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Maple Ridge Ramblers go 1-3 on SoCal trip

The Maple Ridge Ramblers went 1-3 at the Montgomery High School Aztec Holiday Classic
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The Maple Ridge Ramblers saw some of the best high school basketball southern California has on offer, as the senior boys’ squad went 1-3 at the Montgomery High School Aztec Holiday Classic in San Diego over the Christmas break.

“The visit to California provided the players an opportunity to play against strong American teams, and in beautiful summer weather, enjoy the tourist activities in southern California,” said head coach Ken Dockendorf.

The action started on Boxing Day, as the Ramblers faced hosts Montgomery. The two teams traded a two-point lead back and forth for much of the game. However, it was the home team who eventually pulled ahead in the fourth quarter as the Ramblers lost 48-40.

Max Neumann led the Ramblers with 14 points and five recoveries, while Pavel Niemirski scored 11 points and had five recoveries. Jacob Durkovich had strong inside play, with 10 points and 11 rebounds.

The Ramblers bounced back from their opening loss with a 48-37 win over the Hilltop High School.

Neumann scored 14 points, had nine rebounds, and added eight recoveries. The big men dominated the play inside, as Joel Lutz had 11 points, six rebounds and five recoveries and Durkovich had 11 points and 10 rebounds. Matt Conner and Amit Rakhra both played well defensively.

In the final game of round robin play, the Ramblers lost to El Capitan High School by a score of 55-40. The game remained close until the fourth quarter, when the Ramblers lost their legs.

Neumann again led the team with 14 points and five recoveries, while Lincoln Clarke and Tyler Pipke both had strong defensive performances.

In their final game of the tourney, the Ramblers lost to San Marcos High School 54-32. Neumann scored 15 points, had seven rebounds, and four recoveries.

The Ramblers returned north of the border for St. Thomas More’s Chancellor Senior Boys’ Basketball Tournament, which runs all this week. The Ramblers opened that tournament Wednesday with a 59-45 win over Handsworth secondary.