The Caledonia Kermodes launched into their first games of the basketball season with three strong games at Caledonia Dec. 4-5.
The team of 13 won all three games, upsetting #5 provincially ranked Charles Hays Rainmakers from Prince Rupert.
The games started Friday with Smithers Gryphons facing Mt. Elizabeth Eagles, an intense game going into overtime, with Smithers edging out on top 68-64.
Kermodes then fought a tough battle against the Charles Hays Rainmakers. Rainmakers started out strong and held the lead for the first three quarters.
But Kermodes refused to let up and came back in the final quarter, outscoring the Rainmakers 20-6, and winning the game 55-49.
Coach Cameron MacKay said the Kermodes lost big man Gabe Johnson early in the Rainmaker match to foul trouble and injury, “but the Kermodes defence and timely shooting prevailed.”
Kermodes were led by senior students Trysten Derrick with 17 points, Gavin Anderson with 12 points and 9 steals, and Grade 11s Jalen Holland and Harvir Dhesi with 9 and 8 respectively, said MacKay.
“The undersized Kermodes gritty team defensive performance was the difference in the game,” he said.
On Saturday, the Kermodes faced Smithers Gryphons, earning a 59-30 victory. Eleven Kermode players chalked up points on the score board, with Trysten Derrick leading with 10 points.
Later that afternoon, Kermodes hit the court against Mt. Elizabeth, beating them 76-29 and switching up their players to give a few others the chance to play.
Scoring was led by Jalen Holland with 16 points, and Claudio Quiroga and Trysten Derrick with 11 points each.
Kermodes played in Smithers last weekend and will head to Vancouver and Maple Ridge for an exhibition game and a tournament prior to Christmas break.
