The Maple Ridge secondary senior boys’ basketball team’s season came to an end on Thursday after a loss to league rivals WJ Mouat knocked them out of the running for a berth in the AAA provincial championships.
The Ramblers entered the Fraser Valley tournament in the No. 13 seed, and survived the first two elimination rounds in the 32-team tournament. The Ramblers were one of the final 12 teams left standing in the Fraser Valley championships on Thursday, with one of eight berths at the provincial tournament on the line.
The Ramblers faced league opponent, the WJ Mouat Hawks, for the fourth time this season. This time, however, the Hawks had six-foot-nine Grade 10 forward Tristan Etienne in the lineup. With Etienne dominating the boards, the Ramblers struggled to score, losing 56-33.
Jacob Durovich had 10 points, 11 rebounds and six recoveries. From the outside, Max Neumann had 10 points and six recoveries, while Lincoln Clarke also had 10 points.
“It is always tough to finish your season,” said Ramblers head coach Ken Dockendorf. “It was such an enjoyable year because the entire team showed such great commitment. Our Grade 12 players – Lincoln Clarke, Matt Connor, Jacob Durkovich and Max Neumann – will truly be missed, having earned everyone’s respect with their exciting brand of basketball, determination and dedication.”
The Ramblers finish the 2012 season with a 5-3 record in league play.