The senior boys' basketball team has vaulted up to #3 in the BC AA rankings in a week and a half. Coach Wong sends in this report on the team's first nine games of the season:
On Saturday night, the Cavs wrapped up a gruelling fifth game in four days. Each of these games were against Top 10 teams in AA, AAA, or AAAA. The team won four of five, and sit 8-1 on the season, and are ranked 3rd in BC in AA Basketball.
Two-time defending provincial champions, Charles Hays Rainmakers, came to town for an exhibition match before the No Regrets Tournament. James Holm had his first in-game dunk. Andersen Stewart and Nic Wrixon led the way in scoring with 21 and 18 respectively. Subir Toor was an efficient +43 on the court. Collingwood wins 88-52.
Collingwood hosted Brentwood College (#5 AA) in the first round of the No Regrets Tournament. The annual white out brought a lively crowd, including newly minted mascot David Howard. Brentwood was missing several players, but their menacing size and defensive intensity on ball screens caused Collingwood issues all night. A tight first half turned quickly turned into a 15 point lead for Brentwood, 58-43.
Collingwood's hot shooting sparked an epic comeback. The fans brought their umbrellas to the bleachers for each time the Cavs made it rain. In a remarkable shooting performance, Collingwood hit 17 three pointers including 7 three's from Stewart and 4 from Wrixon. Isaac Puar helped lead the comeback going 3-for-3 from beyond the arc. Collingwood erased the deficit, winning a tight battle 80-74 against their formidable opponent.
This set up a match versus #4 AAAA powerhouse St. George's in the quarterfinals. The athleticism, pace, and skill of Saints pushed Collingwood to a gear they struggled to maintain. St. George's ran away with a sizeable lead that quickly became out of reach. Coach Ross and Coach Wong were satisfied with the teams 2nd half effort. St. George's coasted to a 79-51 win. Of note, St. George's went on to win the No Regrets Tournament.
In a battle of North Shore match-ups, Collingwood won both games on Saturday. In the 9am "Egg McMuffin" game Collingwood defeated Carson Graham (#10 AAA) 92-73. Player of the game, James Holm, continued to show his impact with the team, finishing with 15 points and 8 rebounds. Wrixon shot 5-for-9 from three, and had a game-high 27. Eden Wan had a dynamic performance defensively, despite admitting to the coach that he only ate a banana for breakfast.
Collingwood had a quick turnaround for the 1:30pm game vs. Mulgrave. It was the 2nd time the teams met in the week. Mulgrave had some key injuries, but their non-stop fight, and standout play from several grade 10's created a face-paced, hard-fought atmosphere. Collingwood fell into foul-trouble and Nathaniel Fava stepped up with a big-time defensive performance, alongside senior Presley Bosa. Wrixon scored a game high 31, and Collingwood won 79-53.
The Cavs finished 5th at the No Regrets Tournament. Wrixon was awarded a No Regrets All-Star and was the recipient of the No Regrets Scholarship for his hard work on and off the court. Collingwood wraps up 2021 with two league games, at Seycove on Tuesday 7:30pm, and at Mulgrave on Thursday 7:30pm.
Luca Fukuyo sings the national anthem at the No Regrets tournament.
Basketball is not always about finesse. Sometimes you have to take one for the team. Jack Dai earns an over-the-back foul against his Saints' opponent in Friday's game.
Presley Bosa goes up for two points against Carson Graham.
James Holm on attack against the Carson Graham Eagles.
(All photos by Blair Shier) @blairshier