In terms of learning, there are no wasted experiences. For the EMCS Wolverines senior boys basketball team the game they hosted vs St. Michael’s University School last Thursday night was a demonstration of what its like to be dominated.
To their credit, the Sooke boys were in no way short on effort, they just found themselves up against a talented squad firing on all cylinders from start to finish.
During a stoppage in play part way through the first half, when the outcome was blatantly obvious, Sooke coach Trevor Bligh was asked if there’s a mercy rule in basketball. He shook his head.
“This team (SMUS) is number five in the province,” he said matter-of-factly.
In the face of pinpoint shooting, a bewildering offensive attack along with smothering defense the Wolverines managed to maintain their spirit and team solidarity. This was one for the books and they won’t suffer in the long run for having been smoked 113-21.
Credit is certainly due to the St. Mike’s crew and their coach Reagan Daly. Not only is the team ranked in the upper provincial echelons but they were thoroughly warmed up and ready.
“They’re kind of inexperienced,” said Daly of the EMCS squad. “Their coach Trevor does a great job of getting the kids involved. They’ve got some guys who are new to the game. They struggled a little bit last night.”
He changed the focus to his team.
“Our guys shot the ball pretty well last night so the end result was a somewhat lopsided game.
“Everything was clicking for us. We’d had six games in a span of four days, two quality practices.”
The Oak Bay school had actually hosted a pair of recent tournaments.
“The guys were feeling comfortable and confident,” said Daly.
The visitors were obviously full value for the win, and solid team play was apparent, however, a couple of players were in line for coach’s kudos… those being Mike Shaw (“he played some high intensity minutes and that was his best game by far”) and Derek Hyde-Lay.
Sooke’s Jason Demoe indicated his group wasn’t beating itself up over the loss.
“I was proud of how we played,” he said. “The score didn’t really matter to me. I’m glad we played more as one instead of for ourselves.”
He suggested there was value in the outing regardless of what the scoreboard may have read.
“Even though it was the best team on the Island it didn’t really affect us. Well, it affected us in the score, but it made us be able to try new things on them.”
Jason and his team were focusing on the future, a road game February 3 at Lambrick Park.
