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Kornelson adds size to Heat men’s team

Armstrong product comes to UBC Okanagan after two seasons at Briercrest in Saskatchewan
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Armstrong product Ben Kornelson will play varsity basketball this coming season at UBC Okanagan. -Image credit: Contributed

Ben Kornelson, a 6-foot-7 forward from Armstrong, has signed on with the UBC Okanagan Heat men’s basketball program for the 2017-18 Canada West season.

Kornelson comes to Kelowna with two years of post-secondary competition under his belt, having played as a starter with Briercrest College in Caronport, Sask.

He played his high school ball at Pleasant Valley Secondary in Armstrong, while being home schooled. Kornelson is also familiar with the UBC Okanagan environment, having played for two years as part of the Junior Heat U17 club side in Kelowna.

He was recognized by Briercrest in each of his years with the program, earning Most Improved honours his first season and the Most Valuable Player award in his second.

“I chose UBCO to improve in basketball and to be closer to home,” said Kornelson of his decision to transfer to the Okanagan campus. “I am very excited to be coming to UBCO to play basketball at a higher level, improving my skills as a player, and learning more in the classroom about business.”

On the academic side of his upcoming time in Kelowna, Ben’s plan is to earn his BA in Management.

“Ben was a part of our Junior Heat program and we wanted him to join UBCO two years ago,” said Heat head coach Pete Guarasci of his latest recruit. “He wanted to complete some schooling at Briercrest College. We’re happy that he’s made the decision to join our Heat program. He’ll provide some experience, size, and athleticism to our young front court.”

Kornelson will join a new sizable frontline for Guarasci’s squad who has already has commitments from local and Junior Heat club product, 6-foot-10 Owen Keyes (Kelowna Secondary), the 6-foot-8 Amir Hajisafer (Handsworth Secondary) from North Vancouver, and Jake Stokker, a 6-foot-4 guard from Penticton.