The postseason is over for the Howe Sound Sounders senior boys basketball club, but the team went down with a fight.
After losing to Elphinstone on Feb. 15, the Sounders were put into a must-win situation. Howe Sound had to win three straight to advance to the final game but after two wins it was Elphinstone who dashed the Sounders' championship dreams.
The Sounders picked up a 68-57 win over Windsor Secondary on Feb. 18 and followed that with a narrow 74-73 win over Seycove on Feb. 19. The stage was set for a re-match with Elphinstone on Feb. 20 but the Sounders came up a little short, losing 73-69.
Despite the team's early exit from the postseason, head coach Ron Roberts said it was a memorable year.
"Iam so proud of how my guys competed and the way they acted throughout the season," Roberts said in an email. "I have had a lot of teams in my career as head coach at Howe Sound but I have never had so many compliments from officials, coaches, and other players as I have received this year. In every way this season has been a successful one."
The Sounders placed second in Howe Sound division regular season action and had some impressive individual performances from a number of players. Sounders guard Avi Arellano ranked second in the division with 24 points per game (ppg), was third in assists per game (five) and was named a first-team all-star. Forward Randeep Grewal was fifth in scoring (18 ppg), fourth in rebounds per game (8.4) and was named a second team all-star. Forward Tarn Brar was a beast on the boards, ranking first in rebounds per game with 11.
But Roberts said it wasn't just the stars that helped make the Sounders season great.
"Let's not forget the guys who give valuable minutes and support," he said. "The guys who are urging us on from the bench, giving their all when the starters need a break, who come to practice every day, improving their skills and making us a team. I am so proud of each and every player on this team."
Games against the Lower Mainland may now be over but all the Howe Sound teams including the senior boys will be in action this weekend at the annual Sea to Sky Basketball Tournament starting on Friday (March 1).
The local teams will do battle with squads from Whistler and Pemberton over the two day tournament.
For more information on Howe Sound athletics, visit www.howesoundsecondary.bc.ca.
