Quw’utsun big weekend; lambrick keeps it rollin’
Although I was tied up with family time; my extensive time in the world of text with coaches has kept me updated with a big week of Jr Boys Basketball. Sandeep and friends throw a curveball in my rankings, we had some Oceanside and Dime rival games; and we have some big results in South Island League play.
Quw’utsun wins Dover Bay Xmas Classic! Lambrick takes down the Lake Shore Classic.
I for one did not see this coming; and a big congrats to Sandeep and the squad for winning all 3 games to take home the xmas classic at Dover Bay. A first round matchup saw them take care of Wellington 59-40 and a back and forth game with the hosts Dover Bay in the semis winning 55-45 saw them through to the final to face a red-hot Oak Bay team. Oak Bay themselves had no easy route to the final… trailing my beloved Isfeld boys by 14 going into the 4th quarter; Lucas Campbell put the team on his back with 16 points to rally back to a 1 point win along with some clutch free throws from Axel. They followed that up with a semi final win over Semiahoo and looked for all a golden opportunity to take the title and 2nd spot in the Weekly Island Rankings.
Alas! Spencer, Carson and the boys game to play. Hitting 10 3’s in the game; Quw’utsun showed toughness, discipline and a shooters touch to pass by Oak Bay 73-71; scoring in the last second after a high pick and roll was well defended and Spencer took it out, under and around the rack for the assist to an open man for the tip in finish. Great action!
Meanwhile, down south, Lambrick Park wins the Lake Shore Classic, with Jigger, David and Jackson all walking away as tournament all stars. A tournament that contained Vanier, Ballenas, ADSS, Reynolds and Shawnigan ultimately came down to a Lambrick - Stellys final. Vanier take down the consolation bracket and honestly not much here changes the big picture top 8 ranking. However Congrats Coach Axle on the win !
What about league play!!?
The good news is I managed to get all the results from North and updated a table to show North Island Standings to match the South Island info. I have only shown the top 5 for each league… you know its GOOD VIBES only !!! I don’t want to put developing programs on the hot-seat as many of them are good friends. If I can get this for Mid-Island it will be an all in one scores and standings I can share with you before xmas break.
**Mid-Island coaches- reach out!
What’s happening in League Play?
North Island, 2 teams atop and another Dime vs Dime showdown
In the North, Isfeld and ADSS had easy wins respectively to move to 3-0 - setting up what will be a showdown for the top of the table January 7th after Santa has visited. In the game of the week in the North; Vanier led by 12 over Highland at half before a barrage of 3’s got Highland back in the game and they held up for a 64-59 win in another Dime vs Dime showdown. We have one more round of games before the xmas league break.
South Island - Big week for Belmont
Belmont took the big win of the week over Claremont 58-47 in what I highlighted as the game of the week. Belmont backed that up with an impressive win over SMU 2 days later on Thursday 63-52. I enjoyed watching Belmont earlier in the season against Isfeld at the Spectrum tournament and they led 6 before a strong full court press got Isfeld back in the game and won a close one. They definitely will be moving up the rankings! They are tough, purposeful and present!
In the upcoming week I expect easy wins for our top teams Oak Bay and Spectrum but I am excited for our game of the week - an unpredictable Claremont vs a still fairly untested Lambrick Park on Wednesday at Lambrick!
Mid-Island - I need more info lol
Still trying to get these leagues together for full comprehensive Jr Island coverage. In our Mid-Island Oceanside showdown we had Kwalikum vs Ballenas, two teams trying to throw themselves in the mix as a seed coming out of North Island coming the end of the season. Kwalikum won the game 80-69 to earn an HM in our weekly rankings.
*** Mid Island coaches I have just emailed you - lets get this more updated!
So… those beloved rankings?? Who is where and what and why!
Okay here goes… I had a few coaches share their opinions which I LOVE. I have to go on the head-to-head for now; alas I know that some teams are still missing players but alas thats the nature of the beast. Teams, please continue to prove me wrong!
#1 - Brentwood - till proven otherwise…
#2 - Quw’utsun - I didn’t see this coming, but beating a red -hot Oak Bay in the Dover Bay classic I have to give them their flowers.
#3 - Oak Bay - I was all ready to put them #2 after 2 big league wins and a win over Isfeld; but that final threw a wrench in my plan!
#4 - Lambrick Park - They won the Lake Shore Classic comfortable; a more challenging schedule will see them rise the rankings (the team I have yet to see sorry!!!)
#5 - Isfeld - My brothers will be mad but despite 2 landslide wins on the consolation side; and a great mid-week league win… the loss to Oak Bay will sting.
#6 - Belmont - A big week in the League with wins over Claremont and SMU has them rise up a spot with grit and determination.
#7 - Claremont - The “don’t know what to expect” team of the year remain dangerous and can beat anyone at the right time.
#8 - SMU - A great Brentwood tournament 2 weekends ago, some solid league performances and superbly coached… you should refuse to sleep on this team.
HM- Highland Secondary and Kwalikum haven’t thrown themselves in the deep end yet- but have picked up some good wins early doors.
Who should I watch! Rising talent!
Always good to share some players to watch; so you can keep your eyes on players that work hard on their game and deserve some shout-outs!
Alex Mackay - SMU- This player is well coached, plays hard every possession and can give you a little something of everything. A versatile player that had some big games against St Georges and Spectrum; has also been called up to player Senior Ball at times and can blend right in. Definately a guy to watch if your against SMU.
Erik Chisholm - Kwalikum - Erik is a key part of a young, talented and ambitious Kwalikum squad. Coached by good friend Shane Gayton, Erik has led Kwalikum to some early season wins and is still only Grade 9. He is a fast, strong player that can score at all three levels and has been an early go too in the clutch for Shane & co.
Jackson Riley - Lambrick Park - Jackson is a sharp-shooting guard that is fresh off being a tournament all star in the Lake Shore Classic. He has a calmness and confidence on the court and although I haven’t seen him in school colours I have had the fun of coaching against him in Club Basketball…
As always - if you enjoyed the blog; share, comment, tag whatever works for you!!
Have another great week of Junior Hoops,
Coach Martin