While most high school students will spend the long weekend enjoying some nice weather and an extra day off school, Jadon Cohee will be hitting the hardwood in hopes of suiting up for Canada.
Cohee is one of 30 players invited by Canada Basketball to try out of the cadet (born January 1, 1995 or later) men’s national team.
The tryout takes place at Toronto’s Ryerson University from Friday (May 18) to Monday.
Those chosen to play for Canada will compete at the FIBA U17 world championships in Lithuania this summer (June 29 to July 8).
Cohee, a six-foot-four guard, played a prominent role with the Walnut Grove Gators this past season, helping the team to a second-place finish at the B.C. AAA senior boys’ provincial championships.
The 15-year-old Cohee, who is in Grade 10 and played up a level this past season, acquitted himself very well at the senior level, earning first team all-star honours at provincials.
This is the second straight year he has been invited to the cadet tryouts, as he attended last May as a 14-year-old.
Both years, he has been one of the youngest invitees to the camp.
And while he did not make the squad last time around, Cohee is confident in his chances.
“I am stronger, faster, quicker,” he said.
“I feel I have gotten a lot better from last year and believe I can make the team.”
Cohee is playing is also playing in several U.S. tournaments this summer for Drive Basketball, a Lower Mainland club program.