On Saturday night, the G.W. Graham Grizzlies took the floor for the fourth time this weekend to face the Mt. Douglas Rams in the finals of the Countdown to the Playoffs tournament, hosted by Brentwood College. It was the third tournament final this season for the Grizzlies and it was as dramatic as the first two (at the Sardis and Chilliwack tournaments).
In the first half, Mt. Douglas played at a pace which made life tough for G.W. Graham and the Rams went into the break with a 32-27 lead. The Grizzlies, who are showing themselves to be more of a second-half team, fought back and tied the game at 43-43 at the conclusion of the third quarter. It was a see-saw fourth quarter with both teams taking and losing leads. However, nothing was resolved in the final quarter of play so overtime was necessary for this game (58-58 at the end of regulation).
It was a low-scoring overtime period as both teams stepped up their defensive games but the Rams proved to be just a little too much for the Grizzlies as they won by one point in overtime despite a last-second three-pointer by Micah Cockrill.
Micah Cockrill averaged 34 points over the weekend and was named tournament MVP for his efforts. Chris Thomson also had a very strong weekend, with numerous clutch blocks and three-pointers, and was named to the tournament all-star team. Look for the Grizzlies to jump to the top five in the next edition of the AA Provincial Rankings.
January 31, 2010
January 30, 2010
G.W. Graham 49 St. Michael's University School 42
Yes, G.W. Graham won this morning and will advance to the tournament final, but it was not without some adversity. It was a low-scoring battle on Saturday morning and the Grizzlies found themselves down 26-18 at half time thanks to stifling full-court pressure from St. Michael's.
The Grizzlies started the second half with a 9-0 run but St. Michael's did not wilt away and retook the lead until the final minutes of the game. Micah Cockrill found himself in early foul trouble but managed to stay in the game. This was fortunate for the Grizzlies as they retook the lead with about a minute to play and held on for the victory.
G.W. Graham advances to play either Spectrum or Mt. Douglas in tonight's final at 6pm at Brentwood College.
The Grizzlies started the second half with a 9-0 run but St. Michael's did not wilt away and retook the lead until the final minutes of the game. Micah Cockrill found himself in early foul trouble but managed to stay in the game. This was fortunate for the Grizzlies as they retook the lead with about a minute to play and held on for the victory.
G.W. Graham advances to play either Spectrum or Mt. Douglas in tonight's final at 6pm at Brentwood College.
G.W. Graham 65 Brentwood College 59
Another trip to Vancouver Island and another win over a higher-ranked team for the G.W. Graham Grizzlies. This weekend's victim was Brentwood College as they fell to the Grizzlies 65-59 on Friday night in the semi-final of their own Countdown to the Playoffs tournament.
In front of a gym packed with Brentwood College fans, the home team exploded to a 19-12 lead after the first quarter. The November or December edition of the Grizzlies might have wilted under the circumstances of a quick deficit, but these are the Grizzlies who have improved and become mentally tougher as the season has progressed. G.W. Graham kept it close but Brentwood College kept their lead and the score was 47-42 for BCS after three quarters.
G.W. Graham tied the game at 55 with five minutes to play and then took a 58-55 lead with three minutes to play in the final frame. The Grizzlies held on, thanks to a clutch three-pointer by Lucas Mannes with 30 seconds to play, for the victory. Chris Thomson, despite foul trouble, had a solid game and Micah Cockrill had another strong game with excellent second-half contributions.
The Grizzlies play St. Michael's this morning in the tournament semi-final, check back here later for the result.
In front of a gym packed with Brentwood College fans, the home team exploded to a 19-12 lead after the first quarter. The November or December edition of the Grizzlies might have wilted under the circumstances of a quick deficit, but these are the Grizzlies who have improved and become mentally tougher as the season has progressed. G.W. Graham kept it close but Brentwood College kept their lead and the score was 47-42 for BCS after three quarters.
G.W. Graham tied the game at 55 with five minutes to play and then took a 58-55 lead with three minutes to play in the final frame. The Grizzlies held on, thanks to a clutch three-pointer by Lucas Mannes with 30 seconds to play, for the victory. Chris Thomson, despite foul trouble, had a solid game and Micah Cockrill had another strong game with excellent second-half contributions.
The Grizzlies play St. Michael's this morning in the tournament semi-final, check back here later for the result.
January 29, 2010
G.W. Graham 80 Alberni District 67
This weekend G.W. Graham took the ferry to Vancouver Island to participate in the Countdown in the Playoffs Tournament hosted by Brentwood College. Their first game on Friday morning was against the Alberni District Armada, a AAA school. G.W. Graham started out slow and found themselves down 24-21 after the first quarter. However, soon the Grizzlies found their stride and cruised to a 80-67 victory led by Micah Cockrill's 44 points. Lucas Mannes, Chris Thomson, and Hank Derksen added 14, 10, and 10, respectively. Now the Grizzlies advance to play either Shawnigan Lake or Brentwood College later tonight, two teams who will give the G.W. Graham a difficult game.
Chilliwack tops Abbotsford Collegiate
On Thursday night, the Chilliwack Storm edged out Abbotsford Collegiate in a tight battle at the J.Y. Halcrow Gymnasium on Yale Road. Andrew Kornelsen and Kyle Lorteau each chipped in 20 points and Kyle Rollheiser was dominant on the boards for the Storm. This victory puts Chilliwack in a solid position for the playoffs and almost certainly seals the fate of Abbotsford Collegiate, who will probably miss the playoffs.
January 24, 2010
Looking Ahead to the Fraser Valley Playoffs
Last week, G.W. Graham all but clinched first place in the AA Fraser Valley East division with a 72-61 win over Hope on Thursday. The win moves the Grizzlies to 8-1, they just need to take care of business on February 2, when they face Abbotsford Traditional in their final league matchup.
Hope, on the other hand, has fallen to 5-3 and will likely finish third in the division barring the combination of an Abbotsford Christian loss and Hope victory in the next two weeks. Hope would fail to qualify for Fraser Valleys if they lose one of their final two games and D.W. Poppy wins two of their next three.
Sardis and Chilliwack have a few league games left and will both need to consistently beat Robert Bateman and Abbotsford Collegiate - forget about beating Yale - to ensure they finish in the top 4 (out of 5) in their division and advance to the first round of the AAA Fraser Valley tournament.
The format for the A Fraser Valley tournament is still unconfirmed but is likely that we will both Agassiz and Unity Christian taking part while Highroad Academy will be stuck on the outside looking in. This is the first time that Highroad will miss the Fraser Valley Tournament since they returned to A competition a number of years ago.
Adding to the excitement of playoff time is the fact that the AA Fraser Valley ournament (boys and girls) will be hosted in our own backward at G.W. Graham and Sardis Secondary, February 10-13. Stay here for the schedule and all the latest updates.
Hope, on the other hand, has fallen to 5-3 and will likely finish third in the division barring the combination of an Abbotsford Christian loss and Hope victory in the next two weeks. Hope would fail to qualify for Fraser Valleys if they lose one of their final two games and D.W. Poppy wins two of their next three.
Sardis and Chilliwack have a few league games left and will both need to consistently beat Robert Bateman and Abbotsford Collegiate - forget about beating Yale - to ensure they finish in the top 4 (out of 5) in their division and advance to the first round of the AAA Fraser Valley tournament.
The format for the A Fraser Valley tournament is still unconfirmed but is likely that we will both Agassiz and Unity Christian taking part while Highroad Academy will be stuck on the outside looking in. This is the first time that Highroad will miss the Fraser Valley Tournament since they returned to A competition a number of years ago.
Adding to the excitement of playoff time is the fact that the AA Fraser Valley ournament (boys and girls) will be hosted in our own backward at G.W. Graham and Sardis Secondary, February 10-13. Stay here for the schedule and all the latest updates.
The Week Ahead: Jan. 25-30
All local teams were not in action this weekend which gave them an opportunity to rest any bumps and bruises and start preparing for the final weeks of league play and the lead-up to the Fraser Valley Championships.
Highroad Academy hosts Unity Christian at 7pm in the only local game on Monday night.
On Tuesday, Hope plays host to D.W. Poppy at 8:15pm in a game with important playoff implications. Chilliwack and Unity Christian will also go to battle in an exhibition game (7pm at Unity).
Abbotsford Collegiate comes to town on Thursday to play the Chilliwack Storm at 8:15pm. The last time these two teams played, Chilliwack eked out an overtime win so this should be a good game.
Next weekend sees G.W. Graham travel back to Vancouver Island to play in the Countdown to the Playoffs Tournament (hosted by Brentwood College). Hope will be participating in the 2nd Annual Titan Invitational at Samuel Robertson Technical in Maple Ridge.
Highroad Academy hosts Unity Christian at 7pm in the only local game on Monday night.
On Tuesday, Hope plays host to D.W. Poppy at 8:15pm in a game with important playoff implications. Chilliwack and Unity Christian will also go to battle in an exhibition game (7pm at Unity).
Abbotsford Collegiate comes to town on Thursday to play the Chilliwack Storm at 8:15pm. The last time these two teams played, Chilliwack eked out an overtime win so this should be a good game.
Next weekend sees G.W. Graham travel back to Vancouver Island to play in the Countdown to the Playoffs Tournament (hosted by Brentwood College). Hope will be participating in the 2nd Annual Titan Invitational at Samuel Robertson Technical in Maple Ridge.
January 21, 2010
Jan. 21 Rankings
Here are the latest rankings coming out of Basketball BC:
AAA
The usual suspects (Yale, WRCA, Burnaby South, etc.) are still at the top. Will we see a lower team beat one of these guys in the next two or three weeks before playoffs kick off?
AA
G.W. Graham sits tied for 10th, a ranking they are probably a little disappointed with, considering their wins over Shawnigan Lake and Southern Okanagan (the previous #1) last weekend, but their loss to Brentwood probably prevented a larger step up the ladder.
A
Unity Christian continues to climb up the ranking board (their recent win over Langley Christian is proof what these guys are capable of) and they should be a team to watch out for in A as we get closer to the postseason.
AAA
The usual suspects (Yale, WRCA, Burnaby South, etc.) are still at the top. Will we see a lower team beat one of these guys in the next two or three weeks before playoffs kick off?
AA
G.W. Graham sits tied for 10th, a ranking they are probably a little disappointed with, considering their wins over Shawnigan Lake and Southern Okanagan (the previous #1) last weekend, but their loss to Brentwood probably prevented a larger step up the ladder.
A
Unity Christian continues to climb up the ranking board (their recent win over Langley Christian is proof what these guys are capable of) and they should be a team to watch out for in A as we get closer to the postseason.
January 20, 2010
Who has the best nickname in Chilliwack?
At Fraser Valley Basketball we like to report the facts but we also like to do some fun things (like Separated at Birth) that keep people laughing and entertained. Our newest venture is into the world of nicknames. Simply put, we are looking for the best nickname of any local basketball player and we need your help!
Whether it is a nickname that has been around for a few years or a nickname that you've been privately keeping in your mind (and laughing to yourself about), we would like you to submit it along with a short explanation. After the nomination process, we will have a public poll as well as a specially-appointed "Nickname Jury" to select the most fitting and entertaining nickname.
Please shoot me an email at jeremycockrill@gmail.com to submit your nomination.
Whether it is a nickname that has been around for a few years or a nickname that you've been privately keeping in your mind (and laughing to yourself about), we would like you to submit it along with a short explanation. After the nomination process, we will have a public poll as well as a specially-appointed "Nickname Jury" to select the most fitting and entertaining nickname.
Please shoot me an email at jeremycockrill@gmail.com to submit your nomination.
Chilliwack 77 Sardis 71
Tuesday marked the second time that these two crosstown rivals have met this season and it was yet another close Chilliwack-Sardis game. Coach Kyle Graves of Sardis shook things up early by electing not to start Josiah Alleckna or Michael Covey, arguably his two best players. The reasoning for this decision is unknown at this time although reports suggest that Alleckna has recently been suffering from shin splints.
The lineup shakeup did not seem to faze Sardis as they controlled most of the first half and led 45-41 at halftime. The second half started with two enormous blocks (one by Max Chadsey of Sardis and the other coming courtesy of Andrew Kornelsen) and a 7-2 Chilliwack run. The referees chose to keep their whistles in their pockets which turned the game into a physical battle (nothing wrong with that) and by the end of the third quarter, Chilliwack was leading 55-51. It should also be noted that Josiah Alleckna did not play most of the third quarter.
The fourth quarter was marked by continued Chilliwack control as they continued to hold a 5-6 point lead on the Falcons. Halfway through the fourth, Sardis managed to make it a one-point game but soon after that, the Storm went on a 9-0 which all but sealed the win. It was a high-scoring final frame but Sardis struggled to score when it counted and Chilliwack pounced on opportunities to ensure that they were the best team on this night. Andrew Kornelsen led the way for the Storm with 22 points. For the Falcons, Michael Covey and Josiah Alleckna had 20 and 15, respectively, to set the pace for Sardis.
Chilliwack is seeing much-improved guard play from Kyle Lorteau, Andrew Wyatt, and Cody Parray. Together, the three guards are taking (and hitting) better shots and making smarter passes. Chilliwack now seems to understand that, in order to win, the ball needs to be in the hands of their best natural scorer, Andrew Kornelsen. Kornelsen showed flashes of brilliance Tuesday night and may have an opportunity to play post-secondary basketball if he continues to improve his basketball sense which complements his extraordinary athleticism.
Sardis, on the other hand, seems to have trouble creating scoring opportunities for their best players. Much of their offensive possessions are spent dribbling the ball around the perimeter or doing handoffs (as if they played football at Boise State) instead of attacking the hoop or setting off-ball screens for their best players. They are a tough and quick team who usually defend well but they will need to work on the offensive side of their game if they want to win basketball games in the AAA Fraser Valley East division.
Chilliwack visits Yale on Thursday night while Sardis is inactive until next Tuesday, when they travel to Abbotsford to face Abbotsford Collegiate.
The Chilliwack-Sardis rematch will be on Tuesday, February 16 at 6:30pm at Sardis Secondary.
The lineup shakeup did not seem to faze Sardis as they controlled most of the first half and led 45-41 at halftime. The second half started with two enormous blocks (one by Max Chadsey of Sardis and the other coming courtesy of Andrew Kornelsen) and a 7-2 Chilliwack run. The referees chose to keep their whistles in their pockets which turned the game into a physical battle (nothing wrong with that) and by the end of the third quarter, Chilliwack was leading 55-51. It should also be noted that Josiah Alleckna did not play most of the third quarter.
The fourth quarter was marked by continued Chilliwack control as they continued to hold a 5-6 point lead on the Falcons. Halfway through the fourth, Sardis managed to make it a one-point game but soon after that, the Storm went on a 9-0 which all but sealed the win. It was a high-scoring final frame but Sardis struggled to score when it counted and Chilliwack pounced on opportunities to ensure that they were the best team on this night. Andrew Kornelsen led the way for the Storm with 22 points. For the Falcons, Michael Covey and Josiah Alleckna had 20 and 15, respectively, to set the pace for Sardis.
Chilliwack is seeing much-improved guard play from Kyle Lorteau, Andrew Wyatt, and Cody Parray. Together, the three guards are taking (and hitting) better shots and making smarter passes. Chilliwack now seems to understand that, in order to win, the ball needs to be in the hands of their best natural scorer, Andrew Kornelsen. Kornelsen showed flashes of brilliance Tuesday night and may have an opportunity to play post-secondary basketball if he continues to improve his basketball sense which complements his extraordinary athleticism.
Sardis, on the other hand, seems to have trouble creating scoring opportunities for their best players. Much of their offensive possessions are spent dribbling the ball around the perimeter or doing handoffs (as if they played football at Boise State) instead of attacking the hoop or setting off-ball screens for their best players. They are a tough and quick team who usually defend well but they will need to work on the offensive side of their game if they want to win basketball games in the AAA Fraser Valley East division.
Chilliwack visits Yale on Thursday night while Sardis is inactive until next Tuesday, when they travel to Abbotsford to face Abbotsford Collegiate.
The Chilliwack-Sardis rematch will be on Tuesday, February 16 at 6:30pm at Sardis Secondary.
G.W. Graham 77 Abbotsford Christian 60
At the start of the game, it looked as if it would be another close battle between G.W. Graham and Abbotsford Christian. G.W. Graham would come down the court and score and then allow ACS to do the same on the other end of the court. The first half ended with the Grizzlies leading 46-34, after Justin Thiessen of the Knights hit a buzzer-beating three-pointer at the end of the first half.
In the second half, it was all Grizzlies as they played excellent defense and scored numerous fast break points allowing them to lead by as much as 30 points. They closed out the game and posted a 17-point win, a margin that could help determine divisional placing. If G.W. Graham loses to Hope on Thursday, it is possible that there could be a three-way tie at the top of the East division (depending on a couple of games next week) leaving placing for Fraser Valleys in the hands of a tiebreaking process.
In other AA news, Hope defeated Abbotsford Traditional by 12 points last night. The G.W. Graham-Hope matchup on Thursday night is sure to be an important one for both teams.
Also on Tuesday, Unity Christian crushed Agassiz by 40 points.
In the second half, it was all Grizzlies as they played excellent defense and scored numerous fast break points allowing them to lead by as much as 30 points. They closed out the game and posted a 17-point win, a margin that could help determine divisional placing. If G.W. Graham loses to Hope on Thursday, it is possible that there could be a three-way tie at the top of the East division (depending on a couple of games next week) leaving placing for Fraser Valleys in the hands of a tiebreaking process.
In other AA news, Hope defeated Abbotsford Traditional by 12 points last night. The G.W. Graham-Hope matchup on Thursday night is sure to be an important one for both teams.
Also on Tuesday, Unity Christian crushed Agassiz by 40 points.
January 19, 2010
The Week Ahead: Jan. 18-23
Well, now that January 18, supposedly the most depressing day of the year (according to a British researcher) is behind us, its time to look forward to a great week of basketball in Chilliwack.
On Monday, Unity Christian defeated Highroad Academy by a score of 57-43. Unity is now 3-2 in the A Fraser Valley West/East division and Highroad falls to 0-4. A bright spot for Highroad on Monday night was Axel Steegstra (grade 10 guard) who finished with 23 points on 7 three-pointers.
Tuesday night, the Sardis Falcons and Chilliwack Storm renew their crosstown rivalry in their first league matchup of the year. Chilliwack has been improving lately and although they suffered losses to Kitsilano and Walnut Grove on the weekend, they beat Abbotsford Collegiate 93-89 in a game that went to overtime. Sardis will be looking to use their physical play and deadly three-point shooting to outmatch the Storm. That game goes at 8:15pm at Chilliwack Senior.
Tuesday also marks G.W. Graham's much-anticipated rematch with the Abbotsford Christian Knights who narrowly defeated the Grizzlies in their first league matchup. The Grizzlies swear this game will be different and that they are more than ready for this one. According to their captain, Micah Cockrill, the Grizzlies are "hungry and determined" to beat the Knights at home. That game also starts at 8:15pm at G.W. Graham.
Also on Tuesday is the Unity Christian-Agassiz matchup which tips off at 8:15pm out in Agassiz.
What a conundrum for basketball fans in Chilliwack! Which game should one go to?
Later this week:
On Monday, Unity Christian defeated Highroad Academy by a score of 57-43. Unity is now 3-2 in the A Fraser Valley West/East division and Highroad falls to 0-4. A bright spot for Highroad on Monday night was Axel Steegstra (grade 10 guard) who finished with 23 points on 7 three-pointers.
Tuesday night, the Sardis Falcons and Chilliwack Storm renew their crosstown rivalry in their first league matchup of the year. Chilliwack has been improving lately and although they suffered losses to Kitsilano and Walnut Grove on the weekend, they beat Abbotsford Collegiate 93-89 in a game that went to overtime. Sardis will be looking to use their physical play and deadly three-point shooting to outmatch the Storm. That game goes at 8:15pm at Chilliwack Senior.
Tuesday also marks G.W. Graham's much-anticipated rematch with the Abbotsford Christian Knights who narrowly defeated the Grizzlies in their first league matchup. The Grizzlies swear this game will be different and that they are more than ready for this one. According to their captain, Micah Cockrill, the Grizzlies are "hungry and determined" to beat the Knights at home. That game also starts at 8:15pm at G.W. Graham.
Also on Tuesday is the Unity Christian-Agassiz matchup which tips off at 8:15pm out in Agassiz.
What a conundrum for basketball fans in Chilliwack! Which game should one go to?
Later this week:
- Chilliwack Senior plays Yale Secondary on Thursday night at 8:15pm at Yale
- G.W. Graham makes the trek out to Hope for another highly-anticipated rematch (8:15pm start)
- Hope will be the only team in action on the weekend as they participate in the 2nd annual Titan Invitational at Samuel Robertson Technical out in Maple Ridge
January 18, 2010
Weekend Roundup
The Hope Mustangs hosted the annual Mustangs Hoopfest this last weekend and finished second after losing to Elphinstone in the tournament final.- Highroad went 2-1 at the Hope Tournament by beating D.W. Poppy and Agassiz after dropping their first
- Chilliwack Senior was participating in the Snowball Tournament at Abbotsford Collegiate. They lost 106-77 to Kitsilano and 86-72 to Walnut Grove before winning an overtime thriller against Abbotsford Collegiate 93-89. Andrew Kornelsen (pictured to the right, #7 blue) averaged 23 points and nearly 17 rebounds over the weekend and Chilliwack had a strong offensive weekend helped by the contributions of Andrew Wyatt, Gary McCrea, and Kyle Lorteau (who chipped in 21 points in their overtime victory).
- G.W. Graham finished 4th in the Victoria Police Tournament. They managed to beat the top AA team in the province, Southern Okanagan, before falling to the #7 team, Brentwood College, in the semi-finals. They lost 75-62 to Spectrum in the bronze medal game. The Grizzlies nearly overcame Brentwood College in the semi-final by outscoring them 19-3 in the fourth quarter (led by Chris Thomson) but could not find the tying basket in the dying seconds. It also did not help that Micah Cockrill had fouled out early in the third quarter. Chris Thomson had an excellent weekend and was named to the tournament all-star team but the Grizzlies were most excited by the contributions from some key grade 10 players. Lucas Mannes had a excellent tournament shooting-wise, Hank Derksen played with confidence, and Josiah Cockrill played his best basketball of the season.
January 16, 2010
G.W. Graham 57 Brentwood College 60
Game details to follow.
G.W. Graham moves to the 3rd/4th place game against Spectrum at 3:30pm on Saturday.
G.W. Graham moves to the 3rd/4th place game against Spectrum at 3:30pm on Saturday.
January 15, 2010
G.W. Graham 74 Southern Okanagan 66
On Friday afternoon, a giant was slayed in the Victoria Police Tournament at St. Michael's University School. The G.W. Graham Grizzlies defeated the #1 AA team in the province, the Southern Okangan Hornets by a score of 74 to 66. The Hornets started the game on a small run but after that it was all Grizzlies as G.W. Graham was led by Micah Cockrill as well as a strong performance from Lucas Mannes to beat the top team in the province.
The Hornets tied it up with four minutes to play and then again at two minutes but then Josiah Cockrill entered the game (cue the TSN Turning Point). The junior Cockrill drew a huge offensive foul, hit a free throw (although he did miss 3), and grabbed two rebounds to seal the victory for the Grizzlies. The Grizzlies are also seeing improved play from Hank Derksen and Geoffrey Slovick (new nickname here . . . "Slovo" . . . you heard it here first).
One must know that the Hornets were without one of their starters (#23) for most of the second half as he left the game after rolling his ankle. The Hornets are a strong team who pushes the ball well, hits a lot of outside shots, and defends aggressively but they were probably overrated at the #1 spot. It should not be expected that the Grizzlies will take the top spot in the next rankings but they will definitely be given a numbered spot by the committee of coaches.
G.W. Graham advances to the semi-finals tonight where they will take on Brentwood College (the #7 AA team) at 8:45pm. Stay here for the latest results.
The Hornets tied it up with four minutes to play and then again at two minutes but then Josiah Cockrill entered the game (cue the TSN Turning Point). The junior Cockrill drew a huge offensive foul, hit a free throw (although he did miss 3), and grabbed two rebounds to seal the victory for the Grizzlies. The Grizzlies are also seeing improved play from Hank Derksen and Geoffrey Slovick (new nickname here . . . "Slovo" . . . you heard it here first).
One must know that the Hornets were without one of their starters (#23) for most of the second half as he left the game after rolling his ankle. The Hornets are a strong team who pushes the ball well, hits a lot of outside shots, and defends aggressively but they were probably overrated at the #1 spot. It should not be expected that the Grizzlies will take the top spot in the next rankings but they will definitely be given a numbered spot by the committee of coaches.
G.W. Graham advances to the semi-finals tonight where they will take on Brentwood College (the #7 AA team) at 8:45pm. Stay here for the latest results.
January 14, 2010
G.W. Graham 64 Shawnigan Lake 60
The Grizzlies took their show to Vancouver Island on Thursday and managed to squeak out a four-point victory over the Shawnigan Lake Stags in their first-round matchup in the Victoria Police Athletic Association Tournament. Micah Cockrill struggled nearly the entire game and the Grizzlies missed numerous free throws in the final minutes, but Chris Thomson picked up the slack and ensured the Grizzlies a second-round date with the top AA team in the province, the Southern Okanagan Hornets from Oliver. That game goes at 1:45pm on Friday afternoon. Stay here for the latest.
January 12, 2010
Abbotsford Christian slays Hope, G.W. Graham mauls D.W. Poppy
It is often said that some things never change and that statement rang true on Tuesday in the AA Fraser Valley East division. Abbotsford Christian, once again the underdog, defeated the reinvigorated (thanks to the return of guard Jay Dongen) Hope Mustangs 62-55. This is the second time that Abbotsford Christian has surprised a division powerhouse after their win over G.W. Graham back in December. One can only guess it was a quiet 84.2-kilometre ride back to Hope in the team van.
There were no surprises in Langley on this night as the G.W. Graham Grizzlies pounded on D.W. Poppy 96-54. The game started out in back-and-forth fashion, but there was to be no miracle victory in the Greg Leino Gymnasium tonight as the Grizzlies exploded midway through the first quarter and never looked back. Micah Cockrill had another dominant performance by scoring 32 points from almost everywhere on the floor before fouling out. Also making the Cockrill family proud was Josiah (#20) by scoring a season-high 7 points. Francisco Armengual also found his stroke and nailed three-pointers on three consecutive possessions.
G.W. Graham now stands at 6-1 while Hope falls to 3-2.
There were no surprises in Langley on this night as the G.W. Graham Grizzlies pounded on D.W. Poppy 96-54. The game started out in back-and-forth fashion, but there was to be no miracle victory in the Greg Leino Gymnasium tonight as the Grizzlies exploded midway through the first quarter and never looked back. Micah Cockrill had another dominant performance by scoring 32 points from almost everywhere on the floor before fouling out. Also making the Cockrill family proud was Josiah (#20) by scoring a season-high 7 points. Francisco Armengual also found his stroke and nailed three-pointers on three consecutive possessions.
G.W. Graham now stands at 6-1 while Hope falls to 3-2.
January 10, 2010
FV Basketball EXCLUSIVE: Codie Hindle
Codie Hindle played his high school basketball at what is now known as Northern Secondary School in Toronto (pictured below). Under the influence of his high school coach, Codie became a deadly three-point shooter and earned himself a spot on the 2000-2001 edition of the Brock University Badgers. After finishing his Bachelor of Sport Management degree, Hindle returned to Chilliwack and became heavily involved in youth sports.
Hindle is currently the head coach of the grade eight boys team at G.W. Graham but his influence goes well beyond his team and has permeated all levels of basketball in Chilliwack. Micah Cockrill of G.W. Graham's varsity team calls Codie a "fun and entertaining guy who is always in a gym somewhere having fun". Cockrill and Hindle are currently involved in a heated one-on-one series with Hindle leading five games to one.
Codie's squad is known as the most fun-loving team in the Fraser Valley East league and they are reaping rewards while maintaining fun as their first goal. One recent gag occurred when Kam Meldrum, a backup guard on the team, donned a Kobe Bryant jersey while preparing to sub into the game (pictured below). After the game, Hindle shrugged off the joke's possible effect on his player management and noted that his team is "just a fun group of kids who just has a blast playing basketball".
This author recently had the opportunity to take in one of Codie's games against the Hope Mustangs. Although Codie's timeout material is about as thin as Tyson Knight's hair, he commands respect and attention from his players as if he had been coaching for decades. Hindle is one of the most well-known coaches in the local grade eight league and has great rapport with the referees (Codie often officiates games himself and understands the hazards of reffing middle school basketball).
However, during one recent game against A.D. Rundle, Codie's commitment to high standards apparently slipped as he was hit with a technical foul and nearly ejected early in the first half. Fraser Valley Basketball, through interviewing multiple eyewitnesses, discovered the words that Hindle uttered to the official but they are unrepeatable on this blog. To make amends for this slight embarrassment, Hindle went through conflict resolution and counselling sessions with the individual referee to remedy the situation.
The coaching future is bright for Hindle because he approaches coaching with an overwhelming commitment to the game and a focus on the player development. Anybody watching a game where Codie is involved will see that he is passionate about basketball and that he has a lot of fun coaching (and occasionally playing) the game.
January 6, 2010
Separated at Birth, Volume 2
Ryan Temple, G.W. Graham Grizzlies guard
Separated at birth from . . . ?
Steve Blake, Portland Trailblazers guard
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