The Pitt Meadows Marauders Air Force passed their first test at the Fraser Valley AAA senior boys’ basketball championships Wednesday night, downing the Robert Bateman Timberwolves by a score of 82-34 at home.
The outcome of the game was never in doubt as the No. 1 seed Marauders out-shot, out-hustled, and out-defended the No. 32-seed Timberwolves.
“That’s the advantage of being No. 1, is that you don’t get tested early,” said Pitt Meadows coach Rich Goulet. “The games we’re are going to see from here on are going to be much more competitive.”
Trevor Severinski had a dominating first half, picking up more than dozen rebounds, and leading the team in scoring.
Matt Blackaby had another impressive performance at both ends of the court, while Evan Wendt, celebrating his birthday Wednesday night, saw significant minutes in the second half.
Wendt put those minutes to good use, draining a number of outside shots much to the delight of the crowd.
“He’s our sixth man, so for us to be successful in the playoffs, we need more shooting like that,” said Goulet.
With the win the Marauders next face No. 16-seed North Delta secondary tonight at Pitt Meadows Secondary. A win in that game will put them one win away from a return trip to the AAA B.C. High School Boys’ Basketball Championships.
Ramblers advance
The No. 13-seed Maple Ridge Ramblers senior boys’ squad also advanced to the second round of the Fraser Valley championships with a 64-50 win over No. 20 Lord Tweedsmuir secondary.
The Ramblers face White Rock Christian Academy in White Rock tonight.
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