Basketball returns to the hardwood this coming week as the high school senior boys’ and girls’ basketball seasons tip off next Tuesday, Dec. 6.
In senior boys action, Belmont kicks off Div. 1 play when the Bulldogs host St. Michaels University School at 7:30 p.m.
Royal Bay begins play in Div. 2 as the Ravens host Edward Milne Community School at 7:30 p.m.
AAA senior girls play that day takes Belmont to Claremont secondary for a 5:45 p.m. tip-off.
Meanwhile, the Island Div. 1 rugby playoffs take Westshore 2 over the Malahat to face Nanaimo at May Bennett Pioneer Park. Enjoy a Saturday road trip to cheer on the local boys, who kick off at 1 p.m.
Turning to the soccer pitch, Div. 1 Lower Island Women’s play returns to the West Shore tonight (Dec. 2) when Juan de Fuca United hosts Prospect Lake at 8 p.m. on the Royal Bay turf. Juan de Fuca FC is also in action, heading across town to face the Lakehill Reds at 6 p.m. at Braefoot.
VISL Div. 2 men’s soccer has Westcastle United hosting Vantreights FC at 7 p.m. at Westhills Stadium tomorrow (Dec. 3). Play continues the following Saturday, Dec. 10 when United hosts Powell River at 7:15 p.m. at Westhills.
On the ice, this Saturday takes the Juan de Fuca Grizzlies Tier 1 midget squad to Nanaimo for their only weekend game. Catch the team at The Q Centre next Sunday, Dec. 10, when they play host to Cowichan Valley at 4 p.m.
Head to The Q to catch the Grizzlies’ Tier 2 midget team this Sunday, Dec. 4, when they welcome Oceanside at 1 p.m.
In Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League action, the Westshore Wolves are in Mill Bay tomorrow to take on the Kerry Park Islanders, then return home for a Wednesday, Dec. 7 game against the Comox Valley Glacier Kings at 7 p.m. at The Q Centre. The Wolves finish the week across town, facing the Saanich Braves at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 9 at Pearkes Arena.
The Victoria Grizzlies are on the road this week, with B.C. Hockey League tilts in Prince George, Merritt and Coquitlam before returning to the Island next Wednesday, Dec. 7 in Nanaimo. The next home game for the Grizz is Saturday, Dec. 10 when they host Wenatchee at 7 p.m. at The Q Centre.
The WHL’s Victoria Royals are also on an extended road trip before their next home game Dec. 13 against Portland.
Some of the region’s top swimmers are at Saanich Commonwealth Place this weekend for Pacific Coast Swimming’s 14th annual Christmas Cracker swim meet, Dec. 2 to 4. For full event details, visit pacificcoastswimming.com.
Local trail runners can take on the challenge of the Prairie Inn Harriers Running Club’s 13th annual Stewart Mountain 10/5 Mile X-Country Challenge coming up Saturday, Dec. 10, with a noon start at Thetis Lake. Registration is open until Dec. 8. Race proceeds will be directed to Harriers Foundation projects. Visit pih.bc.ca for details.
Colin Gall is a local athlete and Grade 12 student at Mt. Doug Secondary. Send news about your coming sports events to jocktalk@telus.net.