Surrey teams surge at the 2025 Tsumura Basketball Invitational as L.A. Matheson wins big and the girls’ battles prepare to tip off next week.
Mustangs Power Through Select 16 Finale
Energy filled the Langley Events Centre on Saturday as the 2025 Tsumura Basketball Invitational Boys Tournament wrapped up four action-packed days of hoops. Fans roared, players pushed, and momentum kept shifting, yet Surrey’s L.A. Matheson Mustangs stayed calm, sharp, and fully locked in. Because of that focus, they rolled to a confident win over Vancouver’s King George Dragons in the Select 16 championship.
The final began at a fast pace. Right away, the Mustangs attacked with quick drives, smooth ball movement, and strong defensive pressure. Meanwhile, the Dragons tried to match that speed. Although they kept the score tight early, Surrey’s rhythm grew stronger with each possession. Soon, the Mustangs pulled away with steals, clean finishes, and nonstop hustle.
Every run from the Dragons sparked another burst from the Mustangs. Consequently, the atmosphere never dipped. Instead, it kept building until the final buzzer, when L.A. Matheson sealed a well-earned victory and lifted the Select 16 trophy. Their win not only energized the Surrey crowd but also added excitement heading into the girls’ tournament that begins this week.
St. Patrick Celtics Take Super 16 in High-Tempo Battle
While Surrey celebrated in one bracket, the Super 16 final delivered a different storyline. Vancouver’s St. Patrick Celtics stepped onto the court with intensity, and they kept raising that pace as they powered toward a strong win over Surrey’s Tamanawis Wildcats.
The game opened with both teams trading baskets, yet the Celtics leaned on sharp execution. They pushed the ball quickly, fired accurate passes, and hit clutch shots that gave them early control. Tamanawis responded with drives to the rim and bursts of energy, but the Celtics kept finding answers. Because they stayed poised and kept pressing forward, they created separation whenever the Wildcats tried to close the gap.
As the minutes ticked down, St. Patrick’s confidence continued to rise. Even when Tamanawis surged with late-game pressure, the Celtics protected the lead with smart decisions and timely rebounds. When the horn sounded, fans watched the Celtics celebrate a well-deserved Super 16 title. And although the Wildcats fell short, they left the court with pride after battling through a high-level final that pushed both teams to the limit.
Girls’ Super 16 and Select 16 Set to Tip Off Next
Now that the boys’ event has wrapped, attention shifts toward the next wave of action. Beginning Wednesday, Dec. 10, the girls’ Super 16 and Select 16 tournaments will launch four straight days of competition at the Langley Events Centre. Because both brackets will run at the same time, energy around the building will rise again as fans move between courts to watch top high-school talent.
Three Langley teams—Langley Christian, R.E. Mountain, and Brookswood will take the floor with high hopes. Each school brings skill, speed, and strong coaching. As a result, anticipation has already begun building in the local community. Parents, students, and supporters plan to fill the stands, and many are eager to see how their home teams perform against some of the best programs in the province.
Even more excitement comes from the tournament’s reputation. The girls’ event often features intense battles, emotional finishes, and breakout performances that shape the rest of the season. Because the brackets include so many competitive schools, every matchup matters, and every possession feels important.
A Tournament With Deep Roots and Big Impact
The Tsumura Basketball Invitational, often known simply as TBI, holds a special place in B.C.’s high-school sports world. Created by respected sports journalist Howard Tsumura founder of VarsityLetters.ca and long-time supporter of student-athletes the tournament first tipped off in 2011. Since then, it has grown into a must-see mid-season showcase.
TBI marked its 10th anniversary in December 2021, and although the event has evolved, its spirit remains the same. Because it brings together the top senior boys’ and girls’ teams from across the province, it provides a rare chance for programs to face elite opponents before the provincial championships in spring. Coaches value the challenge. Players value the exposure. Fans value the high-quality basketball.
And since the provincial championships also take place at the Langley Events Centre, TBI serves as a preview of what is to come. Teams often use these games to adjust systems, develop chemistry, and test themselves in pressure situations. Therefore, the stakes feel real even though the season is only at its midpoint.
Community Buzz Builds Around Basketball Season
Beyond the games, the tournament sparks buzz throughout Langley and the surrounding region. Because so many teams, families, and supporters travel to the event, the Langley Events Centre becomes a hub of conversation, excitement, and local pride. Kids gather to watch their older peers. Alumni return to cheer for their schools. Coaches connect with one another to talk strategy, share experiences, and enjoy the energy that TBI always brings.
This year’s early winter schedule also helps the momentum grow. While holiday events begin around the community, basketball fans get a steady stream of games to enjoy. Crowds move through the concourse with snacks, team gear, and plenty of enthusiasm. As a result, the tournament feels more like a celebration than just a series of matchups.
A Look Ahead as Tournament Season Continues
With the boys’ finals complete and the girls’ tournament ready to begin, the 2025 basketball season is shaping up to be thrilling. Because the level of play keeps rising every year, many teams look stronger, faster, and more confident than ever. And since TBI sets the tone for the months ahead, every win, loss, and highlight will influence the storylines that lead into the provincial championships.
Surrey’s L.A. Matheson Mustangs and Vancouver’s St. Patrick Celtics now step into the next stage with big wins behind them. Meanwhile, the Surrey Tamanawis Wildcats and the King George Dragons leave with lessons and motivation. Soon, the girls’ teams from Langley Christian, R.E. Mountain, Brookswood, and beyond will take their turn on the hardwood.
As December unfolds, one thing is certain: the Tsumura Basketball Invitational continues to shine as one of B.C.’s most exciting and meaningful showcases of high-school talent. And because the event keeps growing, the stories, rivalries, and memories created on these courts will keep shaping the future of basketball across the province.
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