Panthers claim first provincial title in program history

by Gary Ahuja

Chloe Collins delivered a championship performance for the ages, carrying the Vernon Panthers to provincial glory.

Collins poured in 32 points — including seven three-pointers accounting for 21 of those points — and added 11 rebounds as Vernon defeated the Langley Christian Lightning 71-62 in Saturday’s 3A championship final. She earned both Most Valuable Player and Player of the Game honours for her dominant effort.


The top two seeds squared off on Ken Winslade Court inside the Arena Bowl at Langley Events Centre, and it was Collins who proved the difference in a high-level showdown.

Langley Christian countered with a balanced attack, led by Payton Brunoro’s 16 points, 14 from Sorell Lenz and 13 courtesy of Gaby Vis.

For Vernon, the title caps a steady climb. The Panthers captured bronze a year ago and were making their fifth appearance in the six-year history of the 3A Tournament. The program has also made 18 trips to the 2A Tournament — earning two silver medals at that level — but Saturday marked its first provincial championship.

In the bronze-medal game, Victoria’s St. Michaels University School Blue Jags was a 69-38 winner over the Duchess Park Condors. Elspeth Rodger led the Blue Jags with 15 points.

Tournament Awards & Honours

  • MVP: Chloe Collins, Vernon
  • Most Outstanding Defensive Player: Gaby Vis, Langley Christian
  • Championship Players of the Game: Chloe Collins, Vernon; Sorell Lenz, Langley Christian
  • Most Sportsmanlike Team: Sir Charles Tupper Tigers
  • Scholarships & Special Awards:
    • Primetime Sport: Iyin Aina, Sa-Hali
    • Inspiring Bandit: Adie Janke, Vernon

All-Stars

  • First Team: Elspeth Rodger (St. Michaels University School), Zahra Ngabo (Duchess Park), Adie Janke (Vernon), Georgia Van Der Waarde (Langley Christian), Sorell Lenz (Langley Christian)
  • Second Team: Iyin Aina (Sa-Hali), Mya Beare (St. Michaels University School), Mikaela Dube (St. Michaels University School), Charlotte Routley (Vernon Panthers), Claire McLoughlin (Valleyview)