From left to right: Sanbir Atwal, Coach Rajan Sohal, Joaquin Amanse, Coach Adam Firman, and Jagjot Atwal (Photo taken March 29, 2026) (Joaquin Amanse/TRU)
Inside the NorKam Secondary School gym, the sound of dribbling basketballs starts to fade away as two junior basketball coaches: Coach Rajan Sohal and Coach Adam Firman plan to step away from high school basketball after coaching for nearly five years. Sitting side by side in their familiar gym, the coaches reflect on the years they spent from early morning practices, intense provincial tournament runs and relationships that defined their coaching careers far beyong wins and losses.
The two coaches grew up playing together in high school and decided to take on the role of coaching after their playing days came to an end. Both coaches were inspired to give back to the community and kids by coaching high school basketball players. A young high school basketball player named Jagjot Atwal explains what it was like to be coached by Rajan and Adam and gives an insight into what his future in the sport will look like.
As former players, now adults, the coaches share their stories and life lessons they have learned throughout the entire process. Both coaches share their pride in watching athletes grow into leaders, emphasizing that character development always mattered more than wins and losses.
As they look back, emotions surface as they recall their most memorable moments.
Looking ahead, the coaches reveal their future plans and aspirations when it comes to education and employment. Both coaches express gratitude for the NorKam community that supported them throughout their coaching journey.
Even though they are retiring from the sidelines, their impact will continue to echo throughout the program they helped shape and evolve.
NorKam Saints have just shocked Kamloops basketball culture with its recent rise in dominance that was never expected. Last Friday, the Saints hosted a game, winning in dominant fashion, with the final score of 71-38.
The home gym was filled with kids and parents, who were ready to die for their team on the court. Laughter, taunting, buckets banging, and very unique chants filled the atmosphere with an addictive energy, hooking anyone who entered the game. Kamsports had the rare opportunity to interview Adam Firman (Coach), Shaun Dia (Member of Student Section), Evan Komljenovic and Kaashi Punni (Players on the team) at different points of the game.
The home game atmosphere matched the coaches passion for the game, showing how electric high school sporting events can be. Anyone, like high school students and even TRU students, can get involved in the high school sports scene to electrify the sports culture in Kamloops.
The NorKam basketball program looks motivated to win more games and host even more home games in the future, giving TRU students and other community members an excellent opportunity in the future to come support.
Sports culture in Kamloops is on the rise as the ability to compete with teams all around the province and even any teams in the country increases. For example, the TRU Men’s Basketball team started 8-0. Everyone seemed to know about that, but when high school athletes are competing at the provincial level or dominating in Kamloops or the Okanagan, nobody knows. We, Kamsports, want to be their voice, which can bring in more people to games and make Kamloops’ sports culture more electric.
(“Post Game Picture of NorKam Student Section”/Memebers of the Picure:Covenant Adekola, Ethan Dia, Micheal Mbuzi, Daniel Adeol, Gian Consul, Kaashi Punni, Wyatt Chadwick, Markus Staub, Tanish Khusal, Jaxen Hammer, Wyatt Bebek, and Ethan Blain/Taken outside of Norkam Senior Secondary on March, 9th, 2026).(Sanbir Atwal/TRU)
Firman and Komljenovic love the support of the crowd and feel that’s one of the reasons why they’re such an amazing team. The passionate student section is incredibly welcoming to new fans wanting to support their team, which shows that the high school sports scene in Kamloops is eager to grow.
The Norkam Saints have done it again. The team captured the annual Fulton Cup tournament for the second consecutive year and have secured their place at the Okanagan tournament, where they will compete for a chance to advance to the provincial tournament.
A powerhouse in Junior basketball, the Saints have set their goal on overcoming the obstacle that stopped them last season, falling just short of a provincial berth.
Kamsport interviewed Kaashi Puni (Captain), Rajan Sohal (Head Coach), and Tim Unaegbu (Community Member) to gain insight into the team’s success, their mindset heading into the next stage, and how TRU students can help create a more energetic and supportive atmosphere at basketball games in Kamloops. Puni was asked by Kamsports, “How does it feel to make Okanagans again and what will be the difference this year that pushes your team to the provincial tournament?”
“This year I think the difference is we’re not going to think this is easy, going to provs. We’re going to work through everything, face plenty of adversity, and we’re going to show everyone why we are a top team in this Okanagan,” said Puni.
The home court atmosphere in Kamloops has been on the rise, with more students coming out to support their teams. Puni shared his thoughts on the growing energy in the gym.
“Oh my god, it’s amazing. I love when Luca brings his crowd out because I can hear those guys yelling the whole time and talking trash to the other team,” said Puni.
He also emphasized how impactful TRU student support could be for the Saints.
“That would be amazing if those guys came out. They go all out, and you can hear them at TRU games from the adult section screaming,” said Puni.
(“Norkam Saint’s Jr basketball team celebration picture”/ Taken at the Tournament Capital Center/ Photo taken by Jessice Saunders)
Kamsports was also able to connect with head coach Sohal to arrange an interview. Coach Sohal, a current TRU student pursuing his history degree, has been part of several strong Junior boys basketball teams in the past.
“This year’s group, I think they are more skilled just at basketball and they don’t rely on their athleticism as much as past groups,” Sohal explained.
Although the Norkam Junior boys have consistently been competitive, they have yet to make an appearance at the provincial tournament.
“The provincial tournament has been a goal for me, and these guys are more ready for Okanagans than any team we have had and the most deserving,” said Sohal.
As a TRU student himself, Sohal offered thoughtful ideas on how to increase student engagement and create a stronger game atmosphere.
“We could reach out through social media, both players and coaches, and we could organize trips up to TRU on a weekday or weekend, or even TRU’s opening weekend barbeque, with our Norkam gear on to spread the word,” said coach Sohal.
(“Coach Rajan Sohal coaching Kaashi Puni,Gian Consul, and Jagjot Atwal”/ Taken at Norkam Senior Secondary on February 10th) .(Sanbir Atwal/TRU)
Kamsports was also fortunate to connect with popular basketball community member Tim Unaegbu to hear his perspective on why TRU students currently don’t attend games and how their support could strengthen basketball culture in Kamloops.
“First of all, I don’t think they know about it. The city isn’t spreading the news, and maybe TRU students don’t know their schedules. There is a disconnect between high school and university,” said Unaegbu.
When asked if TRU students could help create a stronger basketball culture in Kamloops, Unaegbu was enthusiastic.
“One thousand percent. Kids look up to players at the next level no matter what. If TRU players or students come to support people they have coached or know, it would help fix that gap between high school and TRU, and that would make the community stronger,” said Unaegbu.
(“Post Interview picture with basketball community member Tim Unaegbu including Kamsports member Sanbir Atwal”/Taken at Westsyde Senior Secondary/ Photo taken by Jagjot Atwal on Feb 12th)
