The senior boys' basketball team travelled to Victoria on Friday afternoon for a series of exhibition games. Foremost on their mind was the game against St. Michaels University School(SMUS). SMUS is a long-time AA basketball power and a win over them is always worth rejoicing. Coach Wong sends this report on the Island trip and the Cavs' busy first week:
Long days and late nights was the theme of the week for the Varsity Boys team, as they played six games in the first six days of the season. The good news is the team demonstrated resilience, toughness, and fortitude along the way. The sits 5-1 overall entering the 2nd week of the season, and are ranked 8th in AA in British Columbia.
Collingwood played at a frenetic pace against #7 AAA Charles Tupper on Thursday as a prelim to the NCAA II SFU Home Opener. The Cavs held a narrow first half-lead, but were unable to match the sharp-shooting Tigers in a 66-58 final.
The team then traveled this weekend to Victoria as part of an Island Exhibition Series. Pitted against provincial rival St. Michael's University on the legendary Hyde-Lay Court, the Cavs found themselves scrounging to find any sort of positive momentum. SMU jumped out to a 19-point lead, and led 37-23 at the half.
Senior forward, Brodie Jacobs scored 9 of his 16 points in the second half to spark the comeback. The Cavs relied on their trademark defense to limit SMUS to 18 points in the second half. After tying the game at 54, the Cavs sealed the deal with several free-throws from Grade 10 point guard Lochlan Collins. Imraan Karmali hit two pivotal three's in the fourth quarter, and walk-on sensation Denis Tuck was an absolute beast on the boards. Cavs win 58-55.
Collingwood played Oak Bay's Development team the following morning. After another slow start, the Cavs prevailed 59-36. Birthday boy Cole Soprovich drove hard to the hoop throughout the game, and finished the game with 8 points and 3 assists. Riley Arbogast scored 11 points, including several three's from well beyond the arc. Noah Wolverton had 8 points and several monster boards along the way.
In the final game of the week, Collingwood took on Mother Teresa from Ottawa on the legendary Gary Taylor Court. The Cavs had a tough time breaking the aggressive 1-2-2 full court press. The Titans pounced on this, and jumped out to a 20-7 lead.
Collins settled the Cavs and Kane Vidalin was able to break the pressure with his half-court passes. Tariq Alibhai was the Player of the Game. He dominated the boards posting his first double-double of the season. Duncan Bustos energized the defense, and had several highlight reel takes to the hoop in the third quarter. Aleem Karmali hit several threes, as the Cavs topped the Titans 90-78.
The busyness continues for the Cavs who have their home opener tomorrow, as part of a triple-header program day with St. Pat's. The Celtics are currently ranked 4th in BC. Tip-off is set for 7pm on McCord Court.
Students, staff, and parents are reminded to wear white on December 7th for a 2pm school spirit game vs. David Thompson as part of the No Regrets Tournament.
Coach Wong has turned to Duncan Bustos to shut-down the oppositions' top player many times this year already. Duncan's natural athleticism and mental toughness has him relishing this key role.
Kane Vidalin played an important role in the win over Mother Teresa Secondary this weekend.