Teams from across the country are hitting the hardwood in hopes of claiming top prize at the 34th annual Coal Bowl Classic in New Waterford, N.S.

This isn’t the first time Mike Mitro has been a part of the annual basketball tournament. Mitro was a player during the 80s and now he has returned as coach of his daughter’s team.

“I came in 1986 as a player with my high school team from Sarnia, Ontario and we actually won the championship that year, which was an amazing experience at that time and I've always had in my mind that I want to come back,” says Mitro.

Mitro’s team is from Surrey, B.C. He says he wants them to have the same experience he did years ago.

“We went down to Tim Hortons the other day, we walked down and someone said ‘do you want a ride back?’ That happens all the time. It's not something they are used to, it's a different experience and everyone says hi on the street. They know about you and the game you’re playing and asking who you’re playing next,” says Mitro.

“It's very competitive and a lot of fans come out, so it's kind of cool because we don't have that at home. Here they have full packed gyms and everyone's cheering, even if they don't know you,” says B.C. player Nicole Brennan.

Although the girl’s teams are only involved in exhibition games, director Amiee Romard says they are still receiving the unique experience the Coal Bowl has to offer.

“The girls are billeted with our girl’s team out in the community and they become part of their family for the week. They develop friendships that last a life time. These girls are already talking about how connected they've become,” says Romard.

The tournament also features an education component. Teams from off island spend the week learning about Cape Breton's culture and rich coal mining history and then are tested on their experience at the end of the week.

“There's a lot of cool little facts that I wouldn't of known if I hadn't been there before,” says B.C. player Abby Mitro.

“I think it's cool because we get to see how they learn here and how their school runs and how it's compared to our school,” says Brennan.

An experience these girls will be able to carry with them for the rest of their lives, just like Coach Mitro.

With files from CTV Atlantic's Kyle Moore