The RC Palmer Griffins produced their biggest win of the season to prove they should be a major player during next month's "AA" senior boys basketball playoffs.
After slipping to 11th in the latest provincial rankings, the Griffins stepped up their game at the high-profile Legal Beagle Tournament at Terry Fox secondary school in Port Coquitlam. A trio of stern challenges was highlighted by a 67-64 win over the top ranked Winsdor Dukes in consolation play Saturday.
Palmer led the tight battle from start to finish, taking a 39-33 lead into halftime and a 53-50 advantage into the final quater. The Dukes had crawled within one point when standout Jamie Madewan drained a three pointer with just 45 seconds remaining to all but seal the victory. Windsor defeated Palmer 75-65 during opening round play at the Telus Basketball Classic back in early December.
Madewan finished with 27 points, while Chris Randing added 15, thanks to four treys. Tyler Debeer grabbed nine rebounds to go with his seven points. Ben Samy chipped in with six boards and nine points.
"The boys put a great 40 minutes together and showed they can play with any teams at the 'AA' level," said head coach Paul Eberhardt. "After struggling in the fourth quarter in some earlier games this season, the boys showed great composure and executed very well down the stretch.
"Madewan continues to show why he is one of the best in B.C. with another all-star performance."
The Griffins had opened the tournament with a 74-58 loss to the "AAA" sixth ranked Walnut Grove Gators. The Langley school went on to the championship game before falling to the top ranked "AAA" team in B.C. - the Kelowna Owls.
Palmer actually led 39-36 at the half and trailed by just four points (52-48) going into the fourth quarter. The Gators cranked up their defensive pressure to create some costly turnovers and take control of the game. Madewan scored 21 points in a losing cause.
Consolation play hardly got easier as the Griffins dropped an 89-67 decision to "AAA" fourth ranked White Rock Christian. Madewan had 25 points, while Samy added 14.
"I believe playing all of these top ranked 'AAA' teams will help us in the long run as you can only truly get better playing tough competition," noted Eberhardt.
The Griffins face another tough test in exhibition play when they host the Maple Ridge Ramblers on Friday at 5 p.m. The Ramblers are an honourable mentioned in the latest "AAA" rankings
Palmer also hosts Steveston-London in a key city league match-up next Tuesday at 7: 30 p.m.
