Defending B.C. hoop champions believe they still have some bite

No so fast for those who might suggest time is up for the RC Palmer Griffins as the top dogs of Richmond Senior Boys Basketball League.

The Griffins will open the 2011-12 season on Tuesday night (7 p.m.) at home against Prince of Wales in a game that will honour last year's provincial championship team with a banner raising ceremony.

Grade 11 swingman Jamie Madewan is the only returning player who saw significant playing time last season. Yes, the Griffins will no longer be considered among the provincial elite but they remain capable of continuing their winning ways within Richmond and even beyond.

Palmer carries a 65-game win streak into the season against city teams.

What longtime head coach Paul Eberhardt is quick to point out, is the core of Grade 12s on his team won the Richmond junior title two years ago. They also got to practice against B.C.'s best last season.

"We have seven returning players who will be more experienced than most people believe and the boys are hungry to show what they are capable of," said Eberhardt. "Jamie Madewan is as talented as they come and with a solid core of returning players and rookies I believe we will be capable of competing with the top teams. We have a deep team and as long as everyone plays their role and works together we will be a tough team to beat."

It was Madewan who led the first half comeback against Vancouver College in the championship game thanks to his lethal shooting from three-point range.

The Griffins will be asking even more of him, looking to take advantage of his 6-foot-5 frame in the paint as well.

"He is a natural guard but is also our tallest player and will play all positions for us," continued Eberhardt. "He has a very long athletic body which also helps him rebound and he can use his quickness to beat bigger players. "Jamie will be our go to guy this year and as he continues to mature and develop I think he has the ability to truly be one of the all-time greats that I have ever coached."

The Griffins will also be counting on production in the point from 6-foot-3 senior Tyler Debeer, while the speed of guard Ben Samy will ignite Palmer's uptempo transition game. "Ben is our most exciting athlete and will have some huge games for this year," noted Eberhardt.

Rounding out the starting five will be two other Grades 12s - point guard JP Javier and guard Chris Randing.

The Griffins once again feature a busy tournament schedule, highlighted by two high-profile events - the HSBC Classic (Dec. 7-10) and the Terry Fox Legal Beagle (Jan. 5-7).