The Jr. Boys Bow Valley Bobcats came into the Canmore basketball tournament as underdogs and walked away with their first tournament win in almost five years.

The junior boys' team took on all comers, including some teams they lost to earlier in the basketball season.

They beat W. H. Croxford 68-52, then George McDougall 72-48, to earn a berth in the final against the Springbank Phoenix.

The height of the Springbank team was a little unnerving at first, but come jump ball they had game.

"It's written like a Cinderella story," says Bobcats coach Wade Horb. "These guys were all six-foot-plus. They're huge, big, big guys. So when we came out we thought we were in for it."

"We just said, 'Hey, let's come out and compete. Let's play strong'."

The team pulled out a 71-67 win with the help of a couple of foul shots late in the game.

Horb was thrilled with the team's first trophy in almost five years.

"It was great to see the kids celebrate and come together as a team. It was great team bonding over the weekend. I think we're on to something here."

"I've coached a long time, and this is easily my top two, top three best experiences to watch these kids celebrate, and to know their hard work is paying off."

The junior boys have a long bench in what they see as a rebuilding year. 

"We've got 15 guys, and I know a lot of them don't get to see the floor as much as they'd like to, but they all know it's for the greater good."

The team aspires to make the top three in Rocky View this season.

"It's been eighth place, year over year over year. So if we can finish the top three, I think we're set for success over the coming years."

During Rocky View season break, they're participating in an Airdrie tournament, Jan. 31-Feb. 1.

Huge to the junior team are sponsorships from the 5th Avenue Barbershop, River Heights Eye Care, and POD Marketing. 

"They've been great. They don't ask for much in return. They just say if we can help kids play a game that they love, and it never comes down to a financial issue, then they're happy to do so."

Sr. Girls Bobcats update

In other basketball news, the Bow Valley seniors girls team won the consolation event of an Olds tournament.

They lost to H. J. Cody, the eventual tournament winners, in their first game 74-53, before downing Rimbey 58-39 and slam dunking Central Memorial 79-20, in the consolation final.

The team plays their final game of the first half of the season against Cochrane High on Thursday night (Jan. 16). The junior girls' team of both schools also meet that night in a doubleheader that starts at 6 p.m.

After that, they will be playing in the Rose Tournament at Sir Winston Church, Jan. 31-Feb. 1.

They'll also be playing in a Canmore tournament before returning to defend their title at Crescent Heights Calgary, Feb. 21-22, just before playoffs start.