sports@mapleridgenews.com
The Maple Ridge Ramblers tipped of the basketball season with their senior boys annual Early Bird Tournament.
On Thursday, Ridge lost its first game of the tourney to Charles Best, 74-67. The Ramblers led 35-32 at the half, but then the Ridge defence gave up 42 points in the second half.
Ethan Coumont led the Rambler attack with 24 points, 13 rebounds and six recoveries. Tristan Coumont added 17 points and five rebounds. Josh Solk provided some fine guard play and 11 points, said coach Ken Dockendorf.
On Friday, Ridge lost to Port Moody 50-45. The Ramblers led after the first half 22-20, but were outscored 30-23 in the second.
Ethan Coumont led the Ramblers with 18 points, eight rebounds and eight recoveries. Isaac Halas had 12 points and seven recoveries.
On Saturday, the Ramblers defeated Sentinel 54-51, led by a strong team defensive effort that limited the West Vancouver team to 25 points in the second half.
Again, Ethan Coumont led the charge with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Solk had 10 point, while Halas and Brandon Williams each contributed eight points to the well-rounded game.
Owen Stewart sealed the victory with two clutch foul shots in the last seconds of the game.
Next up for the Ramblers is a Thursday game against Centennial, at 6:30 p.m. in their home gym.
Westview will play on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m., when the Wildcats host Robert Bateman in their first regular season game.
Westview, Samuel Robertson Technical and the Ramblers play in the triple-A division of the Fraser Valley East, and regular league play will begin after the Christmas break for most teams.