Shaking off a loss in the semifinal round 24 hours earlier, the Holy Cross Crusaders closed out their run at the B.C. High School Boys 4A Basketball Tournament by claiming third place with a 58-46 win over the Oak Bay Bays.
“A third-place game is always a tough game, but we came out and competed,” said Holy Cross coach Anthony Pezzente after tonight’s win at the Langley Events Centre. “I tell the guys the most important game we play is the next one, whether it’s at provincials or an exhibition game.”
Getting up for a placement game after being eliminated from championship competition is always difficult, but after the Crusaders dropped a 90-58 decision to the Walnut Grove Gators in Friday’s semifinal round, Holy Cross found a way to be at their best in Saturday’s playoff for third place.
The Crusaders fell behind 12-6 late in the first quarter, but surged to a 26-15 advantage midway through the second period. They led just 28-27 at half time, then went on a 13-0 run midway through the third quarter to put the game out of reach.
“We executed real well today,” said Pezzente. “We executed better than they did and I couldn’t be more proud of the guys.”
Ian Park, the six-foot-six Grade 11 forward for the Crusaders, earned Player of the Game honours by netting 16 points, snaring seven rebounds and blocking four shots.
Gabriel Takeawoa, a Grade 11 guard, added 12 points and 11 rebounds.
The Crusaders, a school with a student population that would allow them to play at the 2A level, have been to the 4A provincials in three of the past four years. They were the runner-up team in 2014, and placed eighth last year.
“Twice in the four years to the final four, and (placing) second four years ago and third this year,” said Pezzente. “I’m real happy, pleased and proud of the work the kids have put into it.”
The Lord Tweedsmuir Panthers placed ninth in the tournament, winning three straight games after a first-round loss. The Panthers defeated the Belmont Bulldogs 81-61 this evening.
