Given their turbulent season and what's on the horizon, it's no wonder the RC Palmer Griffins savoured their Richmond Senior Boys Basketball championship like never before.
Anyone unfamiliar with recent history would have been surprised to learn the Griffins had captured their sixth consecutive city title with a 77-60 victory over the host Sharks. From fans pouring onto the floor at Steveston-London secondary after the final buzzer to cutting down the net, it had the look and feel of Palmer's provincial final win 11 months earlier.
This, however, was a group of vastly different characters who, with the exception of star player Jamie Madewan, saw little playing time during last season's historic run. Palmer also wasn't even favoured to win the eight team tournament, having lost twice in league play for the first time in over six years. However, it was a challenge their longtime coach enthusiastically embraced.
The Griffins started slowing in their opening round win over Cambie, then went on to avenge their earlier league losses, first taking care of McMath 72-60 in the semi-finals, then coming off with a huge second half to pull away from the Sharks.
"This does feel different," smiled Palmer head coach Paul Eberhardt. "The fact we lost a couple of games and there is just so much parity in this league, makes this pretty special. Any time people doubt you, it motivates you. When I saw the draw, I knew we had the opportunity to prove ourselves."
The Griffins did just that thanks to an exceptional final from Madewan who did much of his damage from inside, scoring 20 points and grabbing 13 rebounds. They also received a heroic performance from Tyler Debeer who left the game in the second quarter after being badly cut on an accidental head butt. He played the entire second half and netted 16 points and as many rebounds.
Ben Samy was terrific from the perimeter with 13 points, while point guard JP Javier dished out 14 assists. Chris Randling (12) and Karn Mann (11) also hit double digits.
"I feel so proud for these Grade 12s," continued Eberhardt. "In Grade 8, they were in last place and, by Grade 10, they had really improved and pulled off a big upset in the city final. Last year was a great ride for them, but not a lot of playing time. But they have really put the work in. It really makes me happy for them."
The Griffins entered the post-season ranked ninth in the province among AA teams, but that could mean little if they can't pull off at least one upset at this week's Lower Mainland Tournament at King George secondary in Vancouver.
Only two teams advance to the provincials in Kamloops and fourth-ranked St. Thomas More and seventh-ranked King George are in the way. Palmer was slated to face Alpha Tuesday night and a win would set up a semi-final date with St. Thomas More this afternoon.
"Our schedule has been brutal playing so many tough teams, and I really hope that will pay off for us (this week)," said Eberhardt.
"You want the tougher of the two semi-final games because if you win it, you are almost (guaranteed a provincial berth) or at least could still get a second chance."
The Sharks will also be looking to extend their season once the Lower Mainland AAA Championships get underway.
The tournament is currently on hold as top 10 ranked St. George's has legally challenged that it should have the opportunity to participate. The private school lost out to Vancouver College for the tournament's only independent berth.
Regardless of what the draw eventually will look like, Steveston-London head coach Mike Stoneburgh knows his team will have to be on top of its game to challenge for one of the five B.C. berths up for grabs.
"We're going to have to be playing our best basketball of the season and that's what it should take at this time of year," he said.
