Diverse opinions on prep schools surface among B.C. coaches

What some prominent figures in the B.C. basketball community think of the basketball prep school issue:

“I am a bit of a traditionalist. You get in the gym, you work hard and you play multiple sports. But now, those values are being tested by these other models. We’re at a crossroads and we need to get in front of it or we will lose all the good things that come from school sports. As someone who loves high school sports, the worst thing we can do is insulate ourselves and say ‘Ours is the best.’ ” — Chris Kennedy, Superintendent of Schools, West Vancouver

“No one wants to tear down B.C. high school basketball. It’s been an amazing thing. But we need to make changes that will benefit the kids and not just the (high school) programs. It has to be what’s best for the kid to achieve what he wants in his life.” — Doug Dowell, director of athletics, B.C. Christian Academy (B.C.’s first prep school basketball team)

“I’m old school. I see a lot of value in the high school experience. I am not judging a family decision, but the fear for me and others who volunteer their time is they feel they have been a part of this process. Now they don’t know where they fit. Not to say one is right and one is wrong, but my fear is what high school basketball will look like in five years.” — Aaron Mitchell, head boys

basketball coach, St. Thomas More Collegiate

“I believe a lot of kids and parents are not getting good advice. They see the success of some kids at prep schools and they decide that is what they need to do. They need to understand that these schools are a business. There is a culture out there with summer basketball that says if you want to be successful, this is the way you have to go, and it’s not accurate.”

— Paul Eberhardt, president, B.C. boys high school basketball