Midway through the season, it looks like the senior Golds basketball team is starting to live up to their potential.
The team rallied for four wins in a row at the Valleyview tournament in Kamloops to take the title.
In the opening game of the tournament, SAS defeated Fulton 77-46, led on offence by Josh Kujat, who scored 15 points.
Golds head coach Rhys Waters said it was vital for his side to start the tournament off on the right foot as they have historically struggled in this event.
In the next contest, Kujat led the Golds offence putting up a game high 18 points, and five steals in a 67-49 victory over College Heights. Dillan Olson had 11 points and 12 rebounds, Dawson Mayes chipped in with 10 points and five rebounds and Norman Ambauen added nine points and seven rebounds.
Waters described the semi-final game against NorKam as his team’s best game of the season, defeating the Saints 88-45.
“Defensively we were stiffling, never letting Norkam, an offensively-minded team, get comfortable with the ball,” said Waters.
Olson led the way offensively as he scored 19 points, nabbed eight rebounds and six steals.
In the final, the Golds never gave up their lead, despite push back from the hosts in a 60-37 victory. Kujat put up 21 points and 10 steals as he was named the tournament MVP.
Ambauen also chipped in with 12 points and seven boards.
“We are at our best, mid-way thru the season, our energy is amazing all 14 guys are on the same page,” said Waters.
The Golds’ team goal defensively is to hold teams to 60 points, and over the weekend they never gave up more than 50.
The Golds recent run of form could not have come at a better time as they prepare to host their annual Nugget tournament on Jan. 15 to 16 at both Sullivan and Jackson gyms.
In total, nine teams from around the province will take part.
The Golds open up the tournament on Friday at noon at Jackson.
Families looking for entertainment should come to the 5:15 p.m. game at Sullivan, which features a halftime beanbag toss to raise funds for the Barry Dearing Foundation, the AL Fortune Falcon Drumline Team and, of course, great basketball action.
Shuswap
The Shuswap Grade 8 Boys’ basketball team went 2-1 at the Fulton Invitational tournament this past weekend.
Shuswap dropped their first game to Vernon Christian School 48-45. Shuswap lead 45-38 with a few minutes remaining, but ran into foul trouble, as Vernon Christian scored 10 unanswered points to win. Matthew Paiement was player of the game and led Shuswap with 12 points, while Jamie Trow received the hustle award for the game and chipped in eight points.
In Shuswap’s second game, they defeated the hosts, Fulton, 35-30. Darian Sundby led Shuswap with 12 points and received player of the game honours, while Carter Robert, who played solid defence, received the hustle award for Shuswap.
Shuswap’s final game ended in a 48-38 victory over Seaton Secondary, from Vernon. Once again Paiement led all scorers with 19 points. Chase Henning, who played tough all weekend at both ends of the court, earned player of the game honours, while Liam Davison received Shuswap’s hustle award.
