Youth Provincials 2024 tips off Friday in Edmonton

March Madness has arrived in Edmonton, where the love of hoops has brought more than 1,500 players together for the 2024 Alberta Basketball Association (ABA) Youth Provincials.

Competition tips off Friday morning and continues through to Saturday evening at the Saville Community Sports Centre (11610 65 Ave NW) and EYBA Centre (7111 56 Ave NW).

The field consists of 146 teams, coming from every part of Alberta, representing more than two dozen municipal areas. Medals will be awarded in 20 divisions, 10 each for boys and girls, spanning the U11 to U18 age ranges.

"Youth Provincials has a near 50-year history of providing an exciting competitive opportunity for young basketball players in Alberta," says David Drabiuk, Executive Director of ABA. “It’s the result of months and planning and preparation and serves as a positive example of the power of sport, with staff, volunteers, coaches, officials and parents pulling together to create a memorable event."

Youth Provincials is part of a massive four days of basketball at the Saville Centre, which is also hosting the U Sports Women’s Final 8 from Thursday to Sunday. Youth Provincials participants have opportunity for free admission to select Final 8 games.

Many of Alberta’s most accomplished basketball players participated in Youth Provincials while they were growing up, including Olympians Katherine Plouffe and Michelle Plouffe, as well as NCAA three-point percentage record-holder Steve Sir. Nearly half the roster of the University of Alberta Pandas, host team of Final 8, are Youth Provincials alumni.

“They were the first big games I was in,” says Pandas guard Sarah Kleib. “Being in those championship or bronze medal games taught me how to stay focused in those moments.”

Games are scheduled from 8:45 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday. All games will be streamed live on BallerTV. For schedules, standings, and brackets by division visit the Youth Provincials 2024 site.