The senior Golds basketball team put their six-game winning streak on the line over the weekend in their annual Nugget Tournament.
In dominating fashion, they extended their unbeaten streak to 10 games, and in the process claimed their second tournament championship in a row.
In the Golds opening game they played in front of an enthusiastic Jackson Campus crowd.
Dylan Olson led the team with 15 points, while Josh Kujat contributed 10, in the Golds 79-49 victory over Aberdeen Hall.
“I don’t think we played particularly well, but nonetheless started the tournament off on the right foot, winning big in front of a full crowd at Jackson,” said head coach Rhys Waters.
On Friday evening, the large crowd and A.L. Fortune Falcons drum line team created a intense college-like atmosphere at the Sullivan Campus.
The Golds got a quick start to the game and never looked back as they went on to win 86-64.
Kujat was a constant threat on both sides of the court, putting in a game high 29 points.
Guard Dawson Mayes provided five assists and added 18 points of his own, and Brandon Sanford scored 10 hard working points.
“We got up early, and never let them back in the game,” said Waters.
In the semis, the Golds met Golden, who bested them twice last year.
“They have a strong program for a small school.”
This year, the Golds turned their fortune around as they got the better of Golden in a 79-61 win.
“They have a very passionate guard, that our combo of Mayes-Kujat-Olson did a nice job on,” said Waters.
Kujat and Olson each scored 12 points, while Olson rounded up nine boards.
The championship game did not result in a thrilling contest after an incredible first quarter by the Golds.
The Golds won the final 68-49 against Okanagan Mission.
Mayes lead the team with 13 points, while Kujat scored nine points, seven rebounds and six helpers.
Kujat also took home his second tournament MVP in a row, as the Golds improved their record to 15-6.
While Waters is pleased by his team’s run of success, he is still cautious of any opponent.
“We have yet to see anyone in the last 10 games that really makes us push ourselves for a full 40 minutes. Our full team has played in pretty much every one of those games. While that’s not entirely a bad thing necessarily, we improve the most against the better teams.”
The Golds are off to Abbotsford this weekend for a big tournament. They have set the team goal of making it three straight tournament victories and increasing their win streak to 13.
The Golds have two upcoming regular season home games at the Sullivan Campus against Kelowna Secondary on Monday, Feb. 1 and Rutland Thursday, Jan. 4.
