Who says 13 isn’t a lucky number? The Burnaby Mountain Lions, that’s who.
The first-time AAA girls’ provincial basketball finalists finished in 13th place following a 64-58 victory over Elgin Park following the B.C. high school championships at the Langley Events Centre on Saturday.
The surprise Lower Mainland No. 3 seed lost its opening two games at the provincials – falling 90—57 to No. 3 seed Riverside and 67-56 to ranked Crehan Cup champion Handsworth the following day.
But the plucky Lions ended on a winning note, earning its first-ever win at the provincials with a 67-57 win over Mt. Baker on 20-plus point performances from Grade 11 guard Jacey Bailey and senior Brooke Gabriel.
Bailey, who had 28 points and 12 rebounds against Mt. Baker, was named a honourable mention tournament all-star following the provincials.
Gabriel added 27 points, including five three-pointers, in the historic win.
The pair also teamed up with 27 and 21 points, respectively, to lead the Lions over Elgin Park in the final placement matchup.
“It was a big surprise for us to end up in the provincials,” said Gabriel, one-half of two sets of twins on the Mountain roster. “The fact we placed 13th was just a huge accomplishment.”
Elgin Park tied the contest 54-54 with less than three minutes left in the final quarter, but Brooke regained the lead for the Lions with her fifth three of the game.
She then set up Bailey for a smooth layin that put Mountain comfortably ahead.
“The placing wasn’t anything,” Gabriel added. “The fact we placed 13th – we worked hard – we were No.1 in our hearts. It was just an honour.”
Twin sister Alix Gabriel chipped in with 10 points.
Bailey, who had a double-double in all but one of the Lions’ four games, finished the provincial tournament with a total of 115 points, including 32 points and 10 boards against Handsworth, and 42 rebounds.
Brookswood repeated as AAA provincial champ, defeating W.J. Mouat 68-55 in the B.C. high school final.
