Superball is always the most important tournament of the season for the Wellington Wildcats, aside from playoffs, and now that they’ve won it, they can look forward to more good things to come.
Wellington Secondary School’s senior AAA boys’ basketball won Superball in their home gym this past weekend, defeating the R.E. Mountain Eagles by an 83-67 score in the final Saturday, Jan. 7.
The Wildcats built up a huge halftime lead, knew the second half would get harder, and did enough at both ends of the court to keep control until the final buzzer.
Kevin Taylor, who was chosen MVP, said it was “awesome” for the Wildcats to be able to win their home tournament. He said his team went into the final a bit nervous because they knew the opposition was tough, but they emphasized defence and went from there.
“It was good to play as a team and get the win,” Taylor said. “I’m just really proud of the team because we played a full basketball game.”
Wellington’s boys won three games to win the tournament title, but Taylor said playing so well in the final, in particular, will be good for the team.
“That will get our energy up and confidence to go forward,” he said. “Our goal is to make provincials this year. We haven’t been there in awhile – I think we’re definitely capable of it.”
Taylor, Ty Coldwell and Grayson Ritzand each scored 23 points to lead the Wildcats offence. Welly started the tourney with a 100-52 victory over D.W. Poppy and then beat Kwalikum 78-59.
Wellington’s senior girls defeated Carihi by a 64-29 score to start the tournament and then handled Dover Bay 61-26, but lost to R.E. Mountain in the final, 53-35. Claudia de la Oliva-Marin led the Wildcats girls with 10 points in the final.
editor@nanaimobulletin.com
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