Seven would have been heaven for the Lambrick Park Lions but it was not to be. The Lions, with six provincial titles in school history, were edged 73-71 by the Westsyde Whundas of Kamloops on a late three-pointer in the dramatic championship game Saturday at the sa国际传媒 boys’ high school 2A basketball tournament at the Langley Events Centre.
It was the first provincial crown for Westsyde and its first championship game appearance in 40 years after placing second in 1982. It was Lambrick Park’s 10th championship game appearance under head coach Ed Somers.
“It’s about developing young people and competing respectfully and learning to deal with both loss and victory,” said Somers.
Somers, in his 32nd year of coaching the Lions, has produced NCAA Div. 1 players Brendan Graves, Steve Ross, Matt Neufeld and several U Sports and Canadian college players, including sons Austin and Calvin Somers of the Camosun Chargers. Former Lambrick Park and U Sports Trinity Western Spartans player Ben Reddy is now the Lions assistant coach. Cross-over stars included former Seattle Mariners and Toronto Blue Jays MLB player Michael Saunders, who on hardwood, led the Lions to back-to-back sa国际传媒 championships in 2004 and 2005. But despite all the past success, this season will stand out above most because of the circumstances.
“You always enjoy every team you coach,” said Somers.
“This year was more unique because these Grade 12 players did not have a Grade 11 season due to the pandemic.”
Lambrick Park beat Brentwood College in the sa国际传媒 semifinals in a reprise of their meeting in the Island final.
“We have so much respect for each other and there was a lot of energy and emotion in that all-Island semifinal game,” said Somers.
Brentwood College, named most sportsmanlike team, defeated the West Point Grey Academy Wolves 64-50 in the sa国际传媒 third-place game. Wyatt Bransema Stokes of Lambrick Park and Dylan Gage of Brentwood College were named first-team all-stars, Buchanan Fritz of Brentwood College to the second team and Aidan Grew of Lambrick Park was selected top defensive player.
Island teams made the finals in two of the four sa国际传媒 tournaments at the LEC with the defending 2020-champion Unity Flames of Chilliwack beating the Glenlyon Norfolk School Gryphons 89-71 in the 1A championship game. But with only one graduating Grade 12 player, the Gryphons will certainly be heard from again next season. Mason Carlson and Callum Shillington of GNS were named to the first- and second- all-star teams, respectively.
The Burnaby South Rebels defeated the Semiahmoo Thunderbirds 72-57 in the 4A championship game to add 2022 to the Rebels’ recent string of provincial championships, which includes 2018 and 2020. The Claremont Spartans and Oak Bay Bays represented the Island.
The St. Patrick Celtics of Vancouver claimed the 3A provincial crown with a 56-52 victory over the Elgin Park Orcas of Surrey in the final. Temwa Mtawali of the Mark Isfeld Ice of Courtenay was named to the second all-star team. St. Michaels University School and Timberline of Campbell River also represented the Island.
