McMath Wildcats have booked their ticket to the Langley Events Centre and the Lower Mainland “AAA” Championship game.
An 85-79 semi-final win over Charles Tupper Tigers Wednesday night at the Richmond Olympic Oval secured the Richmond champions a berth in next month’s B.C. “AAA” Championships and a spot in Friday night’s final against Byrne Creek at 6:15 p.m.
Trailing 74-71, the No. 5 ranked Wildcats went on a 13-4 run to take control — sparked by the return of Bryce Mason who had been saddled to the bench with four fouls. The senior standout finished the quarter with 11 points.
Jordin Kojima continued his outstanding post-season with a game-high 28, while Victor Radocaj chipped in with 17 and Natrone Gonzales 12.
Top ranked Byrne Creek earned a chance to defend its title with a 90-69 win over the Richmond Colts in the other semi-final. The Bulldogs raced out to a 20-1 lead to take full control early.
The Colts still have another shot at a B.C. berth when they take on St. Thomas More on Thursday at 2:45 p.m. STM kept its season alive with a 55-48 win over Magee.
The other provincial AAA berth up for grabs Thursday will see Tupper taking on the Steveston-London Sharks at 6:15 p.m. The Sharks edged the McNair Marlins 71-70 on Wednesday afternoon.
Marco Wong hit a pair of free throws with four seconds left to erase a one point Marlins lead. Parker Shaw led the winners with 26 points. Quinn Whyte added 18.
Nathan Schroeder had 22 for McNair to conclude his impressive three-year stint on the senior team. Puneet Basra had 20 which included some clutch threes down the stretch. Tejvir Gill added 19.
Meanwhile, the RC Palmer Griffins will be looking to advance to the “AA” provincials when they take on St. Pat’s at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday. It’s a rematch of a year ago when the Vancouver private school trimmed Palmer 79-74.
The Griffins fell 84-40 to No. 4 ranked King George in semi-final action on Tuesday after outlasting Notre Dame 91-85 a day earlier. The Cambie Crusaders' season ended with a hard-fought 75-65 loss to St. Pat's.
