Tip off thoughts… vI jr boys up for grabs! the excitement that led to the blog…
A VERY CLOSE Jr Boys Basketball battle for places into provincials this year? Too good to miss!
Although my focus as founder of Dime Valley Basketball lies in club ball, my passion and love of the game has driven me back into school ball; and I can’t help but share my thoughts on what I think will be an enthralling Junior Boys basketball competition on the Island this year; bias of course to my 3 Comox Valley based teams!! All ideas and thoughts are my own based on what I see and hear on the road; and through other discussions with lots of other coach friends; so don’t be mad. The more you reach out and share with me; the better this blog becomes.
First… why so exciting??? Because the top 6-8 teams are all loaded with talent, enthusiasm and a passion for excellence. Maybe even 8-10 who will battle it out for those places at provincials (see more below). So the question is… who are we going to be talking about come the end of the season?
Brentwood a clear #1 so far…
My early thoughts, after both being on the bench in a supportive role for Isfeld’s game against them, and a first half of their finals game against a strong Claremont; Brentwood take the #1 spot for me. A finely coached team with great length, discipline and voice, and an early polished Brentwood flex offence powered by strong off-ball screens and movement I currently struggle to see a team that can beat them (although us at Isfled will work our butts off to do so) so far this season. Having said this I am yet to see Oak Bay and Lambrick who come in with high season expectations so really I am not fully confident. Isfeld vs Oak Bay will be my first look at them at the Dover Bay Xmas classic; and I am on the look-out for Lambrick scores.
#2-6-8 is up for grabs!
From what I see and hear any one of Isfeld, Claremont, Belmont, Oak Bay, Cowichan, Lambrick and Vanier could argue they are the best on the Island. However if I didn't list you let me know! There are also a host of strong players spread across Stellys, Edward Milne and NDSS that should not be taken lightly and give their team a fighting chance.
Following along? So what’s at stake?
From what I’ve learnt, in Juniors there are 4 spots up for grabs to the Island teams to go to junior provincials; and that is going to come from 8 that make it to the Island Championship; hosted at GP Vanier; and dear friend and coach Tony Edwards.
Of those 8, 4 will come from the North, 1 from the Mid and 3 from the South… which means a few things off the bat. Sadly one of Cowichan or Brentwood will not be joining us there; a harsh reality perhaps for a Cowichan team who made the semi-finals of the Spectrum tournament this weekend and could look like a top 4 team on the Island.
So we have 3 spots from those in the south… at this time I would say Claremont, Lambrick and Oak Bay but only time will tell… Belmont have dangerous players and are well coached; and don’t sleep on Stellys with 2 provincial players and Edward Milne who always come in sharp, well coached and organized.
Then who will we see from the North? Your guess is as good as mine at this point! As the coach of many if not most of all the players making up the 3 Comox Valley teams I believe they all have a chance to make it to Islands. However other strong teams include Dover Bay with fan favourite coach Djimith, NDSS and ADSS who will have a chance come championship time. But lets not get ahead of ourselves to February and enjoy the season ahead…
Embracing the present! What’s up next?
Aims of this blog that I need your help with… oh and Positive Vibes only… Each week we highlight players, performances and tournaments.
Performances of the Week
Combo Guard Clemente Reid of Isfeld averaged 16.8, 8, 7; leading his team to a 3-1 record over the weekend
Sharp-shooter Justin Roman knocked down buckets for Dover Bay showing off his range and is one to watch for beyond the arc and leadership this year
Owen Hunter-Siebert had a great weekend; Despite getting injured in the final game; showed off his BC credentials with strong finishes around the rim; leadership and tenacity to will Stellys to some great wins.
Comeback of the week - Dover Bay rallied from 21-2 down against SMUs to win an excellently contested game in the Spectrum Tip-off classic.
Tournament - Dover Bay Xmas Classic - Dec 12/13
Teams: Dover Bay, Royal Bay, Wellington, Spectrum, Isfeld, Semiahmoo, Cowichan, Oak Bay
This action packed tournament will take care on the last weekend before Winter Break. I am excited to see Oak Bay and Royal Bay in action and an enticing Isfeld vs Oak Bay match up in round 1 will go a long way to determine the weekend winner.
End of Week Top 8 Rankings (totally my opinion and most likely completely wrong!)
1. Brentwood 2. Lambrick 3. Oak Bay 4. Isfeld 5. Claremont 6. Cowichan 7. Vanier 8. Belmont
Courtesy of Lambrick win over Oak Bay on Wed 26, and Claremont’s victory over Cowichan this weekend- this is where we stand.
What do you think?
Healthy debates are good; share with me what I am missing and lets enjoy a great season of rich discussion and compete together.
On that note join us for next Sundays weekly blog; we will cover a week of exciting mid-week league game action and any other teams involved in tournaments. I also hope to interview and be joined by Coach Djimith of Dover Bay who will share his thoughts on the Jr Boys landscape and give a look ahead into the Dover Bay Xmas classic.
If you enjoyed this ramble, follow @coach_withthekicks, share with friends and lets enjoy a great and close season ahead!
Coach Martin