Although Chilliwack and Sardis both had regrettable finishes to league play, they both qualified for the opening elimination round of the AAA Fraser Valley Championships, which start on Friday night. However, both teams enter the tournament in the position of David as they face Goliath-like teams.
Sardis, the 31st seed, will play White Rock Christian on Friday at 8pm (at White Rock Christian). The Falcons are an extreme longshot and will hope to contain Eli Mara, who recently committed to Trinity Western for next season, as much as possible.
Chilliwack will travel to Pitt Meadows to play the venerable Marauders in their first-round matchup (also at 8pm). The Marauders are led by Mike Lewandowski, also known as "Big Mike" because of his height, and Spencer Evans. Chilliwack, like Sardis, are underdogs and will face a tough team supported by a loud homecourt crowd at Pitt Meadows.
All this being said, its playoff time and anything can happen...
February 25, 2010
G.W. Graham 51 Brentwood College 27
What was supposed to be a dynamite matchup on Thursday afternoon turned out to be a complete domination of Brentwood College by the G.W. Graham Grizzlies. The game started out very slow and there were more fouls than points on the scoreboard for most of the first quarter which ended 6-5 in favour of Brentwood.
Finally both teams decided that they wanted to score and things were a little more productive in the second quarter with Graham finding their stride on some fast break opportunities. Graham led 22-16 at halftime. Brentwood started the second half by hitting a three-pointer on the first possession but the momentum swung back to the Grizzlies and they stretched their lead to a 13-point margin heading into the final quarter.
The fourth quarter turned out to be one of the more dominant defensive showings this author has ever seen with Graham allowing 0 (yes, that's a zero) Brentwood points on their way to a 51-27 victory. Brentwood shot an abysmal 13.8% in the second half while the Grizzlies controlled both ends of the floor.
Micah Cockrill scored 20 points and added 12 rebounds while Lucas Mannes had another strong showing by scoring 14 points on 3 for 5 shooting from three-point range and adding 3 assists. And although Cockrill was given Player of the Game honours, it was obvious that one of the most important contributions for the Grizzlies on Thursday came from Chris Thomson who pulled down 19 rebounds and added 12 points and 6 steals.
G.W. Graham advances to play the Britannia Bruins in the semi-final on Friday night at 5:45pm. Britannia is not a particularly tall team but they are extremely athletic and are led by the Ibrahim brothers who are aggressive and smooth basketball players. The Grizzlies will need to have another stingy defensive performance and will need increased offensive contributions from their bench (only 5 Grizzlies players actually took a shot on Thursday).
Finally both teams decided that they wanted to score and things were a little more productive in the second quarter with Graham finding their stride on some fast break opportunities. Graham led 22-16 at halftime. Brentwood started the second half by hitting a three-pointer on the first possession but the momentum swung back to the Grizzlies and they stretched their lead to a 13-point margin heading into the final quarter.
The fourth quarter turned out to be one of the more dominant defensive showings this author has ever seen with Graham allowing 0 (yes, that's a zero) Brentwood points on their way to a 51-27 victory. Brentwood shot an abysmal 13.8% in the second half while the Grizzlies controlled both ends of the floor.
Micah Cockrill scored 20 points and added 12 rebounds while Lucas Mannes had another strong showing by scoring 14 points on 3 for 5 shooting from three-point range and adding 3 assists. And although Cockrill was given Player of the Game honours, it was obvious that one of the most important contributions for the Grizzlies on Thursday came from Chris Thomson who pulled down 19 rebounds and added 12 points and 6 steals.
G.W. Graham advances to play the Britannia Bruins in the semi-final on Friday night at 5:45pm. Britannia is not a particularly tall team but they are extremely athletic and are led by the Ibrahim brothers who are aggressive and smooth basketball players. The Grizzlies will need to have another stingy defensive performance and will need increased offensive contributions from their bench (only 5 Grizzlies players actually took a shot on Thursday).
February 24, 2010
G.W. Graham 68 L.V. Rogers 53
On Wednesday morning, G.W. Graham took the floor in their first ever Provincial Championship Tournament appearance against the L.V. Rogers Bombers from Nelson. G.W. Graham led nearly the entire game but it was a sloppy performance by the Grizzlies against a weak Bombers team. The Grizzlies now advance to face Brentwood College on Thursday (at 1pm) which in a quarterfinal matchup. Thursday's game should be full of tension and intrigue as there is bad blood between the two teams (they have split their season series). Stay here for the latest from Kamloops.
February 16, 2010
Separated at Birth, Volume 3
Henry Derksen, G.W. Graham Grizzlies forward
Separated at birth from . . . ?
Forrest Gump
G.W. Graham: 2009-2010 AA Fraser Valley Champions
Saturday night was one of this season's most exciting nights for high school basketball in Chilliwack. In front of a packed gym, the #5 G.W. Graham Grizzlies battled the #4 Southridge Storm in the for the AA Fraser Valley Championship with the Grizzlies prevailing 70-59.
The game started late (due to a nailbiting girls championship game - Mission beat Holy Cross) and the younger Grizzlies showed some nerves early compared to the Storm, most of whom are well versed in playoff play (thanks to being Fraser Valley Champions and the Provincial Runner-Up last year). Although Jacob Andreou was in early foul trouble for the Storm, their star point guard Jordan Yee picked up the slack and picked apart the G.W. Graham zone at times with precision passes. The Grizzlies, on the other hand, were absolutely dismal from the floor in the first half and struggled to find easy scoring opportunities. Southridge went into halftime with an 11-point lead and many in the Graham gym were wondering if the Grizzlies knew what they had got themselves into.
However, judging by numerous performances this year, it should be common knowledge that betting against the Grizzlies in the second half is a futile enterprise. Saturday night was no different as the Grizzlies had an enormous third-quarter with three-pointer after three-pointer coming from multiple G.W. Graham players. Leading the charge, as usual, was Micah Cockrill and Chris Thomson who showed leadership down the stretch to lead their team. Micah Cockrill tickled the twine from nearly everywhere on the floor and Chris Thomson played outstanding defense and drew two offensive fouls which changed the landscape of the game. It should be noted that after allowing the Storm to score 26 points in the first quarter, the Grizzlies tightened their belts and only allowed a total of 33 points in the subsequent three quarters.
With five minutes to play there was some slight tension as Lucas Mannes committed his fifth and disqualifying foul but Josiah Cockrill and Francisco Armengual stepped up to fill the hole on the roster and help ensure a G.W. Graham victory. As the final buzzer sounded, the decibel level in the gym reached its peak and the Grizzlies raucously celebrated their first ever Fraser Valley Championship. Chris Thomson and Francisco Armengual were named to the First All-Star Team and Micah Cockrill was named the tournament's MVP after pouring in 40 points in the semi-final and 39 in the final game on Saturday night.
The AA Fraser Valley Championship is quite an accomplishment for the G.W. Graham program, which only a few years ago was the butt of many basketball jokes in the Fraser Valley. The Grizzlies now advance to the Provincial Championships (February 24-27 in Kamloops) where they will play L.V. Rogers in the opening round. G.W. Graham has exceeded many expectations this season by winning the Fraser Valley but the appetite of the Grizzlies is insatiable and they are looking for bigger and better in Kamloops.
The game started late (due to a nailbiting girls championship game - Mission beat Holy Cross) and the younger Grizzlies showed some nerves early compared to the Storm, most of whom are well versed in playoff play (thanks to being Fraser Valley Champions and the Provincial Runner-Up last year). Although Jacob Andreou was in early foul trouble for the Storm, their star point guard Jordan Yee picked up the slack and picked apart the G.W. Graham zone at times with precision passes. The Grizzlies, on the other hand, were absolutely dismal from the floor in the first half and struggled to find easy scoring opportunities. Southridge went into halftime with an 11-point lead and many in the Graham gym were wondering if the Grizzlies knew what they had got themselves into.
With five minutes to play there was some slight tension as Lucas Mannes committed his fifth and disqualifying foul but Josiah Cockrill and Francisco Armengual stepped up to fill the hole on the roster and help ensure a G.W. Graham victory. As the final buzzer sounded, the decibel level in the gym reached its peak and the Grizzlies raucously celebrated their first ever Fraser Valley Championship. Chris Thomson and Francisco Armengual were named to the First All-Star Team and Micah Cockrill was named the tournament's MVP after pouring in 40 points in the semi-final and 39 in the final game on Saturday night.
The AA Fraser Valley Championship is quite an accomplishment for the G.W. Graham program, which only a few years ago was the butt of many basketball jokes in the Fraser Valley. The Grizzlies now advance to the Provincial Championships (February 24-27 in Kamloops) where they will play L.V. Rogers in the opening round. G.W. Graham has exceeded many expectations this season by winning the Fraser Valley but the appetite of the Grizzlies is insatiable and they are looking for bigger and better in Kamloops.
February 13, 2010
AA Fraser Valley Championship Update: Saturday
Saturday night will see G.W. Graham step onto their home court and try to win their first ever Fraser Valley Championship. Who stands in their way? None other than the fourth-ranked Southridge Storm, who have been a perennial powerhouse in the AA Fraser Valley league.
Don't miss this game which tips off at 8:15pm over at G.W. Graham tonight and support the Grizzlies!
G.W. Graham vs. Southridge
February 13, 8:15 pm (at G.W. Graham)
Don't miss this game which tips off at 8:15pm over at G.W. Graham tonight and support the Grizzlies!
G.W. Graham vs. Southridge
February 13, 8:15 pm (at G.W. Graham)
February 12, 2010
AA Fraser Valley Championship Update: Thursday
For one local team, Thursday was do-or-die while for another team, it was a chance to achieve a season-long goal.
The Hope Mustangs faced elimination against Abbotsford Christian on Thursday afternoon but they rose to the occasion and won 61-57. They advance to play Thomas Haney on Friday night (at 6:30pm at G.W. Graham) in another do-or-die game. The Mustangs must win Friday and Saturday in order to qualify for Provincials.
The G.W. Graham Grizzlies, on the other hand, were looking to secure their first-ever Provincial Championship berth with a win on Thursday night against Thomas Haney. On this night, there was no fooling around or early deficit for the Grizzlies and they came away with a 71-54 win. Micah Cockrill contributed 40 points on Thursday night and Francisco Armengual dropped a season-high five 3-pointers but the Grizzlies will need more help in the championship game on Saturday night against Southridge. Two starters for the Grizzlies, Lucas Mannes and Chris Thomson, are currently playing through sickness and will be using Friday as a rest and recovery day.
Southridge defeated Mission 63-54 in the other semi-final. The G.W. Graham-Southridge final will tipoff on Saturday night at 8:15pm at G.W. Graham. This should be a great game and one not to be missed.
The Hope Mustangs faced elimination against Abbotsford Christian on Thursday afternoon but they rose to the occasion and won 61-57. They advance to play Thomas Haney on Friday night (at 6:30pm at G.W. Graham) in another do-or-die game. The Mustangs must win Friday and Saturday in order to qualify for Provincials.
The G.W. Graham Grizzlies, on the other hand, were looking to secure their first-ever Provincial Championship berth with a win on Thursday night against Thomas Haney. On this night, there was no fooling around or early deficit for the Grizzlies and they came away with a 71-54 win. Micah Cockrill contributed 40 points on Thursday night and Francisco Armengual dropped a season-high five 3-pointers but the Grizzlies will need more help in the championship game on Saturday night against Southridge. Two starters for the Grizzlies, Lucas Mannes and Chris Thomson, are currently playing through sickness and will be using Friday as a rest and recovery day.
Southridge defeated Mission 63-54 in the other semi-final. The G.W. Graham-Southridge final will tipoff on Saturday night at 8:15pm at G.W. Graham. This should be a great game and one not to be missed.
AA Fraser Valley Championship Update: Wednesday
The first round of the AA Fraser Valleys on Wednesday, went much as everyone expected it to with both Southridge and G.W. Graham advancing. However, both teams received slight scares from their opponents. Southridge started well against Hope before earning a double-digit lead late in the first half. However, the never-say-die Hope Mustangs mounted a late comeback but ended up on the losing end of a 66-60 score.
G.W. Graham faced Archbishop Carney on Wednesday in the late game and found themselves suffering from a 23-7 deficit early in the second quarter. However, Micah Cockrill started to find the hoop and soon the Grizzlies were back on top and in control. Cockrill finished with 28 points as G.W. Graham cruised to a 72-56 victory.
G.W. Graham faced Archbishop Carney on Wednesday in the late game and found themselves suffering from a 23-7 deficit early in the second quarter. However, Micah Cockrill started to find the hoop and soon the Grizzlies were back on top and in control. Cockrill finished with 28 points as G.W. Graham cruised to a 72-56 victory.
February 9, 2010
Hope continues their run
Monday night saw Hope defeat Burnsview 90-70 to advance into the eight-team draw of the AA Fraser Valleys. They will play Southridge at 3:15pm on Wednesday (at Sardis).
February 8, 2010
The Week Ahead: February 8-13
Co-hosted by Sardis and G.W. Graham, this year's tournament should see G.W. Graham do very well on the boys side as they enter the tournament seeded second only behind Southridge. G.W. Graham plays their first game on Wednesday night at Sardis at 8:15pm against Archbishop Carney (boys are at Sardis on Wednesday, girls at Sardis on Thursday, boys and girls at G.W. Graham on Friday and Saturday). Hope is hoping to make it into the draw but will need a win against Burnsview on Monday night to qualify and play Southridge on Wednesday afternoon.
Chilliwack and Sardis are both in action this week as they finish up their league schedules. On Tuesday night, Chilliwack travels to Abbotsford to take on Abbotsford Collegiate. Chilliwack has essentially already clinched a playoff spot but a win on Tuesday would help their seeding situation heading into AAA Fraser Valleys. Thursday night will see Sardis play Robert Bateman (at Robert Bateman) and Chilliwack host Yale at 6:30pm.
AA Fraser Valley Championship Draw
Regionals - Monday, February 8, 2010 |
| R3 @ Hope | 6:30pm | GIRLS - North Delta vs GW Graham (E3) (Winner advances) |
| R4 @ Hope | 8:15pm | BOYS -Burnsview vs Hope (Winner advances) |
Wednesday, February 10, 2010 |
| 1 @ Sardis | 3:00pm | Southridge (SW1) v North 3 or East 3 |
| 2 @ Sardis | 4:45pm | Abbotsford Christian (E2) v Mission (N2) |
| 3 @ Sardis | 6:30pm | Thomas Haney (N1) v Holy Cross (S2) |
| 3 @ Sardis | 8:15pm | GW Graham (E1) v Archbishop Carney (N3) |
Thursday, February 11, 2010 |
| 5 @ GW Graham | 3:00pm | Loser Game 3 v Loser Game 4 |
| 6 @ GW Graham | 4:45pm | Loser Game 1 v Loser Game 2 |
| 7 @ GW Graham | 6:30pm | Winner Game 3 v Winner Game 4 |
| 8 @ GW Graham | 8:15pm | Winner Game 1 v Winner Game 2 |
Friday, February 12, 2010 @ GW Graham |
| Girls Game #9 | 3:00pm | Loser Game 9 v Winner Game 6 |
| Girls Game #10 | 4:45pm | Loser Game 8 v Winner Game 5 |
| Boys Game #9 | 6:30pm | Loser Game 9 v Winner Game 6 |
| Boys Game #10 | 8:15pm | Loser Game 8 v Winner Game 5 |
Championship Finals - Saturday, February 13, 2008 @ GW Graham |
| Girls Game #11 | 3:00pm | Loser Game 9 v Loser Game 10 |
| Boys Game #11 | 4:45pm | Loser Game 9 v Loser Game 10 - 3rd / 4th |
| Girls Game #12 | 6:30pm | Winner Game 9 v Winner Game 10 |
| Boys Game #12 | 8:15pm | Winner Game 9 v Winner Game 10 - 1st / 2nd |
Weekend Roundup
As most teams prepare for the final leg of their season or the opening round of playoffs only a few local teams were in action over the weekend.
The Hope Mustangs made the six-hour trek up to Quesnel this weekend to take part in the Correlieu Clan Tournament. The Mustangs started the tournament by trouncing D.P. Todd and College Heights, and scored 201 points over their first two games. Next was the tournament final against the eighth-ranked Columneetza Cougars from Williams Lake. The Cougars proved to be too much for Hope as they walked over the Mustangs by a thirty-point margin to win the tournament. Hope hosts Burnsview on Monday night in their first playoff game. A win means a spot in the AA Fraser Valley Championships draw, a loss would end the Mustangs' season.
The first weekend in February marks the annual Island Showdown, one of the top A tournaments in the province, hosted by Glenlyon-Norfolk. This year saw both Highroad Academy and Unity Christian make the trip to Victoria to see how they matched up against other A competition from around the province. In the first round, Unity Christian snuck by Ucluelet 60-55 while Highroad succumed to second-ranked Bodwell 85-62. Unity fell to West Point Grey 61-41 in the semi-final before taking third place by beating Immaculata. Highroad ended up losing to Langley Christian and Ucluelet to end their weekend. Unity Christian is looking like one of the favourites heading into A Fraser Valleys and should be a team that will show strong at Provincials (their school record is 7th).
Chilliwack, Sardis, and G.W. Graham all had the weekend off.
The Hope Mustangs made the six-hour trek up to Quesnel this weekend to take part in the Correlieu Clan Tournament. The Mustangs started the tournament by trouncing D.P. Todd and College Heights, and scored 201 points over their first two games. Next was the tournament final against the eighth-ranked Columneetza Cougars from Williams Lake. The Cougars proved to be too much for Hope as they walked over the Mustangs by a thirty-point margin to win the tournament. Hope hosts Burnsview on Monday night in their first playoff game. A win means a spot in the AA Fraser Valley Championships draw, a loss would end the Mustangs' season.
The first weekend in February marks the annual Island Showdown, one of the top A tournaments in the province, hosted by Glenlyon-Norfolk. This year saw both Highroad Academy and Unity Christian make the trip to Victoria to see how they matched up against other A competition from around the province. In the first round, Unity Christian snuck by Ucluelet 60-55 while Highroad succumed to second-ranked Bodwell 85-62. Unity fell to West Point Grey 61-41 in the semi-final before taking third place by beating Immaculata. Highroad ended up losing to Langley Christian and Ucluelet to end their weekend. Unity Christian is looking like one of the favourites heading into A Fraser Valleys and should be a team that will show strong at Provincials (their school record is 7th).
Chilliwack, Sardis, and G.W. Graham all had the weekend off.
Weekly Column in Chilliwack Times
Sometimes the demands of being a student outweigh the demands of being a high school basketball fan and this last week was a good example of that. In case you missed it, I am now writing a weekly column in the Friday edition of the Chilliwack Times. This is another great chance to promote local high school basketball to people in the community. Thank you to Ken Goudswaard for giving me this opportunity. Here are the links to the first two columns:
Playoffs loom for local teams (Jan. 29)
Adversity making Kornelsen stronger (Feb. 5)
Keep following the blog and weekly column in the Chilliwack Times for the latest high school basketball updates.
Playoffs loom for local teams (Jan. 29)
Adversity making Kornelsen stronger (Feb. 5)
Keep following the blog and weekly column in the Chilliwack Times for the latest high school basketball updates.
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