Memories of last year were a boost and not a deterrent for the Burnaby South junior boys Rebels basketball team last week.
A then-Grade 9 squad fell short of its goals in 2016 but gained valuable experience that it applied at the provincials, where they placed ninth.
The Rebels coaches envisioned a return visit to the North Shore Invitational as a good place to confirm their goals a second time.
“I told the boys it was our intention to get us back in the (NSI) in 2017, and both Cody (McCormack) and I thought realistically we could win it. We planted the seed early,” remarked co-coach Karl Brysch.
Burnaby South improved on last year’s 3-1 record at the NSI, rolling to the tourney title with a 65-60 victory over the Handsworth Royals in the final.
Led by Baltej Sohal’s 24 points, and great support from Jiordano Khan and Emir Krupic, the Rebels held off a fierce Royals rally to claim the crown.
“The Handsworth game did not go as smoothly as we had hoped,” Brysch said. “We really had to earn that one. The Handsworth team definitely stressed us in different ways when compared to some other teams. But this just reaffirmed what we need to work on to be consistent.”
Khan contributed 12 points, while Krupic, a Grade 9, chipped in nine. Sohal was selected the final player of the game for his performance.
Last year the team fell to a strong Kelowna team in the Grade 9 division, but were eager to give it another go this time as juniors. The Rebels this go around shot out of the gate – beating Bodwell 70-22, topping Argyle 79-58, and knocking off Sir Charles Tupper 71-59 in the semifinal.
Players of the earlier games were Aidan Wilson, Jaden De Leon, and Sohal.
Brysch said the squad continues to evolve but is finding rewards in more than just wins.
“We have smart, quick players so we try to utilize those strengths in what we do both on the offensive and defensive ends of the court,” he said. “When we have to slow things down, we’ve shown that we can also execute a set offense. That’s a good sign.”
They followed the tournament by clipping New Westminster 62-54 in a well-played contest.
At 5-0 in league play and rated second on the B.C. junior circuit, the Rebels aren’t shy about their aspirations.
“We are a quick team, and scrappy. That’s the type of players we have so we attempt to utilize those two characteristics in our playing style,” said Brysch.
“Our goal at the beginning and at the end of the year is the same, win provincials.”
The Rebels wrap up the regular season with games Monday against Burnaby North, and Wednesday, at Byrne Creek.
