The Howe Sound Sounders senior boys basketball team came up a little short at the Kalamalka tournament in Vernon, but head coach Ron Roberts said the entire weekend left him with a sense of pride about his team.
Howe Sound kicked things off on Friday (Feb. 1) by blasting David Thompson Secondary School 92-42. The result was never in doubt for the Sounders, as they had a 44-23 lead at the half and cruised to the win.
Roberts said point guard Norbert Richter was Howe Sound's player of the game.
"Although his stat line wasn't as impressive as some others, he ran the team from the point guard position," Roberts said in an email. "His court vision and precise passes, as well as his stellar defence, earned him the award."
Randeep Grewal had a team-high 25 points and seven rebounds in the win, with Avi Arellano scoring 24 points and picking up nine steals.
Action continued for the Sounders on Saturday (Feb. 2) against Valleyview Secondary School. The back-and-forth game saw Howe Sound have a two-point lead heading into the final quarter but strong play in the fourth saw the Sounders pick up the 61-55 win.
"The turning point in the game came in the third quarter when Gurjot Gill hit four three-pointers," Roberts said.
Arellano again turned in an impressive performance against Valleyview, recording 21 points and adding 11 rebounds. With the wins, Howe Sound advanced to the tournament finals against Correlieu Secondary School on Saturday night.
Roberts said it was a physical game, with the bigger Correlieu team physically grinding the Sounders down. The teams were tied at 31 at the half but Howe Sound suffered several injuries and dropped a 75-52 decision to the AAA division Correlieu team.
"All credit to them. The best team won but my only concern was the lack of fouls called," Roberts said. "By keeping their whistles quiet, the refs allowed a bigger, stronger and deeper team to win a war of attrition over a smaller, more skilled squad. I couldn't be more proud of my guys. The way they handled the situation, kept their heads high and represented their school, their community and themselves with class and style."
Roberts thanked Clint Dickinson and the local Rona store for donations to help fund the trip. He also thanked drivers Neil Roberts, his wife Wendy Roberts and Jas Brar for their assistance on and off the court throughout the tournament.
Next up for the Sounders will be the Pemberton tournament next weekend. For more information on high school basketball, visitwww.bcboysbasketball.com.
