The stage is set for another thrilling chapter in one of Canada's most prestigious high school basketball events. The 56th annual Bedford Road Invitational Tournament (BRIT) begins Thursday, January 8, 2026, and runs through Saturday at the Kelly Bowers Gymnasium in Saskatoon's Bedford Road Collegiate.
Local Powerhouses Seek Redemption and Glory
All eyes in Saskatoon will be on the hometown hopefuls, particularly the Holy Cross Crusaders senior boys' team. They enter this weekend carrying the weight of recent near-misses. For three consecutive seasons, Holy Cross has seen its BRIT title dreams end on Saturday night. The Crusaders finished third in 2023 after a stunning semifinal collapse, then suffered back-to-back losses in the championship game in 2024 and 2025.
The quest for the school's first BRIT crown since 2003-04 continues, and a key figure in that effort will be Lucian Tyson. After primarily coming off the bench last year, Tyson is now poised for a starting role as Holy Cross chases the elusive trophy. He will be joined by teammate Raphael Mutongolo as crucial pieces following the departure of former all-stars Kian Tyson and Moe Osman.
Their perennial rivals, the Walter Murray Marauders, have experienced the full spectrum of BRIT outcomes recently. They were runners-up in 2023, captured a memorable title by defeating Holy Cross in 2024, and then placed fourth in 2025. Like the Crusaders, they must reload after losing cornerstone players, including two-time all-star and MVP Zach Hawley. The Marauders will look to Isak Larsen, Andrew Hawley, and Mouad Etaguiri to lead a new-look squad into contention.
Other Saskatoon teams in the field include St. Joseph, making its 10th tournament appearance, and the host Bedford Road Redhawks.
Historic Debuts and Formidable Visitors
One of the most compelling stories of BRIT 2026 is a debut 46 years in the making. The Winnipeg Dakota Lancers are finally set to compete, nearly half a century after a heartbreaking withdrawal. In 1980, the then top-ranked Lancers were forced to pull out just one day before tip-off after four starters suffered injuries in the preceding week.
Their long-awaited arrival could be significant. Coming off a second-place finish at Manitoba's 4A provincial championships last year, Dakota has the potential to challenge for the title. A victory would make them the first Manitoba team to win BRIT since Winnipeg Windsor Park accomplished the feat in 1989.
Another visiting team commanding respect is the Magrath Zeniths from southern Alberta, a region known for producing strong basketball talent. Last year, Magrath pushed Holy Cross to the limit in a tight first-round game before rallying to win the consolation title, proving they can compete with the tournament's best.
A Weekend of High-Stakes Hoops Awaits
The BRIT consistently attracts top-tier talent and delivers unforgettable moments, and the 2026 edition promises more of the same. The tournament provides a platform for the next generation of basketball stars to shine under the bright lights of a major event.
For Holy Cross, the question is whether this is the year they finally break through. For Walter Murray, it's about reclaiming past glory with a new core. And for all involved, from the historic debutants from Winnipeg to the skilled visitors from Alberta, the goal is the same: to etch their names into the storied history of the Bedford Road Invitational Tournament.
