The AR MacNeill Ravens got the basketball season off to an impressive start by capturing the Pat Dooley Memorial Junior Boys Basketball Classic.
The event, hosted by Kwantlen Polytechnic University men's basketball team, is one of the first tournaments to kick-off B.C.'s junior boys basketball tournament schedule.
The three-day tournament was played in the memory of Pat Dooley; a member of the Kwantlen Eagles family who played sports with passion and promise. He passed passed away suddenly in February, 2008.
The Ravens shot lights out in Saturday's championship game, racking up a 35point victory over Pacific Academy and improving upon their sixth place finish in 2010.
Enroute to the title, they also defeated Panorama Ridge (55-53), Elgin Park (65-32), and Pacific Academy (68-33).
The Classic's Most Valuable Player Award went to MacNeill post standout Nathan Tomas, who dominated the event with rebounds and some strong post play. Teammate Omar Tung was named to the allstar team.
In its four-year history, the Classic title has gone to four different teams, which is a testament to the depth of talent that exists in B.C. junior boys basketball.
"The Pat Dooley Memorial Junior Boys Basketball Classic is about more than just basketball," commented Elise Le Brun, Kwantlen's director, athletics and recreation. "It's about following your passion; sportsmanship; being a part of the community, but most of all, it's about honoring a young man who embodied all of these elements."
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