Team Scotia

Basketball Nova Scotia runs a very extensive High Performance program each year for athletes ages U14-U17. Through this program, we are able to identify the best basketball players in our sport throughout the Province. This provides an excellent opportunity for our youth to represent Basketball Nova Scotia at a Provincial, Atlantic, and National level. Provincial teams train and compete frequently throughout the spring and summer months, and participate in various tournaments throughout Canada and Eastern U.S., including two of our teams (U15 and U17 Boys/Girls), who participate at the Canada Basketball National Championships. These events allow our athletes to display their talents in front of top-tier NCAA, USports, and CCAA scouts and coaches.

History of Success

19 Medals since 2002

Canada Basketball National championships

Basketball Nova Scotia has won 19 medals at the Canada Basketball National Championships since 2002. This is a reflection of the underdog, blue collar mentality of our small province. Representing Nova Scotia is a point of pride for many athletes in their basketball careers. Being part of Nova Scotia’s basketball history is to be part of our basketball story.

In 2015, Basketball Nova Scotia hosted the Canada Basketball National Championships and history was made. An incredibly special group of Nova Scotian athletes & coaches, won the U17 National Title on home soil, for the first time! Basketball Nova Scotia defeated Ontario Basketball in the final 67 – 52.

2015 U17 National Champions

Recent Canada Basketball National Champions & Medalists

Notable Recent Alumni

Testimonials

“I have played several years for BNS provincial teams and every summer has been a good experience. This year (2015) was the best as it all ended with a National Championship for our province!!! It was such a cool feeling to win gold in front of our home crowd, with all my family and friends watching. Our coaches pushed us all summer and made us believe we could win it all. I will never forget this Summer! Thanks to BNS for giving me this opportunity. I will always rep NS wherever I go with basketball.” – Nate Darling, Shooting Guard, University of Alabama-Birmingham and Historical FIBA U19 World Champion with U18/U19 Canadian Men’s Basketball Team. MVP and Champion of the 2015 Canadian National Champion with BNS U17 Boys.

“Through working with BNS, I have been able to coach players from Dartmouth, Cole Harbour, North Preston, Sackville, Halifax, Shelburne, Wolfville, Antigonish, Bridgewater, and Bedford. Each player was a top player from their community working together with other top players from different areas sharing a common goal of team success. It was always enjoyable to see in-season opponents now be teammates and friends for a summer. I have formed many great relationships from coaching with BNS from 2012-2016 with players and parents. I always felt fully supported by BNS with every team I coached which helped make my experiences very enjoyable and stress free. Not only did BNS help me with coaching certification, they gave me opportunities with age groups from U14-U17 to help mold me into the coach I am today. Whether it is playing or coaching for BNS, representing your province will be something you truly do not regret.” – Danny De Palma, Assistant Men’s and Women’s Basketball Coach, Acadia University. Head Coach of the 2016 BNS U17 Boys National Champions

“I have been fortunate enough to be a player and coach in the BNS system, as well as a Board Member. I feel that BNS offers a great opportunity to young basketball players and coaches in my home province! I believe that BNS Coaches and Staff members are very hard working, passionate, knowledgeable people, and continue to do their best to not only promote and help our young players, but the wonderful game of basketball as well! I would recommend to any young player that if given the opportunity, they should try-out for one of the BNS teams. BNS offers the only chance for a young player to compete for their province in a National Championship event, as well as the chance to gain great exposure. As a CIS coach now at UPEI, I very much enjoy watching teams from BNS play! I am very proud of my association through the years with BNS, and believe that without the opportunities that were given to me by this Provincial body, I may not be where I am today! Thank you very much BNS for all that you have done for me over a number of years, and I wish you the very best moving forward!” – Tim Kendrick, Current NBL Island Storm Head Coach, Former Head Men’s Basketball Coach, University of Prince Edward Island

“We have been involved with BNS for 5 years as parents and 4 years as team manager. There were lots of challenges along the way but through it all BNS continued to support our mission of capturing a national title which our U17 (boys) team did in August 2015. What an exciting and rewarding way to cap off our BNS experience! And this after the U17 (boys) team won bronze in 2014! One of the best parts of being involved in BNS has been the people we have met and the friends we have made. The basketball community is large and so supportive in Nova Scotia. This support comes shining through by way of the many volunteers who step up to ensure basketball in Nova Scotia is the best it can be. From coaches, assistant coaches, trainers, parents, family members and friends; everyone gives so much personal time to make it the best experience for the kids. This was most evident when Nova Scotia hosted Nationals. Seeing all the volunteers step forward and making it what we believe to be one of the best if not the best Nationals in some time. The enthusiasm and work ethic was second to none. We heard from many provinces after Nationals that Nova Scotia will be a hard act to follow when hosting!! We are very proud to be part of the BNS family and look forward to the success of future generations!” – Bruce and Lisa Carson, Parents

“Euan was lucky enough to be selected to the U14 BNS team. He not only developed as a player during the summer, but developed new friendships which  will be lasting. The coaches were incredibly enthusiastic and passionate not only about the game of basketball but about giving their all to help the boys develop their skills. They were very organized in practices, and keen to participate in tournaments. Even if games were not going our way, they continued to support the boys and encourage them even if emotions got the better of a few people at times. I know that I speak for all the boys in saying that they felt very lucky to have credible individuals coaching them. They brought years of experience between them and helped foster a great team spirit. There have even been many team social events since the season ended. I hope Euan will have the opportunity to have such a wonderful experience again.” – Sarah Brydie, Parent

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