This week hoop dreams come alive as 20 teams from around the province meet for the 66th Annual B.C. Senior Boys' AAA Basketball Tournament in the Langley Events Centre.

The tournament runs Tuesday, March 15 to Saturday, March 19, with the championship game going at 8 p.m. Saturday.

Why It Matters:

The tournament, founded in 1945, has seen many of Canada's greatest up-and-coming basketball players participate including B.C.'s own two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash.

Eight zones are represented with teams coming from all corners of the province. Drawing from a school of just over 500 students, the Kermodes from Terrace's Caledonia Secondary will be in tough against traditional Lower Mainland powerhouses like Vancouver College's Fighting Irish and the Burnaby South Rebels.

Quotes:

"We may be one of the smallest and furthest away but we, like other outlying teams, work damn hard to be able to travel and compete. This will be our 14th year in a row at the AAA provincial championships and our players take away memories and lessons that last a lifetime."

Tournament director John Buis:

"After an almost 40-year run at the PNE, the AAA Boys' Basketball Tournament is moving to the Langley Events Centre for the first time this year. It's going to be a challenge to re-create the electric atmosphere of the Agrodome, but I'm optimistic once the games start, the magic will be there. The Township of Langley and the Langley Events Centre staff have worked hard to make this year's tournament the best ever in the 66-year history of the premier high school basketball event in Canada."

Learn More at:

* For results, stats and to watch live coverage: www.bcboysbasketball.com

* Photo tribute to B.C. Championship Coaches: http://www.youtube.com/user/chrkennedy