What had been their biggest target heading into the 2016-17 senior boys 3-A basketball season is now accomplished, so the Byrne Creek Bulldogs are eager to turn their focus onto the next challenge.
The Bulldogs locked up one of the three berths to the B.C.s and advanced to the Lower Mainland final on Wednesday with a harrowing 69-62 victory over Lord Byng in Richmond.
Getting 22 and 21 points, respectively, from senior Abdul Bangura and Grade 11 Martin Djunga, Byrne built up a formidable 45-20 halftime lead, outscoring Byng 19-9 in the second quarter. But the Vancouver school, who had spent most of the season among the top-ranked squads, put in a sizeable rally.
“We came out obviously ready, but (Byng) is a very good team, they have size that’s tough to deal with and they made a game of it,” remarked Bulldogs coach Bal Dhillon. “I didn’t expect anything less.”
Majok Deng used his 6-foot-6 frame and was a force on defence, while Bithow Wan picked up 10 assists.
The win earns them a spot at the March 8 to 11 provincial championships in Langley, ending a six-year drought, but they have another big test when they face Steveston-London – who defeated St. Thomas More 80-76 in the other 3-A semifinal – in the Mainland final, tonight (Friday), 6:15 p.m. at the Richmond Olympic Oval.
“We haven’t faced (Steveston-London) this season, but they have good size, and they are another big team we have to deal with,” said Dhillon. “But it’s the final. The guys know what it’s all about and we’ll be ready.”
St. Thomas More found itself in a must-win situation Thursday against McNair, after the NOW’s deadline, following the loss to Steveston-London. A win would get them into the third-place game (Friday, 2:45 p.m.) against the survivor of a Lord Byng-McMath matchup.
The Burnaby South Rebels, meanwhile kept their drive alive for a provincial berth in 4-A boys basketball.
The Rebels blasted Eric Hamber 111-57 to move into a must-win match with No. 7-ranked Killarney, played late Thursday (after the NOW’s deadline).
C.J. Campbell fired a team-high 29 points in South’s victory, including 16 in the second half. He also contributed six assists, three steals and four rebounds in a game the Rebels led 36-9 after 10 minutes. Kenan Krupic counted 23 points, seven assists and five steals.
In the latest rankings by varsityletters.ca, South is among the honourable mentioned teams.
The other third-place semifinal pits league rival New Westminster against No. 4-rated Kitsilano.
The winners of each game will meet for what will be for third and final berth to the B.C.s. That game will be played Friday, 4:30 p.m. at the Richmond Olympic Oval.
