Byrne Creek nearly blew a tire enroute to first place in the BurWest high school boy's basketball regular season.
The eastside Bulldogs scrapped out a 57-55 win over the upstart Moscrop Panthers to wrap up the league title in the final game of the schedule on Wednesday.
Earlier in the week, the No. 10-ranked Bulldogs came within five points of knocking off a top-ranked Tamanawis team.
On Monday, Byrne Creek beat up on New Westminster and then upset No. 8 W.J. Mouat 7863 in Abbotsford the following day.
But at home against the Panthers there was little left in the tank, said Byrne Creek head coach Wayne Best.
"There was no energy in the warm up. Emotionally they were just spent," Best said. "It's mental toughness - Byrne Creek disease. We have all the physical tools and not the mental stamina to back it up. We beat New West by 35 (points) and then a complete egg last night."
With the playoffs beginning next week, there is little room for a similar malfunction, Best added.
Burnaby Mountain will host the opening round of the playoffs on Tuesday.
The winners of Nos. 3 through 6 will then play the first-and second-place teams at Byrne Creek on Wednesday, beginning at 5: 15 p.m.
The championship final is scheduled at Byrne Creek on Friday at 5: 15 p.m.
The No. 9-ranked Burnaby South Rebels will be the hosts for the BurWest high school girls' post season.
South wrapped up the regular season title following an 89-34 victory over Burnaby Central on Wednesday.
"The kids have a lot of confidence," said Rebels girls' coach Merv Magus.
The girls' final four will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday at Burnaby South.
The banner final is scheduled for Wednesday at South.
Tipoff is set for 6: 45 p.m.
