MRSS Ramblers host annual Ridge Fights Cancer Tournament, raise $5,000

The Maple Ridge Ramblers basketball teams hosted a great tournament over the weekend, for a great cause.

This year’s Ridge Fights Cancer tournament was a success, with teams from across the Lower Mainland coming to participate, and the event raising money for cancer patients.

The Ramblers senior boys opened with a loss to the Delta Pacers by a 76-64 score on Thursday, Jan. 8, but then beat the Thomas Haney Thunder 84-60, and the Pinetree Timberwolves 85-41, on Friday and Saturday.

The Thunder got wins over the Timberwolves 90-64, and 79-78 over the Pacers.

The Ramblers senior girls team also went 2-1, with a big effort shown by each team throughout the weekend, according to coaches.

The tournament was started as a way to honour former MRSS student and basketball player Kevin Varga, who passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. Since the tournament’s creation, it has been expanded to honour and celebrate all Ramblers affected by the disease. The tourney acts a fundraiser for organizations who help families impacted by cancer, and this year’s tournament has raised close to $5,000.

• In more basketball action, the Pitt Meadows Air Show Tournament runs this week, Jan. 15 to 17, starting with the host Marauders senior boys hosting the Seaquam Seahawks on Thursday at 1:45 p.m.

That game will be followed by the Ramblers taking on the NorKam Saints at 3:30 p.m.

The championship game will be played on Saturday at 3 p.m.