Oak Bay High’s new gym is enjoying a rousing christening with the annual Gary Taylor Classic basketball tournament, running through Saturday. On the senior side, which has teams from Belmont, MEI, Holy Cross, Cowichan, SMUS, Lambrick Park and Vancouver College joining Oak Bay, the top four teams square off on the Taylor Court at 5:45 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., with the winners of both games meeting in the championship game Saturday at 6 p.m.
On the junior side, featuring SMUS, Lambrick, Mt. Douglas, Vancouver College, Belmont, Cowichan and Claremont in addition to Oak Bay, semifinals begin at 5:45 and 7:30 p.m. Friday on the Horwood Court, with the championship Saturday at 4:15 p.m. on the Taylor Court. The battle for third spot in both divisions tips off at 2:30 p.m. Saturday.
The registration deadline is today (Friday, Dec. 19) for Oak Bay’s 35th annual New Year’s Classic Tennis Tournament for girls, boys, women and men age eight to 80. From Dec. 26 to 28 (juniors) and Jan. 5 to 18 (adults), singles, doubles and mixed teams of all levels will take to the court at the Oak Bay Rec Centre’s tennis bubble. Online registration is available through Tennis Canada. – visit www.oakbay.ca for details.
Runners can take advantage of extra-early planning by registering for the Oak Bay Kool Half Marathon, 10.73K and 5K event, May 24. Until Dec. 31, enjoy early bird pricing of $55 (including a bonus gift) for the half-marathon, $30 for the 10.73K and $20 for the 5K. Prices rise by $5 Jan. 1 to March 15. Kids Fun Run registration is $10, while four-runner relay teams can enter for $110 ($120 after Jan. 1) For more information, visit www.oakbayhalf.com
While many local hockey teams have hung up their skates for Christmas break, exhibition play this weekend will provide an interesting peek at the Midget Tier 2 Island playoffs.
The Victoria Ice Hawks Midget A boys battle the Saanich Braves A squad Saturday at Archie Browning Arena, with the puck dropping at 5:15 p.m. On Sunday, the Braves welcome Division 2 leaders Cowichan Valley to Pearkes Rec Centre for a 3 p.m. start.
Both the Victoria/Oak Bay and Cowichan squads have been competing fiercely in Div. 2 of the three-division Midget rep league, which includes teams from throughout the Island. For playoffs, and the chance to represent the Island at the provincial championships, teams are re-allocated according to their association’s size.
Still in the market for this year’s Christmas tree? Show your love for the University of Victoria Vikes Cross Country and Track team, whose annual tree sale continues at Centennial Stadium through Dec. 22.
Grade 12 student Devon Gall is an avid sports fan, athlete and former Carnarvon baseball player. Send your sports events news to jocktalk@telus.net.