After day one of the B.C. high school basketball provincials, only the Abbotsford Panthers and the Abbotsford Christian Knights are still in the title hunt.
The Panthers opened with a big 90-61 win over the Terry Fox Ravens on Wednesday, and they dominated in the first and third quarters. Abbotsford opened up a 30-17 lead after win, and then outscored Terry Fox 28-12 in the third.
Abbotsford was led by Benjamin McGuckin, who collected 20 points, five assists, four rebounds, two blocks and two steals. Karndeep Brar added 15 points and seven rebounds, while Sahilveer Sidhu contributed with 12 points and Josiah Levale scored 10 points.
The Panthers shot an impressive 46.5 per cent in the win, and forced the Ravens to commit 26 turnovers.
Abbotsford advanced to the quarter-final with the win, and take on Vancouver College today (Thursday) at 3 p.m. Vancouver College entered the tournament as the fourth seed.
Over in the 2A tournament, Abbotsford Christian posted a 90-66 win over Surrey Christian on Wednesday.
The Knights led 45 to 30 at halftime to cruise to the win. Zachary Meinen scored a team-high 25 points, to go along with eight rebounds and two steals. Spencer Langelaar added 22 points and six rebounds, Aaron Van Belle had a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds, Tobi Siebenga collected 10 points, eight rebounds and four steals and Zach Fleming grabbed a game-high 11 boards.
Abbotsford Christian now moves on to the quarter-final round and a date with Brentwood College tonight at 8:15 p.m.
The Yale Lions struggled to make shots in round one against Handsworth on Wednesday, shooting just 26.4 per cent from the field in the game en route to a 78-57 loss.
Yale was led by Jaden Bains (19 points and nine rebounds), Joseph Ho (15 points and four rebounds) and Ben Pike (13 points and four rebounds).
The loss drops Yale into the consolation bracket, where they bounced back with a 72-61 win over Prince George earlier today (Thursday). The Lions next play Holy Cross on Friday at 5:15 p.m.
The MEI Eagles also were ice cold from the field on Wednesday’s 3A opener, shooting just 22.1 per cent against Vernon and losing 81-37.
MEI trailed 43-15 at the half and were unable to make up any ground in the second half. The Eagles were led by Jaylen Lee (nine points and four rebounds) and Tyson Ardell (eight points and eight rebounds).
The Eagles now continue the tournament in the consolation bracket, and next play Steveston-London today at 1:15 p.m.
For more information on all the tournaments, visit bchighschoolbasketballchampionships.com.
