A promising basketball player hailing from Summerland has successfully secured a position as an alternate on the U15 Team BC, showcasing his exceptional talent and potential in the sport.
Mateo Ducheck, in conjunction with Liam Reid of Penticton, partook in the U15 Team BC camp from the 12th to the 14th of April at Collingwood Secondary School in West Vancouver. Both of these young athletes are members of Penticton-based U15 team of Lake City Basketball.
As indicated by Lake City director Chris Terris, the selection of Mateo as an alternate is a significant accomplishment, given that 95 players participated in the camp. The fact that a player from outside the Lower Mainland or Victoria has made it to the top 12 is truly commendable and serves as a testament to Mateo’s skill and commitment to the sport.
Similarly, another player from Summerland, Dezi Ducheck, also took part in the U17 camp from the 5th to the 7th of April. As the brother of Mateo Ducheck and a member of the Lake City Elite 17 team for two years, Dezi has demonstrated his prowess on the court.
All three players, including Liam Reid, returned from the camps with renewed confidence, knowing that they stand among the best in the province. Coach Spencer McKay, who has seen his own achievements in the B.C. provincial and Canadian national team programs, highlighted the positive influence this recognition has had on the players and the overall program at Lake City Basketball.
Established in 2016 by Dustin Hyde and Terris, Lake City Basketball is committed to nurturing the growth and popularity of basketball in the South Okanagan. The organization has been making significant strides towards achieving this goal, particularly with the recent inclusion of three girls’ teams, marking the return of female teams since before the COVID-19 pandemic.
This year, the club is overseeing a total of 10 teams, and the growing interest in the sport is evident from the increasing number of players who tried out for a spot on the teams. With 180 athletes testing their skills in 2024, as compared to 118 in 2023, it is evident that basketball is gaining traction in the region.
Furthermore, Lake City Basketball has been proactive in creating opportunities for young people to engage with the sport, with three youth leagues in Penticton catering to players from Grade 2 to Grade 10, as well as two skills academies operating in Oliver. This dedication to grassroots development has been crucial in nurturing the talent and passion for basketball in the community, ultimately contributing to the thriving basketball scene in the region.
The outstanding accomplishments of these young athletes align with Lake City Basketball’s overarching objective of providing opportunities for more children to excel in the sport, and it is heartening to witness the positive impact the organization has had in shaping the next generation of basketball stars.