Bandits host Shooting Stars in Season’s First West Coast Matinee

Zulfi Sheikh • May 26, 2024

The Vancouver Bandits (1-0) welcome the Shooting Stars (0-1) to the Langley Events Centre on Sunday – the site of Scarborough’s first title last season – with action set for 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. local.


Fans can stream the action live on CEBL+ powered by BetVictor, TSN+, Courtside 1891 (outside of North America) and on the CEBL mobile app available for iOS and Android devices. The game will also be available on Game+ in Canada and NLSE in the United States.


It’ll be the first of two matchups between Vancouver and Scarborough this season, their next contest not taking place until the end of June. Between now and then, there’ll be plenty to figure out for both squads, but what we do know is they are coming off very different season-opening outcomes.


Vancouver enters Sunday on the heels of an impressive 20-point victory over the Montréal Alliance that saw their offseason additions propel them to the lop-sided win. Koby McEwen, who spent the last two seasons as a Brampton Honey Badger, led the way with 22 points, six rebounds and four assists. Meanwhile, import acquisitions Zach Copeland and Tazé Moore chipped in with 19 and 17 points, respectively, in their CEBL debuts.


Meanwhile, Scarborough makes their way into the matinee off the emotional letdown of a 109-106 loss to the Winnipeg Sea Bears in a game they let slip away. Not only did the Shooting Stars convert better from the field, three-point distance and the free throw line on Friday, they had two opportunities to secure the win from the charity stripe. 


Jackson Rowe, who put up 17 points and 10 rebounds in his debut for the Shooting Stars, got fouled needing to sink just one free throw for the victory and went on to miss both. Winnipeg went on to grab Rowe’s second miss and drill a game-winning triple.


Despite getting solid performances from multiple debutants like Tevian Jones who finished a team-high 18 points and nine rebounds, Kadre Gray who added 17 points off the bench or Shamar Givance who chipped in with a near-double-double of 10 points and nine assists, the Shooting Stars ultimately started their title-defence season with a heartbreaking loss.



By the Numbers

Turnovers: It wasn’t just Scarborough’s late game execution that cost them it was their multiple unforced errors that kept the game closer than it needed to be. The defending champs turned the ball over 14 times, eight more than the Sea Bears and gave up 17 costly points off those freebies. 


Three-point shooting: Both teams made it clear through their opening games that they like to shoot from beyond-the-arc as two of the three teams to attempt make 10-or-more threes through one game played and attempt over 30. As far as efficiency goes, Scarborough holds the edge with 15 makes (the most by a team a single game this season) on a league leading 38.5 per cent clip.


Key matchup

Both squads have the talent and depth on the perimeter to keep up with each other, which is why the real X-factor matchup will be a battle in the paint between Nick Ward and Hason Ward (no relation). 


Nick is a known commodity in the CEBL, a 2021 All-CEBL first team member and one of the most productive offensive bigs the league has to offer. In Vancouver’s win against Montréal, the American may not have been a focal point as they acclimated the new guys, but he still finished with an impressive 17 points on 55 per cent shooting, six rebounds and a block.


Meanwhile, Hason was equally impactful in his debut. His 12 points may not match up to Nick’s offensive production, but the 23-year-old still went 6-for-7 from the field while imposing his will on defence. Not only did Hason rack up seven blocks, tying the second-most in a single game all-time, he limited former first round NBA draft pick Byron Mullens to seven points on 1-for-8 shooting.


A battle between offensive hub Nick and defensive anchor Hason is one fans will surely want to keep their eyes on.


2023 season series

:The cross-conference opponents matched up just once last season, with the Bandits playing spoiler to the eventual champions, beating the Shooting Stars 82-79. Ward was instrumental in the victory, leading all players with 24 points and 11 rebounds.


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Vancouver Bandits and UFV Announce Exclusive Partnership for Junior All Native Tournament

By Bandits Staff • March 13, 2026
The Vancouver Bandits and Bandits Community Foundation are proud to partner with the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) to support local Indigenous youth participating at the upcoming 2026 Junior All Native Tournament (JANT). Hosted jointly by the Vancouver Bandits, Bandits Community Foundation, Vancity Nation Basketball and Kwantlen First Nation, JANT is the largest Indigenous youth sports gathering in British Columbia and one of the largest basketball tournaments in Canada. As a co-presenting sponsor, UFV will support the tournament’s on-site athletic therapy services. Students and faculty from UFV’s School of Kinesiology will assist in providing athletic therapy coverage throughout the tournament under the supervision of UFV Head Athletic Therapist Grant Ammann, who help ensure high-quality care for participating athletes. “Supporting Indigenous youth through sport reflects UFV’s commitment to community engagement, experiential learning, and is consistent with Reconciliation” said Michael Gaetz, Director of the School of Kinesiology at the University of the Fraser Valley. “Our students gain valuable hands-on experience while contributing to the health and well-being of young athletes and communities from all over the Province of BC.” “The Junior All Native Tournament represents the power of sport to bring communities together and inspire the next generation,” said James Mandigo, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Fraser Valley. “UFV is proud to support this important event and to contribute the expertise of our School of Kinesiology in helping create a safe, supportive environment for Indigenous youth athletes.” “We’re incredibly excited to partner with UFV to support the young athletes participating in the Junior All Native Tournament. This collaboration is a great example of what can happen when different parts of a community come together with a shared purpose,” said Vancouver Bandits team president & JANT co-chair Dylan Kular. “Seeing UFV’s School of Kinesiology & UFV Cascades’ students and faculty step in to support these athletes demonstrates the university’s commitment to youth across British Columbia and shows the real power of cross-department collaboration in creating meaningful experiences for the next generation. The Bandits Community Foundation and its partners have supported basketball development initiatives for Indigenous youth across British Columbia, including camps for athletes, officials and coaches, and community court revitalization projects. JANT has been a cornerstone event for nearly 50 years, uniting young athletes and their families from Indigenous communities across British Columbia. The tournament aims to inspire Indigenous youth to pursue their goals and make the most of their potential, while improving their fitness and skill levels. The 50th edition of JANT will take place in Langley from March 15-20, 2026 and is expected to bring more than 1,200 youth athletes, over 10,000 travellers and over 100 teams from across the province, representing over 100 Indigenous communities. Learn more about JANT and purchase event tickets at www.JANT.ca.

Vancouver Bandits and FortisBC Extend Partnership for 2026 Season, Expanding Commitment to Youth Basketball Across British Columbia Through JANT

By Bandits Staff • March 11, 2026
The Vancouver Bandits are proud to announce the renewal of their collaboration with FortisBC Energy Inc. (FortisBC) for the 2026 season, continuing a shared commitment to empowering youth through basketball development. This marks the fifth consecutive year of collaboration between the Bandits and FortisBC, reinforcing a strong community-driven initiative that provides coaching and mentorship opportunities for aspiring young athletes and coaches across British Columbia. As part of this renewed sponsorship, FortisBC will once again be the official co-presenter of the coaching and youth clinics hosted by the Bandits Community Foundation’s Indigenous Basketball Collective (IBC) . These clinics, designed to foster skill development and leadership among Indigenous youth, will continue to offer a structured environment where young players can learn from experienced coaches while also building confidence and teamwork skills through the game of basketball across British Columbia. Basketball is one of the most participated sports amongst Indigenous youth in British Columbia, which is displayed at the annual Junior All-Native Tournament (JANT). In addition to the Indigenous Basketball Collective, FortisBC is supporting the 50th anniversary of JANT. This tournament is welcoming 130 teams from across British Columbia to Langley March 15th to 20th, 2026. The 50th anniversary JANT is slated to be the largest in the history of the tournament welcoming nearly 1,800 players and coaches from over 75 First Nations communities across British Columbia. With the support of all JANT sponsors, including FortisBC, the tournament is not charging spectators to watch games from March 16th to 19th. “FortisBC is committed to supporting Indigenous youth and community-led initiatives that strengthen connection and belonging,” said Vanessa Connolly, director, community and Indigenous relations FortisBC. “By investing in youth basketball programs and community tournaments, we’re helping create inclusive spaces where young people can build confidence, skills and lasting relationships.” FortisBC returns as a co-presenter of the BC Basketball Festival, one of the province’s premier youth basketball tournaments and one of the only youth basketball tournaments in British Columbia that does not charge spectators to watch games. The extension of this partnership aligns with both organizations’ ongoing efforts to foster community engagement, youth development, and the overall growth of basketball in British Columbia.

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By CEBL Staff • March 3, 2026
The Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) and CBC Sports today announced a landmark five-year broadcast partnership that will see marquee games air on CBC TV, including the first best-of-three CEBL Finals in league history, and all games live streamed on CBC Gem and CBC Sports YouTube . “As Canada’s professional basketball league, with 10 teams across the country, our focus is simple, to meet fans where they are,” said CEBL President and CEO Ty Mazereeuw. “Partnering with CBC Sports brings the CEBL to more Canadians on a trusted national stage, and expands access across digital platforms including CBC Gem and YouTube, giving basketball fans of all ages more choice in how they follow our biggest moments.” “Canadian basketball is having a moment right now on the world stage, and through our partnership with the CEBL, we can bring the energy and momentum of Canada’s top young players to fans across the country,” said Chris Wilson, Executive Director, Sports and Olympics, CBC. “We are excited to share the excitement from the court with wider audiences on CBC’s platforms, and to interact with and serve local fans in CEBL locations across Canada.” CBC Sports was the league’s broadcast partner for its inaugural seasons from 2019 through 2022, and with the new partnership, for the next five years CBC Sports will offer select regular-season games on CBC TV and all regular-season and playoff games on CBC Gem and CBC Sports YouTube. Available platforms will also include CEBL+. The CEBL’s full 2026 broadcast schedule and more broadcast-related announcements are coming soon. For the full 2026 Canadian Elite Basketball League game schedule, visit cebl.ca/schedule . Details on the League’s new playoff format are available at cebl.ca/playoffs , and ticket information for all CEBL games can be found at cebl.ca/tickets .

Bandits Single Game Tickets On Sale now

By Bandits Staff • February 25, 2026
The Vancouver Bandits announced Wednesday that single game tickets for all home games for the 2026 Canadian Elite Basketball League ( CEBL ) season are available for purchase to the public. The Bandits sold-out 75 per cent of regular season home games during the 2025 CEBL season so fans are encouraged to secure their tickets as soon as they can. The Bandits will tip off the home portion of their schedule with a pair of games as part of Home Opener Weekend at Envision Financial Court at Langley Events Centre (LEC). The home opener will be played on Friday, May 22 at 7:00 p.m. PT against the Edmonton Stingers, while the second game will take place on Sunday, May 24 at 5:00 p.m. when the Bandits host the Calgary Surge in a highly-anticipated rematch of the 2025 CEBL Western Conference Quarterfinal. “There is nothing like a Bandits Basketball game. It is high-energy, engaging and, most importantly, it’s for everyone. Whether you are a lifelong basketball fan, a family looking for a fun night out, or someone experiencing a game for the first time, you belong here,” said Vancouver Bandits team president Dylan Kular. “We have worked hard to create one of the best live event experiences in British Columbia, a place where the community comes together, cultures are celebrated, and unforgettable moments are made. We cannot wait to welcome all of BC to Envision Financial Court at Langley Events Centre this summer.” In celebration of the BC School Sports Basketball Provincial Championships, taking place at LEC, fans use the promotional code PROVINCIALS15 upon check out to save 15% off single game tickets played at Envision Financial Court at Langley Events Centre until Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. PT. Single game tickets for all Bandits home games can be purchased here . The Vancouver Bandits’ complete home game schedule is as follows (all times Pacific): Home games played at Envision Financial Court at Langley Events Centre, unless denoted. Friday, May 22, 2026 vs. Edmonton | 7:00 p.m. Sunday, May 24, 2026 vs. Calgary | 5:00 p.m. Saturday, June 6, 2026 vs. Saskatchewan | 6:00 p.m. *Game played in Kelowna Saturday, June 13, 2026 vs. Ottawa | 6:00 p.m. Monday, June 15, 2026 vs. Scarborough | 7:00 p.m. Saturday, June 20, 2026 vs. Brampton | 6:00 p.m. Saturday, June 27, 2026 vs. Winnipeg | 6:00 p.m. Friday, July 3, 2026 vs. Edmonton | 7:00 p.m. Sunday, July 5, 2026 vs. Calgary | 12:30 p.m. Friday, July 17, 2026 vs. Montreal | 7:00 p.m. Saturday, July 25, 2026 vs. Saskatchewan | 6:00 p.m. Sunday, August 2, 2026 vs. Winnipeg | 12:30 p.m. Featuring the club’s most fan-friendly schedule to date, Bandits home games will feature start times on Friday nights at 7:00 p.m. (3), Saturday nights at 6:00 p.m. (5), and Sunday afternoons at 5:00 p.m. (2). Envision Financial Court at Langley Events Centre will be the place to be for professional basketball in British Columbia this summer, further solidifying the Bandits’ fast-growing reputation as one of the most exciting and dynamic live event offerings in British Columbia. Fans can also look forward to the return of Bandits Theme Nights this summer. Dates and details of popular games, such as Filipino Heritage, South Asian Heritage and Country Night, along with new themes will be announced next month. Single game tickets for the eighth season of Bandits Basketball are available for purchase and can be accessed by clicking here . In addition to single game tickets, Season Tickets , Group Experiences and Jam Packs are also available for purchase.

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