THE Handsworth Royals senior girls team made a nice early-season statement last weekend in reaching the final of the prestigious Telus Basketball Classic.

In the final of the tournament, formerly known as the HSBC Classic, Handsworth faced the powerful Riverside Rapids and lost 70-53 in front of a large crowd at UBC's War Memorial Gym Saturday night. Elisa Homer lead the way for Handsworth, scoring 24 points in the final to earn a tournament all-star selection. Jamie Hills chipped in 13 points in the losing effort.

While the final didn't end well for the Royals their road to the championship was paved with strong-willed victories. After cruising past John Oliver 81-33 the Royals knocked off New Westminster 76-73 before topping York House 84-82 in a tightly contested semifinal matchup.