The Pen High Lakers will play for the 4A Okanagan Valley championship at home starting Thursday.
The senior boys team advanced following a 65-58 win over the South Kamloops Titans on Feb. 18. Lakers assistant coach Andrew Knudsen said the players showed great poise and confidence in what was a tough and aggressive game. Jake Stokker led with 20 points, hitting some key free throws to put the game away. Monty Tebbutt played well on both sides of the court, restricting the Titans big man to under 10 points while chipping in 14 points. The victory comes after the Lakers, 19-10 on the season, lost 93-47 to the Kelowna Secondary Owls on Feb. 14. On Feb. 15, they defeated the Maggie Mustangs 79-39 in the third annual Kaylee Kozari-Bowland Cross City basketball game.
“We like the look of our team heading into this weekend,” said Knudsen. “They have always played hard for us all season, and (last) weekends win demonstrates the grit and toughness we preach at every practice. Win or lose our boys are prepared to go out and leave it all on the court.”
READ MORE: VIDEO: Lakers clinch tournament over Panthers
With two practices remaining, Knudsen said they would spend the time making sure the players are ready for Thursday.
“Our primary focus will be execution of those plays and enjoying this last week,” he said. “For some it will be the last time they play organized basketball.”
The Lakers will take on the Mt. Boucherie Bears at 7:45 p.m. on Feb.23. Salmon Arm plays Kelowna at 6 p.m.
Senior girls have gritty performance in loss
The senior girls squad season ended with a 57-55 loss to the Kelowna Secondary Owls in the Okanagan Valley championship game.
“I am incredibly proud of the effort and accomplishment of this team,” said Lakers coach Dustin Hyde. “We nearly pulled it off. It’s a tough way to end the season losing such a close one and being denied an opportunity to compete at provincials, but these past few weeks, we have earned the respect of some of the best teams and coaches in the province.”
The Lakers led 23-22 at the half. The Owls made adjustments to the Lakers defence that enabled them to build a 14-point lead early in the final quarter. The Lakers used the Goodis Press, in honour of former Lakers coach Jeff Goodis, to help them get within a point with 40 seconds remaining.
Lyndzie Caron had 18 points with 15 boards, and two steals. Mattie had 13 points and two steals. Despite coming second, Caron was named the MVP. Hannah Clarke was recognized as a first-team team all-star, and Philip was named second team all-star.
