The Delta Force Academy U13 boys put in some serious work on the hard court this season.
The basketball team — featuring players from Tsawwassen, Ladner, and North Delta — enjoyed great tournament and league season.
DFA finished tied for first place in the Basketball B.C.’s Metro league, with only one loss. The boys played well in the playoffs and made the championship game.
Along with league play, the Force were successful in tournaments on both sides of the border.
The boys rolled through eight straight games to reach the title game down south. Early foul trouble to key players and a slow start made the game an uphill battle against a very good and strong defensive team from Tri-City Basketball Club.
“What a difference a year makes. Last year at this time the boys had a tough time in the Metro League,” said DFA coach Jas Hothi. “It was an eye opener for them to see how competitive and how good the teams were. Most days we were on the wrong side of the scoresheet but the boys trusted the process and focused on developed and on just getting better over the spring — instead of focusing on wins and losses.
"Fast forward to this year and they have had great year, playing great basketball but also being very competitive and making it to the finals.
The team was led by standouts Mathew Cushing, Harvir Hothi, Jason Muvendura and Quinn Baragonalo.
“These four have played amazing this year, and to see their growth and improvement over the last year has been great to watch. I look forward to watching them start their high school careers next fall,” continued Hothi.
The team roster also consists of Jeremy Hsu, Harshaan Sahota, Karan Rai, Amar Lalli and Nathan Zhang. “It’s great to have kids from all three communities participate and be competitive."
Beside the U13 level, DFA also fielded U12 boys and girls teams.
The younger groups featured plenty of up-and-coming city talent.
The U12 boys have a strong core of players that have been playing together for the last few years.
“This team has come a long way and I am looking forward to great spring season with them and then watching them grow and transition into their high school teams in a couple of years,” said Hothi.
“This was the first year we launched our girls program at the younger ages. At the beginning of the year it took some time for them to get them use to the pace of play and competitiveness as some of them had never played in high intensity environment before. But as the season progressed they improved with every game and ended up finishing fourth overall.
“It's great to be building a pathway for all these athletes to train and play competitive basketball within their community, and then have them take the skills they have learned to their high school teams.
The winter season is winding down, but Delta Force has a full spring program already planned — for boys and girls teams ranging from U12 to U16.
The interest in the program has grown every year and this spring will be one of the biggest.
“We have teams competing both locally in league play and tournaments, and certain teams will be traveling to compete across BC and Washington,” added Hothi.
For further information about the program please contact Jas Hothi, [email protected].
