Chinook basketball joins Deep South league

By Lethbridge Herald on December 8, 2023.

Herald photo by JUSTIN SEWARD Chinook Coyotes Rylan Clarke picks up a defensive rebound during Deep South basketball league play against Winston Churchill on Thursday.

By Justin Seward

Lethbridge Herald

The Chinook Coyotes senior varsity  basketball teams has taken a leave of absence from the SAIAC southern Alberta 4A basketball league to join the Deep South league.

Chinook is still working in a building and establishing phase.

“But yeah right now again I just go back to fit ,and just thinking as we make those decisions and we take a look and see what’s the best fit for (our) program right now in terms of to ensure that growth,” said Bruce Carbert, Chinook athletic director.

“ And to continue like I said that foundational piece and establishing and are continuing …  having the program in a healthy place. In which we’ve got in terms of teams, … being where our participation numbers are high and then we have kids that are excited to come out and play basketball.”

Carbert said there is a lot of  terrific teams in Deep South.

“It’s no easy path and it’s certainly not what we’re seeking,” said Carbert.

Carbert thought it was too early to comment on the competition level in the Deep South because they haven’t seen all the teams yet.

“I think it’s fair to say that you have some of the strongest programs in the entire province across all levels within both leagues,” said Carbert.

“You have provincial representation at the 1A, 2A, 3A, 4A and for us as a small 4A school, basing  off  it right now ,maybe our matchup is a better match up between other schools.”

The Deep South is a mixture of  local 1A, 2A and 3A schools.

“There’s a lot of  great basketball to be played and a lot  of fun to be had this season ,and obviously as always, we’re excited to be a part of it and looking to give it our best out on the court,” said Carbert.

Chinook will have to compete in a play-in game to make the 4A zone tournament at U of L in the spring.