There's momentum and bragging rights on the line, as well as a realignment of the provincial AAA senior boys rankings.

That's just part of what comes into play with this week's Terry Fox Legal Beagle Invitational, which tips off Thursday with a 3: 15 p.m. game between No. 4-ranked White Rock Christian and unranked but impressive Pitt Meadows.

For Fox co-coaches Steve Hanson and Brad Petersen, the eight-team tourney will serve as both a measuring stick and a great momentum-builder for many of those in attendance.

"From top to bottom, this is one of the toughest tournaments in the province," remarked Petersen. "Every team will provide a great game - win or lose (Thursday) we'll have another tough one on Friday."

No. 1-rated Kitsilano will play Coquitlam's Gleneagle at 5 p.m., followed by unranked Fox's test against No. 9 Sardis at 6: 45 p.m. The headliner game at 8: 30 features No. 3 Walnut Grove taking on No. 10 Van College.

Games continue Friday, starting at 3 p.m., with the final slated for 7 p.m. Saturday.

Having already played Sardis six weeks ago, the Ravens aim to convert a 73-61 loss into a better result, said Hanson.

"It was a really good atmosphere (in Sardis) and they kind of pulled out a zone on us... We've got a full lineup and our young guys have a month of experience."

A year ago, Fox used the Beagle as a springboard to what would become a 2012 AAA championship. This year, the target remains on playing better as a team every game out.

The Ravens' lineup features key returnees like Trevor Casey and Cam Nichol, good depth among seven Grade 11s, plus Grade 10s starting point guard Jomari Reyes, Liam Hancock, Andy Seo and Mike West.

"Their compete level and understanding of our offensive and defensive schemes has gotten a lot better since the start of the season," noted Hanson.

Fox began the new year on Friday with a 71-58 loss to Handsworth, and played Dr. Charles Best yesterday (past The NOW's deadline) in a league test.