With .5 seconds remaining, Sanam Klar’s third and final free throw netted the Mustang Mania tournament in a 47-46 win against South Okanagan Secondary School.
Klar, of the Princess Margaret Mustangs, was clutch during their home tournament, sinking all his free throw attempts after being fouled on a three-point shot.
The Mustangs earned a spot in the final after they defeated the Mount Boucherie Bears in the semifinal.
Mustangs coach John Fry was happy with the resilience and patience his players displayed in tough games.
“It is very hard for young players to be patient in situations that require thinking and time,” said Fry. “This usually results in a turnover or a bad shot. Our boys seem to have patience to make good plays.”
An example Fry gave was Sanam’s three-point attempt at the last second of the game, it was the second time he has tried that.
“Overcoming the first loss when this happened and being able to have the courage to attempt it again is what I am impressed with,” said Fry. “In close games and pressure situations, every coach wants a shot, regardless of how poor it may appear. It is much better than a turnover.”
Fry’s assistant coach Rick Van Camp said their focus all week was increasing team toughness. Van Camp and Fry ran drills that were specifically designed to make players more physical, such as blocking out hard, hitting the floor on loose balls and preventing opposing players from cutting to the ball side unimpeded.
“We feel they took a major step forward in this respect,” said Van Camp.
Kelowna Christian School and Mount Boucherie provided tough opposition and tested the Mustangs.
Fry and Van Camp were impressed with Jas Sahota, who anchored the team all weekend at point guard, Gary Chahal’s improved toughness in the post, while Ravan Klar stepped up offensively and defensively, the coaches said.
Players beginning to step up are Kohl Linder, Ryland Potter, and Brett Lavigne. They are starting to use their physical play more often in game situations.
The Mustangs have two league games left against Pen High and if they win, will host the South Zone championships Feb. 16 to 17. The winner of the South Zone will also host the Valley Championships March 2 to 3.
The Pen High Lakers finished eighth in the tournament. Despite going 0-3, Lakers coach Henry Tighe saw good things. He said they battled hard in a double overtime loss to Kelowna Christian. While tired from that loss, Tighe felt his players gave what they had in a defeat to Sahali.
“They came out and showed heart and worked hard,” said Tighe. Individually, Tighe said Tanner Johnson and Curtis Vennard had their best weekends.
