The Thunder Bolt

A few weeks ago, our Senior Basketball ASAC teams traveled to Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Both the men's and women's teams competed at Canadian International School (CIS). This trip gave our students a chance to play against teams from other countries. It helped them improve their basketball skills and grow closer as teammates. The players faced new challenges, made lasting memories, and strengthened their friendships both on and off the court.

The CISH Boys Basketball team returned from the ASAC tournament with a respectable 4-3 record, marking a solid performance in their inaugural appearance at the competition. The team faced tough competition throughout the tournament, which demanded six games in just two days. Despite the grueling schedule, the young men showcased their skill and determination, even pushing the eventual tournament champions to the brink of defeat.

Senior captains Danny and Kiet led the charge, supported by fellow seniors Tony, K Minh, Alex, and Matt. The team also saw significant contributions from underclassmen Aiden, Junhong, Callum, Bao, and Thai Co, demonstrating a promising future for the CISH basketball program. Every player contributed to the team's success, making this a true team effort.

Coach Mills expressed his pride in the boy’s basketball team's performance, highlighting their resilience and competitive spirit. "This was a historic tournament for CISH," Coach Mills commented, "and these young men have set a high standard for future teams. I'm incredibly proud of their performance and dedication." He commended the seniors for their leadership and wished them well in their future endeavors. Every player contributed to the team's success, making this a true team effort. Looking ahead, Coach Mills emphasized the bright future of the program, encouraging the underclassmen to build on this experience and continue their development. 

“I am proud of what this team was able to accomplish—being the first Concordia High School basketball team to compete at an ASAC tournament, we were tasked with the immense challenge of not knowing what the competition was like and how to deal with several intense games over a short time. Despite this, we practiced hard all year and worked well to build team chemistry, leading to a good and fun experience, marking us as pioneers for Concordia's basketball program.” - Danny (G12)

“ASAC was a memorable experience, and it gave many young players a chance to compete against new levels of competition. The diversity in play style amongst the teams required higher levels of adapting, fostering growth and future success for upcoming athletes. Furthermore, the experience in traveling as a team created new long-lasting bonds between team members, something valuable as the team continues to grow and build on the program’s foundation year after year. Having the opportunity to experience international travel competition and represent Concordia was an honor for me.” - Kiet (G12)

Reflecting on the women's ASAC basketball tournament in Cambodia, Ms. Colleen Knoflick noted the team's remarkable transformation led by team captains Tasia (G11) and JaeEun (G12). She observed that the players arrived as 12 individuals but departed as a unified and memorable team. According to her, the High School girls' basketball team showcased significant growth over three days and six games against formidable opponents, both individually and collectively. 

The coach emphasized “What stood out most was their unwavering effort, resilience, and tenacity. Regardless of the score or opponent, they never gave up, playing full-on defense and fighting until the final buzzer. Their unwavering determination was a testament to their character and commitment and such a great thing to see in women’s sports.” In the coach's view, their steadfast commitment was a testament to their character, making it an inspiring display in women's sports.

“ASAC basketball was an unforgettable experience! Even with limited practice time together, the girls team worked hard, played our best, and built a strong team bond. The competition was tough, but we supported each other every step of the way. I am very proud of what we accomplished!” - Bao Linh (G12)

“The tournament was incredibly challenging, and we hadn't faced teams with that level of skill before. Despite having only two practices together, it was a fantastic team-building experience. A highlight of the trip was definitely the last night when the coaches treated us to Dairy Queen, and we all enjoyed Blizzards." - JaeEun (G12)

Learn more about Concordia's High School program