Although the weekend didn’t go as expected, senior Golds basketball coach Rhys Waters remains optimistic about the season.
The team travelled to North Vancouver over the weekend to play in the No Regrets Invitational tournament.
On Thursday, the Golds faced a competitive Western Canada High School from Calgary. Josh Kujat scored a team high, 16 points, in the Golds’ 95-63 loss in the opening game of the tournament.
Dawson Mayes played a strong two-way game, scoring 9 points. At the half, the Golds were up by two after a strong first half.
In the second half Western, an early favourite to win the tournament, switched into a higher gear in the second half and SAS failed to make the necessary adjustments on defence to shut down the Albertans’ offence.
In the second game of the tournament the Golds faced a weaker Seaquam side and showcased their dominance in a convincing 81-33 win.
SAS spread the offence around the team. Norman Ambauen cored 12 points and registered five rebounds, Trajan Boyd also had 12 points and had seven boards.
Dillan Olson scored a game high 14 points and logged four steals in a solid all around effort.
On Saturday, the Golds faced Vancouver based-Charles Tupper Secondary.
After leading by 22 points at the half, the Golds’ offence dried up and Charles Tupper’s offence took advantage and edged the Golds 87-78 in overtime.
“We let this one get away from us. We almost have to laugh at this one,” said Golds head coach Waters.
He says the bounces didn’t go their way in the second half.
“Our shots would roll around the rim time before falling off, and theirs would roll around and fall in.”
Mayes led the Golds with a game high 19 points, while Josh Kujat chipped in with 16 points and five steals, and Norman Ambauen knocked back 15 points and six rebounds.
Waters says while the weekend didn’t go the way they wanted, and that the Saturday loss really stings, they remain focused. That focus is critical as the Golds will turn their attention towards facing Rutland in a league game this Thursday.
“We continue to have moments of brilliance, both offensively and defensively, but need to find some consistency in scoring and tighten up defensive rebounding,” said Waters.
Following the game in Kelowna on Thursday, the Golds and Jewels will host their annual homecoming tournament at the Sullivan Campus on Dec. 22-23.
Those players interested in playing can email Waters at rwaters@sd83.bc.ca.