The Pitt Meadows Marauders fell in the semi-finals of the B.C. high school boys’ AAA basketball championships on Friday, 65-59 to South Kamloops.
The Marauders will now play the North Delta Huskies for third place on Saturday at the Langley Events Centre., 10 a.m.
Pitt advanced to the third round with an 84-64 win Thursday over the Richmond Colts.
Gio Manu dominated the game with 34 points and 10 rebounds. Cole Leon had 21 points.
“Cole Leon also had a big game, finishing a ton around the rim with the defense putting so much attention on Gio,” said Pitt basketball director Brody Herman.
“We started the game slow – Richmond jumped out to a quick 11-3 lead. After a timeout we were able to settle into the game, and use our size to our advantage.”
Herman said a big third quarter run helped Pitt finish with a 20-poiunt victory.
“Richmond did a great job of throwing different looks at us on defense. Our boys responded well with poise and execution. Caleb Kinney was critical in press break situations, and Tato Ferreyro-Araya provided some excellent energy and defense off the bench. Ross Power was a steadying hand at point guard, and played fantastic defense despite playing major minutes throughout the game.”
Herman also appreciated the turnout of hometown fans, parents and students, who travelled to the game and brought energy to the stands.
“They deserve a big shout out.”
Pitt opened the provincial tournament with a win on Wednesday. The Marauders beat the Mark Isfeld Ice of Courtenay 69-59.
Manu led all scorers with 34 points and collected 13 rebounds. Leon and Connor Laverty both contributed 12 points.
“We had a slow start to the game, turning the ball over and missing some easy looks,” said Herman. “But our size was a dominant factor, as always. We out-rebounded Mark Isfeld 42-22.”
South Kamloops opened the provincials with a 58-51 win over Carihi, then downed Duchess Park 62-44.
Richmond won its first-round game against the Arygle Pipers in an upset, as the 14th-seeded team beat the third seed 81-80 by virtue of a 27-point fourth quarter.