(FREDERICTON, NB) REDS Select teams took titles in two of the three age divisions at their inaugural Capital Clash tournament, held at UNB’s Richard J. Currie Center over the Victoria Day weekend.

REDS Select teams won the U11 and U12 tournament titles, while the Selects’ U13 team lost a two-point decision in the semi-finals.

“Overall, it was a very successful weekend,” said Joe Salerno, head coach of the UNB REDS men’s basketball team, which runs the REDS Select program. “This being the first spring season for REDS Select teams, establishing and hosting a competitive tournament for teams from across the region was one of our goals and we look forward to making this an annual event.”

Twenty-one teams, featuring more than 200 players competing in three age divisions, took part in the tournament with teams coming from Saint John, Moncton, Miramichi, Halifax and East Preston and Prince Edward Island.

In the U11 championship game, the REDS Select side beat Miramichi River Hoops.

REDS Select won the U12 championship, beating Basketball PEI.

After edging the REDS Select entry by a single basket in the semi-finals, Basketball PEI won the U13 title, beating the Scotia Sting.

“It’s been great to see our Select teams progressing over the course of the last couple months,” said Coach Salerno. “This program allows the best players in the Fredericton area to compete not only with other teams from around the Maritimes, but also against each other a couple of times a week, at practice. It’s exciting to think of all the potential and the growth we’ll see with these athletes over the coming years.”

Across the three age categories, Select teams went 10-2 on the weekend.

“We received a lot of positive feedback from visiting teams and families, not only on the facilities, but the tournament in general,” said Salerno. “A big thank you to our REDS Select families who volunteered their time to make this such a great event.”

STORY: Andy Campbell/UNB Athletics

PHOTOS: Evan Richtsfeld/UNB Athletics