NPSS Grizzlies prepare for BC Provincials after zone playoff twist 

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — North Peace Secondary School (NPSS) will send both its senior volleyball teams to BC Provincials this weekend after all.

The NPSS Senior Girls’ had punched their ticket to Delta, and now the Grizzlies Senior Boys squad will join them.

According to head coach Scott Hyde, his squad will head to Vancouver Island for the ‘AAA’ tournament starting this weekend.

The team finished second in the zone playoffs to Prince George Secondary School. However, the winners are unable to participate in the provincial tournament for unspecified reasons.

Although it isn’t how “they intended,” Hyde says his team will no doubt be ready regardless, saying the Grizzlies will take their role in representing the North region “very seriously.”

“It is unfortunate PGSS was unable to attend,” said Hyde. “As the next best team the responsibility to give every northern team a good reputation now lies on us.”

“I know PGSS valued this role quite a bit by the way they played all season. I will make sure [their coaches] know we are serious about how we represent everyone that competes in our zone.”

Grouped with teams from Cranbrook, Delta, and Vancouver Island, Hyde says the event will give the squad the chance to “see first hand” what it takes to compete at a level where “one can challenge any team in the province.”

With the school having won the provincial championships once, he feels his grade 11 players can gain “invaluable experience, going forward to next year.

The ‘AAA’ provincial championships take place from November 27th to November 30th at Oak Bay Secondary School in Victoria.

Games will be streamed on the BC School Sports YouTube channel.