The senior boys' basketball team travelled to Brentwood College on the weekend for the ISA Championships. Due to a number of factors the tournament ended up being a four-team affair that included:
Collingwood - 2016 BC AA Champions
SMUS - 2016 BC AA Finalists
Southridge - 2016 BC AAA Champions
Brentwood - 2016 BC Junior Champions
Thus, it was an incredibly tough tournament for the Cavs, especially as they have no returning starters from last year's powerhouse squad. Despite three straight losses, Coach Wong came away with a very optimistic view of the weekend as his team gained a great deal of valuable experience playing some of the best teams in the province. Here is his report:
The Cavaliers (1-4) played in arguably the most competitive field in ISA Senior Boys Basketball history this past weekend. Only four teams competed, all of whom had won a provincial championship in the past two years. In a rematch of last year's AA Provincial Final, the Cavs were outmatched by a veteran group of grade 12's from SMU. The Cavs had the lead for the first eight minutes of the game, but SMU's feisty defense kept the Cavs to a measly eight points in the first half. Down 21-8, the Cavs were not able to find their scoring touch, dropping the game 52-30. Coach Wong was happy with the Cavs intensity on defense, but was rightly concerned about their ability to score.
The Cavs then took the court versus Southridge, the defending AAA Provincial Champions. The team continued to struggle offensively, but were down only six, 42-36, heading into the final frame. After a series of turnover, the Cavs squandered any chances of clawing back, and lost 60-44. In their final match of the round-robin tournament, the Cavs played Brentwood, the reigning Junior Boys Provincial Champions. Brentwood showed why they may have the best class of 2018, pacing themselves to a 95-47 win. Their 1-2-2 and full court man press intimidated the Cavs, who were the victims of turnover after turnover. The Cavs offensive bright spot was Brodie Jacobs, who scored 26 of the 47 points.
The game versus Seaquam was postponed due to weather conditions. The Cavs next game will be at the No Regrets Tournament. The team opens up at 2:15pm on Thursday December 8th against the Charles Hays Rainmakers from Prince George. The game will be in front of the school, and all fans are encouraged to wear white.
