Burnaby South got in some good pre-playoff practice, finishing fourth at the Western Canada high school boys’ basketball tournament this weekend.
The honourable mention Rebels opened with a 93-86 win over Oak Park from Winnipeg, before surrendering a huge first-half lead to the eventual champion and No. 5-ranked Holy Cross Crusaders in the semifinal matchup in Kelowna.
“We had them up by 22 (points) in the first half, and then we let up a little bit,” said South head coach David Smith of the 69-66 semifinal outcome.
The Rebels had a chance to win the game at the foul line in the dying seconds but missed, allowing Holy Cross to rebound the ball and take the ball downcourt for the game-winning bucket.
“We wanted good competition, that’s what we went up there for,” Smith added.
South also dropped the consolation final to No. 3 overall Walnut Grove Gators 80-65.
Holy Cross went on to defeat honourable mention host Kelowna 76-64 in the championship final.
Jermaine Haley and Taylor Smith were named tournament all-stars.
BurWest district playoff finals were played on Thursday (after NOW deadlines).
The Lower Mainland championships start Wednesday, Feb. 19.
