March 2013.pdf - Kelowna Secondary School

Alumni Still Shine
by Lexi Percival
For some people, High School is the highlight
of their lives so far. Their sports teams were their
family and lifelong friendships were made. In particular,
the memory of the Western Canada Tournament
and the energy felt in the screaming sea of
black and gold have been engraved in the memories
of the top Sr. KSS Boys basketball players.
WESTERNS
In the 2011/2012 year, KSS had two of the best
basketball players that the school had seen: point
guard Mitchell Goodwin and 6’11’’ post, Braxston
Bunce. Joined, the two boys created an unstoppable
duo and led the team to the Western’s
Finals. Both Braxston and Mitch were named to
the tournament’s Allstar Team. After deciding to
accept sports scholarships, Bunce is currently
attending Cornell in New York while Mitchell
Goodwin stayed close to home at UBCO.
When asked about their experiences at KSS
and their experience at University so far,
Braxston replied, “My time at KSS was something
I’ll remember for the rest of my life. I
honestly consider the guys I played with for
the Owls my brothers, especially my senior
year. I have nothing but love for coach Parmar
and Heuser, without them I wouldn’t 2012 Westerns Action. Photo by Joel Todd
be where I am today. As for Cornell, I feel like a different person already. I’ve met people from all over the world and from every
state. Playing basketball at this level and being away from home for a whole year has forced me to mature, I’ve learned a lot about myself
and I’m more comfortable with who I am. I feel very lucky to play a game I love and get an Ivy League education at the same time.”
More specifically on the experience of Westerns, Mitchell Goodwin replies, “Westerns have been the highlight of my basketball career
so far. The opportunity to play in front of the city of Kelowna and play against the top teams in Western Canada cannot be matched. Playing
for the UBCO Heat is unbelievable. This year has been tough with a completely new team, but everything is beginning to come together.”
Throughout the Westerns weekend, many KSS alumni are spotted. Many of the players from the past two generations are eager to once again
be involved in the event. They love to come back and support because they know first-hand how it feels to have the bleachers packed. Some
have moved away and moved on but for those who continue to return, they have a little piece of themselves that remains on that home court.
Darrion Bunce led the tournament in rebounds after an impressive
defensive performance on day 1. Photo by Lennart Sixtus
Owls’ captain Joel Burma played an important leadership role
throughout the tournament. Photo by Lennart Sixtus
10 MARCH 6 2013 CENSOR THIS