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The Okanagan College Coyotes will play their final home games of a successful first season of basketball on Friday and Saturday at Immaculata Regional High School.
OC women tip things off against St. Mary’s University Lightning of Calgary beginning at 6 p.m. on Friday while the men’s game against the Alberta visitors is set for 8 p.m. All four teams play again on Saturday, the women starting at 10 a.m. and the men at noon.
Dino Gini, the men’s head coach, says it’s been a “great run” for the newly formed Okanagan College basketball program, with both the men’s and women’s teams building “a fabulous culture” with emphasis on team play.
“The two teams compete at the highest level each and every time they’re on the court and they provide exciting entertainment for the ever-growing number of spectators,” added Gini. “We have had a fantastic first year of (exhibition) play. We focused on creating an environment which allows each player to reach his/her potential. We are competitive and have a lot of hype around our program moving into the future.”
OC basketball is a unique self-funded program and Gini said the teams’ sponsors are a lifeline.
“We’re hoping to pack the gym to show our appreciation for the sponsors’ support. It’s also a great chance to show the rest of the province why Kelowna is such a community-oriented city — and demonstrate what it means to be a part of a positive place to live.”
The OC men’s and women’s teams will have played nearly 30 exhibition games each by the time they wrap things up later this month with matches against Langara College in Vancouver Jan. 26 and 27.
Gini, also president of the Kelowna College Basketball Society, is hoping OC will be a part of the Pacific Western Athletic Association (PACWEST) next year, but an announcement on that matter likely won’t be made until February.
Okanagan College Coyotes’ Roster
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