game, which may not be a lot, but brings to the game a solid defensive approach. And Benson Cheng is a starting forward who still has another year of high school eligibility, but has already played a key roll, averaging 10 points per game.
“All coaches know that defence wins games. Robby will play through pain and stand strong in the paint to keep out anyone that tries to drive the lane. He is a valuable asset to the team and we would not be where we are today without defensive players like him,” said Brouwer.
Cheng is equally important.
“Benson Cheng can do it all. He can drive the lane, he can pull up the jumper, he has the ability to see the play happen before it happens, he has a natural talent as a ball handler and makes passes through the defence like threading a needle. Benson communicates on the floor with his teammates and dominates in the paint for rebounds and steals. This is a player that when asked to do a task he not only does it, but does it well.”
OSS also relies on a pair of senior players who have provided great leadership to the younger players.
Gurshan Sandhu, the starting point guard, averages 20-25 points a game while leading the team as captain. Shayden Stark is the Rattlers assistant captain, and while he doesn’t start games, or contribute much for points, Stark is still a key part of the team, according to Brouwer.
“What most people don’t see is Shayden’s heart. I appointed Shayden as the team’s assistant captain because he earned that position by his level of commitment and his coach-ability. Shayden is a quiet leader and does things for the team without question. He has shown great hustle and willingness to learn. He is a huge asset to me and the Rattlers,” said Brouwer. “As the team captain, Gurshan is a very selfless player. He motivates on and off the court to his teammates. He is a natural leader and is respected by all. Gurshan not only has potential as a player in the future but I can also see him as a coach. He is an inspiration and very talented. He has a great head knowledge of the game and sees things other players don’t. He will take the time and work with individual players helping them to develop their game.”
There’s one other player who will don a Rattlers uniform this week at Valley’s who will, in all likelihood, make or break his team’s chances at a provincial berth.
Aman Rai is the team’s starting point guard. The senior averages 25-30 points a game, and scored upwards of 450 points in 17 games this season.
According to Brouwer, Rai is the consummate professional, and an inspiration to the rest of the squad.
“I have known Aman since he was 10 years old and shooting basketballs in the gym at the Sonora Centre where I worked,” he said. “Having coached for over 10 years and watching dozens of students and players go through the gym, I have not met nor seen nor had the privilege of knowing one such as Aman Rai. Don’t get me wrong, all the players on the Rattlers this season have the heart and hustle we look for, but Aman takes his passion and drive for the sport to a whole new level.”
There were times when talent got in the way of learning and he didn’t always see eye to eye, but Rai was developing as a player and he was growing as a coach, said Brouwer.
“Over the past two seasons we have built a mutual respect for each other and I believe that because of that connection, Aman Rai and the Osoyoos Rattlers are having such a successful season,” he said. “Aman, much like Benson, is always in game mode. At practice he is always giving it 100 per cent and never stops shooting a ball. His commitment to the sport and to the team is inspiring. He is truly gifted and I am honoured to have him call me coach.”
So, here’s the deal for this week. The top eight teams in the Okanagan go to Valley’s. The top three teams from Valley’s go on to Provincials. As of press time, the draw had not been finalized, as there is a challenge game that has to happen between Keremeos and Aberdeen Hall for the last spot in Valley’s. That game took place after the Times went to press Tuesday.
Brouwer expects the Rattlers’ first round opponent will be either Barriere or Ashcroft.
“I am extremely proud of all the players on our team. I know without each and every one of them we would not be where we are today,” he said. “As any coach or player knows the game of basketball is played by a team. Each player has a role and when executed properly that team as a whole is unstoppable. Some players are the protectors of the net, others the point getters. You have the leaders, the motivators, the soldiers and the general. Much like an army the Osoyoos Rattlers are battle ready. I know that the boys are excited and doing everything to prepare for this weekend. They are hitting the gym lots and getting ready. I know that they are heading into this weekend pumped and charged up for what’s ahead. If we win our first two games at Valleys we go to provincials.”
And Brouwer’s dream becomes reality.
DALE CORY
Special to the Times
