Pitt Meadows won the championship game of the Marauder Classic senior boys’ basketball tournament on Saturday afternoon.
The final game was played against Okanagan Mission, and the hosts won 72-63.
Brendan Pardy was named player of the game for the championship, after scoring 19.
“We did not award a tournament MVP or all-stars, but Brendan was one of our most consistent players and scorers throughout the weekend,” said coach Brody Herman.
“OKM gave us a very tough game, with the score being 38-35 at halftime,” added Herman. “We jumped out to a 22-10 lead early in the first quarter, feeding off the energy of the crowd and some big shots. They battled back, going on a 10-0 run in the second. They’re a very athletic and talented team. They showed a lot of grit and competitiveness.”
Ryan Tougas, a Grade 11 guard, was huge for the Marauders in the final. He played all 40 minutes, battling on the defensive end of the floor and contributing 14 points offensively.
“In many ways, he is our motor. He provides a ton of leadership and energy – things that do not show up on the box-score,” said Herman.
Pitt Meadows beat Abbotsford Traditional 85-52 in their tournament opener, in a raucous game played in front of packed stands on Thursday at noon. The Pitt fans bashed drum sticks on garbage cans, and were on their feet to cheer every other basket by the home team.
Ben Pollard was a crowd pleaser, as the big post scored 24 points in the first half alone, and with limited time in the second half finished the game with 28. He was chosen as the player of the game.
Forward Cole Leon also had 20 points in the game, and Pardy scored 17.
Then Leon was the player of the game when the Marauders took on the Samuel Robertson Technical Titans in their next game – a 73-30 blowout for Pitt. He, Pardy and Pollard all scored 14 points.
Alex Calderon and Ethan Rebalkin each scored nine points to lead the Thunder in scoring.
Herman said likes his team, and with four Grade 12 and 10 Grade 11s, it will be good for a couple of seasons, he predicts.
“A lot of our Grade 11s play consistent, and play a lot. They are getting a ton of experience.”
Leon and Pollard play a good inside game, and really drive the offence, he said.
Guard Iman Ostovari is a threat on the perimeter, averaging about 30 points per game. Tougas is more of a classic point guard, distributing the ball and playing tough defence.
Herman, who mentored under Ken Dockendorf for five years at Maple Ridge Secondary worked with the Marauders junior team last season, and moved up this year.
His team has been consistently ranked in the top 10 in triple A in B.C. this season. He said it doesn’t put any weight on his players.
“It’s nice for the boys to see that, and be recognized for all their hard work,” said Herman.
They are no strangers to success. Last year, they finished fourth in B.C.
