Like the Golden Globe awards, the Centennial Top10 Shootout is a must-attend event for this year's finest.

The senior girls AAA basketball showcase tournament hits the twin gym floors in Coquitlam with the top nine teams from the most recent provincial poll. Also in attendance are a handful of highly-ranked squads knocking on the door.

When it comes to a preview of the AAA B.C.s, this is where the elite come to meet:

REACH FOR THE TOP

The Centennial Top-10 Shootout continues to attract the best programs from around B.C., in a mid-season AAA senior girls hoop showdown.

This year's edition is no different, beginning Thursday 9: 30 a.m. in the blue gym when No. 2 Handsworth take on honourable mention Gleneagle, who are fresh off of winning the Archbishop Carney Classic last week.

Game 2 on opening day, 10 a.m. in the red gym, has a battle of two teams tied at No. 8 in the rankings - Port Coquitlam's Riverside against Kelowna. The tourney has 16 teams in all, with games starting right until 7 p.m.

The second round starts 10 a.m. on Friday, with the semifinals slated for 6 and 7: 45 p.m. The championship goes Saturday at 4: 30 p.m. at Centennial Secondary.

FULL STEAM AHEAD

Regrouping after last week's trade deadline deals, the Coquitlam Express get back to business with three B.C. Hockey League games - including two at the Poirier Sports Centre.

On Friday, Coquitlam hosts rival Langley in a battle for the final playoff spot, starting at 7 p.m. After a trip to Merritt, Coquitlam returns to face Interior leading Penticton, who feature ex-Express sniper John Siemer, Sunday, 2 p.m.