VIDEO: Western Canada Basketball tournament rebounds after three year absence

When it comes to bringing the school together, at KSS there's nothing like the Annual Interior Savings Western Canada Basketball Tournament.

After being starved of the experience for three years, there's a lot of excitement about the return of the event next month for the first time in three years.

"It's a big part of our school, a big part of our school spirit, a big part of our tradition," said tournament director Chris Cartwright.

"I'm so excited for our students to experience this again."

For the vast majority of the students, it will be a completely new experience.

Members of the graduating class were all in middle school the last time KSS hosted this tournament.

"It's going to be a bit of a learning curve," predicts tournament director Dave Reynolds. "The whole Westerns experience for them, but I think they'll pick it up pretty quickly and get into the feel."

And it's not just the students getting excited about it.

"Our staff is also hopping on board supporting this tournament," added Cartwright, "because they know how important it is for our community."

The tournament is one of the most prestigious in the country and has always attracted an amazing list of teams.

This year's tourney will feature five of the best teams in BC, including four of the top six along with three strong teams from the prairies.

The host Owls come into the tournament ranked 4th in the province.

Coach Harry Parmar promises the fast breaks and full-court presses that have become Kelowna's signature since he's been at the helm.

"Yeah, we'll press all game if we have to," he said.

Having a gym full of screaming fans fits right in with that fast pace.

"It'll be nice to get the gym full and get up and down and see what happens," said Parmar.

If anyone has missed this. It's him.

"It's about time," he said.

The 48th edition of the big tournament tips off Feb. 2.