The senior boys' basketball team capped off a busy four days by winning the ISA Championship on Saturday. After a stirring comeback victory on opening night on Wednesday against Sentinel, the Cavs played three games this past weekend culminating in a 66-62 win over Mulgrave to bring home the ISA title. Here is Coach Wong's report on the fantastic opening week of basketball:
648 days later the Cavs took to the court. Opening quarter yips summed up the start of the game versus neighbouring foe, Sentinel. Down 19-6 to start the game, Collingwood re-grouped, stifling Sentinel to go on a 19-0 run. A close game that is not represented by the 75-55 final score was highlighted by an emphatic in-game dunk by Andersen Stewart. The loyal crowd became boisterous after that, and it reminded us of what makes high school basketball so special.
Collingwood took to the court at Mulgrave on Friday and Saturday for the 2021 ISA's. The starting five played at a lightning quick pace to take a commanding 25-0 against St. Georges B team. Leading the charge was 3rd year senior Nic Wrixon, who resembled a high-school Steph Curry at times. He scored 36 points in 15 minutes, including going 6-10 from beyond the line. Nic took home Player of the Game honours.
The night game against the Southridge Storm pitted #4 vs #7 in BC AA Basketball. Coach Ross and Coach Wong were elated with the team buy-in to their defensive principles. Collingwood led the whole way, winning 84-43. Player of the Game, Andersen Stewart, was 12-18 from the field, finishing with 28 points and a game high 15 rebounds. Subir Toor played quality minutes, and his smart decision making showed us why he is going to be a big part of the team this season.
Collingwood faced rival Mulgrave (#3 AA) in the finals, for the first of what will be another year of intense back-and-forth battles. Mulgrave's defensive intensity and pre-game prep caused problems for the Cavs who struggled to find their scoring touch. Mulgrave led 29-20 at half-time. The Cavs got into some early foul trouble, and were without Wrixon for an 8-minute stretch. Jack Dai took charge of leading of the offence, and Player of the Game Tanner Jackson drained several clutch 3's to re-gain the lead. Isaac Puar was a workhorse, playing 38 minutes for the Cavs who pulled away in the final minutes to win 66-62. The teams will face each other again on Thursday December 16th at Mulgrave in league play.
No Regrets takes over the North Shore this year, after a one-year COVID hiatus. Collingwood plays two-time defending Provincial Champion Charles Hays on Wednesday as a preliminary match. They officially get going Thursday vs. #6 Brentwood College at 5pm. For more information, checkout the No Regrets website: http://www.noregretsbball.com/
2021-22 ISA Champions
After missing out on their Grade 11 season, this year's basketball grads are raring to go.
Tanner Jackson rose to the challenge in the final and knocked down five 3-pointers against Mulgrave.
Jack Dai drives for 2 points in the championship final.
Collingwood will once again be hosting games at the No Regrets Tournament including both the boys and girls' finals on Saturday.