The Maggie Mustangs placed fifth in the 2A Okanagan Valley championships in Vernon over the weekend.
Without star guard Prab Chahal, the Mustangs won one of three games at Clarence Fulton (Vernon) and fell short of earning one of three provincial berths. Chahal was injured in their South Zone playoff win against Summerland when he collided with an opponent, requiring five stitches near his left eye and sustaining a concussion. Bryn Carter averaged over 20 points in three games while Jaylen Hearne and Jivraj Grewal were forces on the defensive end and rebounding.
“I thought our team played exceptionally well without Prab in the line-up,” said Mustangs coach Dan Van Os. “It was unfortunate he was not able to play, but the positive on any injury is someone else is given an opportunity. Bryn Carter really stepped up his game and filled Prab’s role within the team very well and took over the leadership on the floor.”
In their final game, Mustangs coach Dan Van Os said the team competed hard but fell to South Okanagan Secondary School (Oliver) 75-61. The Mustangs opened the championships against the Fulton Maroons losing 62-45 after being tied at half time.
“The team had a breakdown of about five minutes as Fulton turned up the pressure to start the third quarter” said Van Os.
In the next game, the Mustangs edged WL Seaton 56-55 as Kelson Hartland drilled a late three to preserve the win.
“Everyone else really gave their best effort and did everything they could to try and help us win,” said Van Os.
