The senior boys’ basketball team defeated Notre Dame 78-72 this afternoon to win the BC AA Championship.  It is Collingwood’s second title in the past three years.

Notre Dame entered the tournament as the #1 seed on the basis of their 2-1 record against the Cavs.  This included their big win over Collingwood in the Vancouver Sea-To-Sky Championship game.  Despite that loss, Coach Wong was confident that his players had learned some valuable lessons and could beat the Jugglers if they met again in the BC Final.

The 1^st quarter was incredibly tense as both teams missed some shots that they would normally make.  A clutch 3-pointer by Harry B tied the game 18-18 just as the quarter ended.

In the 2^nd quarter, the Cavs started to assert themselves and they pulled ahead by 12 points by halftime.  However, the Jugglers were far from done and they cut the lead to 6 points by the end of the third.

Notre Dame picked up their defensive energy at the beginning of the 4^th quarter and rode a 12-4 run to suddenly take the lead 63-61 mid-way through the quarter.  Collingwood responded to take a 71-69 lead into the final two minutes of play. 

As the Cavs nursed their 2-point lead, Peter H drove the baseline and collided with a Jugglers’ player looking to take a charge.  The ball went into the basket and the entire arena took a deep breath in anticipation of the call.  Finally, the referee stepped forward and signalled the basket was good.  Collingwood fans rejoiced while Notre Dame fans howled their disapproval.  Peter calming sank the ensuing foul shot.  That play turned out to be the winning basket. 

The key to the championship win was once again the team’s incredibly unselfish approach to basketball.  Everyone who watched the Cavs play this year marvelled about the team-first approach where the extra pass was the norm.  Egos were not an issue on this team. It was all about finding the open man.  It was beautiful to watch.

A special mention about Collingwood’s incredible coaching staff.  Coach Andy Wong has now won three AA titles with Collingwood.  Teresa Ross and Jaden Narwal have now won two.  Taylor Williams was a fantastic addition this year and he was proudly wearing his gold medal after the game.  This coaching staff is the envy of most schools across the province as they are tactically brilliant and a class act all the way.

Elliot M was named Tournament MVP.  The tournament committee obviously realized how well-rounded Elliot’s game is as he starred at both ends of the court for the Cavs.  Elliot finished with 30 points.

Jake M was named the Best Defensive Player.  Jake was as usual the ‘unsung hero’ as he banged his way to endless rebounds at both ends of the court. 

Harry B was named 1^st Team All-Star.  He finished the game with 21 points. 

Peter was in foul trouble most of the game, which really hurt the Cavs, but he still knocked down 13 points including a crucial ‘and-one’ three-point play to give the Cavs the lead late in the game.

Sam L scoring a key basket late in the 4th quarter. Sam had an incredible afternoon setting strong screens and rebounding all game long.

Daniel P contributed some key baskets early and was a tireless worker every time he was on the court.

Collingwood's bench erupts after a basket late in the game.

Collingwood was given the tournament's Spirit Award.  As usual our fans were proudly sporting Blue and Gold cheering our team onto victory.