The best high school boys' basketball teams in Ontario will be in Sarnia this week.
The Northern Vikings are hosting the OFSSA Boys' AAA Basketball Championship March 6 to 8, marking the first time a Sarnia-Lambton school has hosted the highest level of the tournament.
Vikings head coach Chris Jones said they have a really strong group of players.
"There's an independent seeding committee that does all the seeding. There's 18 teams and we're ranked No. 5 coming in, so we got a really good shot to do well this tournament."
Northern lost to Ursuline College 73-49 in the LKSSAA final on February 18 -- the Lancers are ranked No. 2 in this week's tournament.
The Vikings tip-off their tournament Monday at 2 p.m. from Lambton College against the No. 17 ranked Eastside Ravens of Belleville.
Jones said the school had to bid for the championship three years ago and that it's pretty unique and it's rare to see this level of ball locally.
"I think it's something that when people come watch it, they'll be amazed at the evolution of the game and how skilled these young guys are," he said. "And the greatest thing is, you know, our Northern community has been great but the entire basketball community in Sarnia-Lambton has been fantastic and the larger community support has been overwhelming."
Northern lost to Ursuline College 73-49 in the LKSSAA final on February 18 -- the Lancers are ranked No. 2 in this week's tournament.
Jones said the student body at Northern Collegiate has been hard at work.
"They'll be doing the livestream, working the door, the score clock, special events, poster night, they've been fantastic. They're certainly getting behind the event."
Game one of the tournament gets underway at 10 a.m. from Northern when No. 1 ranked Oakwood Collegiate of Toronto faces the No. 11 ranked Banting Broncos of London.
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With files from Josh Boyce