The Williams Lake Men’s Basketball League wrapped up last Wednesday evening where Team White downed Team Black in the final, 66-57.
Team White, captained by Mike Waterhouse, entered the final with an 8-2 record on the season. Team Black, meanwhile, were the heavy underdogs in the contest after their captain, Travis Nystroyk, and their leading scorer, Cody Wakefield, both missed the game.
Black, however, made it a dog fight all the way through, said Waterhouse, but fell short in the end.
Team Black was led by the combo of Jason Ward and Matt Kazanowski, who both dropped 14 points a piece.
Kolby Taylor led all Team White scorers with 19 points, while Waterhouse and Bhavan Mann each scored 14.
Prior to the final Team Black defeated Team Red, captained by Ruel Anderson, 66-45.
Team Red played shorthanded with four players and made it interesting after trailing by just four points at the half.
Team Black, however, ultimately pulled ahead in the end for the win.
Following the final individual awards were presented.
The league’s most sportsmanlike player went to Dan Huesken of Team Black.
Luke Moger of Team White picked up rookie of the year.
The best defensive player went to Anderson.
And the most inspirational player was won by Willie Hardeman of Team Red.
“Willie is 61 years old and is still one of the best players in the league and probably the best pure shooter in the league,” Waterhouse said.
“What he does at his age is unbelievable, competing against guys half his age and putting up some monster numbers.”
Waterhouse said the players would like to thank Martin Kruus for running and organizing the league. He also thanked Jagdish Sras from Subway for supplying the year-end awards.
“Jag is a very big supporter to the community and we can’t thank him enough for all his contributions.”
