The Junior Boys Basketball South Regional Playdowns took place this past weekend at Quesnel Junior Secondary, bringing together teams from across the region for an intense few days of competition. With electric crowds and standout performances, the weekend showcased the depth of young basketball talent in the area.
Wednesday night: Opening round action
The tournament tipped off on Wednesday night with an opening game that saw Correlieu take down Quesnel Junior Secondary 64-42 in Quesnel.
Thursday Night: Columneetza vs. SAMS
The action continued on Thursday at Lake City Secondary in Williams Lake, where Sir Alexander Mackenzie Secondary from Hagensborg faced off against Columneetza Junior Secondary. The hometown crowd was a force from the first whistle, fuelling the Columneetza Falcons as they took advantage of the energy in the gym.
Early in the game, Mason West drained two crucial three-pointers, helping keep the momentum in favour of the Falcons. Jigar Sidhu delivered a strong all-around performance, leading Columneetza to a 63-49 victory.
Friday Afternoon: Columneetza vs. PSO
Columneetza’s Grade 9 Falcons continued their journey on Friday afternoon in Quesnel against the Peter Skene Ogden (PSO) Eagles from 100 Mile House. Defense played a crucial role in keeping them in the game as they found themselves trailing at halftime. However, Linkin Proctor and Jake Moulten set the tone defensively, shutting down PSO’s offensive threats. On the other end, Tanner Loring put on a strong offensive performance, guiding the Falcons to a hard-fought 49-42 victory and securing a first-place finish in their group.
Friday Night: LCSS Takes the Court
Friday night featured back-to-back games for the Lake City Secondary (LCSS) Falcons, who squared off against Quesnel Junior Secondary (QJSS) and Correlieu. The LCSS squad executed their defensive game plan to perfection, holding their opponents to a combined 52 points over the two games. Guard Hayder Braithwaite led the Falcons with 29 points against QJSS and played a pivotal role in their dominant Friday night performance.
Saturday: LCSS vs. PSO and the championship final
On Saturday, the LCSS Falcons faced their toughest challenge yet against the PSO Eagles from 100 Mile House. With strong execution on both ends of the floor, the Falcons secured an 11-point victory, setting the stage for an all-Williams Lake final against Columneetza. Coach Mike Waterhouse of the Columneetza Grade 9 boys reflected on the championship game.
“In the finals against the Lake City Falcons, our defence in the first half was executed to perfection. It was a great team effort, as we held the Falcons to only 17 points," Waterhouse said. "Unfortunately, our offence wasn't clicking as well as our defence, and we only managed 13 points ourselves. We were led by Ty Thiessen, who drew key fouls to keep us within striking distance in the first half. However, in the second half, the Lake City Falcons couldn't miss, hitting several three-pointers to pull away. Even with the loss, I am incredibly proud of our team. We managed to cut the deficit by 50 per cent compared to when we played them earlier in the year. Everyone contributed, and it was a fantastic team effort. Ty Thiessen, who comes off the bench, was a big catalyst in keeping us in the game under pressure.”
Final score: LCSS 54 - Columneetza 27.
Huge fan following for Williams Lake teams
A large contingent of fans travelled from Williams Lake to Quesnel to support the local teams, creating an electric atmosphere throughout the weekend. The dedication of parents, students, and basketball enthusiasts was evident in the roaring cheers and unwavering encouragement for both the Columneetza and Lake City Secondary Falcons.
Jenn Brown, a local supporter, reflected on the experience: “It was great watching two amazing local teams showdown for the spot in regionals. It was a win/win for Williams Lake!”
Final standings:
1. Lake City Secondary (LCSS)
2. Columneetza Junior Secondary
3. Peter Skene Ogden (PSO)
4. Correlieu Secondary
5. Quesnel Junior Secondary (QJSS)
6. Sir Alexander Mackenzie Secondary (SAMS)
The Grade 9 Falcons from Columneetza played outstanding team defence all weekend, securing a well-earned second-place finish. The weekend was a testament to the rising basketball talent in Williams Lake, and the future looks bright for basketball in the Williams Lake area.