Men’s League
The final regular season week of the Port Alberni Men’s Basketball Spring League, brought with it six teams vying to better their seeding for the playoffs. Every game this week carried with it major implications: the better the standings, the more favourable the playoff pool schedule in their chase for the championship.
Game#1: Tseshaht Market 72 – Twisted Willow Studios 60
Tseshaht led early and often, as almost every rostered player contributed to their scoring efforts throughout the first half. Twisted Willow found themselves down a manageable 9 at half-time, but came storming out in the second half. Bobby Rupert’s 15 points and Kenneth Johnson’s 21 were the main impetus for Twisted, putting together scoring runs of 10-2 and 12-4 to regain the lead. Brenden LundySams scored 20 of his 27 points in the second half and enabled Tseshaht close out the final 5 minutes of regulation 19-3 run to seal Twisted’s fate.
Game#2 : Boston Pizza 66 – Co-op 60
Co-op started the season looking unstoppable and entered this game looking to rebound after being handed their first loss. Boston Pizza also entered this game trying recover from a tough loss last week, as well. With a short bench, it was evident that BP was going to need to dig deep and control the pace of the game, as Co-op loves to keep it at a maxed tempo. Boston Pizza frustrated Co-op in the first half with a smothering defensive style and dominated the boards early and often and were ecstatic with halftime score of only 28-26 for Co-op. The second half was a see-saw battle, but BP’s aggressive play for rebounds and David Eamer’s 31 points was enough to hand Co-op their second consecutive loss (despite Colby Felsman’s 20 points).
Game#3 : Dave Ralla 47 – Ladybird Engraving 58
Team Ralla entered the game knowing that stopping Ladybird’s Mike Lange was the key to victory. Ralla mixed their defenses and kept Lange off balance the entire first half. Holding Lange to 5 first half points, Ralla was able to build a 29-20 halftime lead, and were it not for the stellar free-throw shooting of the Ladybird roster (7/8), that lead could have been even greater. The second half, Ladybird Engraving made a substantial effort combining screens with drive and kick action to free up Lange. The effort paid huge dividends, as Lange scored 25 second half points, earning Ladybird the win to remain atop of the standings. Richard Mills and Kevin Titian scored 17 and 11 points, respectively, for Dave Ralla.
The Round Robin Playoff Pool schedule runs May 25-June 8. Pool A features Ladybird Engraving, Co-op, and Dave Ralla, while Pool B features Boston Pizza, Tseshaht Market, Twisted Willow Studio.
May 25 Playoff Pool schedule at ADSS:
6:30 Co-op vs. Dave Ralla
7:30 Boston Pizza vs. Tseshaht Market
8:30 Ladybird Engraving vs. Dave Ralla
(5th place in standings plays twice, 6th place—Twisted Willow Studio has the week off)
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Women’s League
Game#1: R.Schut Construction 72 VS North Island College 71
Both teams showed grit and determination along with high-speed scoring. This game was played 4 on 4 as each team was short players. Neither team was able to take control in the first half, as it ended in a tie. The second half continued with a see-saw battle with multiple lead changes. R.Schut Construction ended up taking the victory by eking out a one-point victory. Top scorers for R.Schut Construction were Emily West and Mariah Netzer, both with 17 points each. Top scorers for North Island College were Laurissa Jimmy with 34 points and Mercedes Brown with 21 points.
Game#2: RE/MAX Mid-Island 44 VS AV Financial 37
This game featured tough defense by both squads, resulting in a low number of baskets. It wasn’t until the second half when RE/MAX starting pulling ahead. AV Financial pushed hard for a response but fell short, allowing RE/MAX take the win. Top scorers for RE/MAX were Kathleen Titan and Mya Smith, both with 11 points. Top scorers for AV Financial were Briana Anderson with 12 points and Karlie Irg with 10 points.
