Pinetree vs Maple Ridge

The Timberwolves and Ramblers went toe-to-toe Wednesday night for the AAA Fraser Valley North Division banner. The crowd was sparse, maybe 60 people at Centennial Secondary to take the game in, although there was a slight throng of Rambler Hecklers in attendance. The game previous saw Centennial beat Pitt Meadows for 3rd/4th. To get to the finals, Pinetree upset Centennial while Maple Ridge edged Pitt Meadows. The Timberwolves were led by Aneetan Braich while Div1 bound Jared Casey paced the Ramblers.

The game was tight from start to finish with neither team leading by more than 2 posessions. The Timberwolves started out hot with Braich making several highlight plays to score the first several baskets. On the other end, Casey struggled to get the ball in the low block settling for fadeaways and 10 ft jumpers but his teammates stepped up hitting some big shots. Advantage Pinetree early in the first quarter.

The second quarter saw much of the see-saw battle continue. The Ramblers would score a basket or 2, and the Timberwolves would answer right back. Casey started to get the ball down low and used his height and low post moves to get his baskets. On the other end, the Ramblers were double-teaming, sometimes triple-teaming Braich. But Anderson Lai and Tyler Lutton stepped up making big baskets. Defensively, both teams zoned it up slowing the tempo. Score was tied 30+ to 30+ at halftime.

The third quarter resumed the half-court battle. Casey would score at will when he was setup in the low post. When he got the ball outside, he would struggle settling for outside shots, most of which he missed. Play continued into the fourth with the score going back and forth. As the clock wound down, the game came down to free-throws. The Ramblers hecklers made their presence felt and seemed to rattle the Timberwolves causing them to miss while the Ramblers hit theirs. The final ended 60-55 for the Ramblers.

Next to Bol Kong, Braich is the best forward/guard in the province. He can shoot the ball from anywhere on the floor, he's incredibly athletic, and has decent core strength. What impressed me most about Braich's game is his use of his length. Much like Kong, he can distort his body to make the amazing play despite being defended. If Braich was playing for a Terry Fox, or a Centennial, everyone would be talking about him, a Provincial player no doubt. All I can say is that the kid's got serious game. I'd say he would make a big time CIS player, possibly Div2 or NAIA as well.

As for Casey, it definitely wasn't his best game. With the height that the Ramblers had, they really should've cleaned up the Timberwolves. When Casey has position and leverages his body, he's difficult to stop. But he has to add alot more muscle to his frame so that he can get into his sweet spot. If a 6'4 guy (Braich) can check Casey and prevent him from getting into the low post, how is he going to fare against Div1 post players like Sheldon Williams, or Tyler Hansbrough?? Also, I wasn't impressed with his defense. He may have gotten 1 block all game and altered 1 or 2 shots. He's got tremendous upside, but clearly there's a lot more work required.

As for how these teams will fare in the Valleys?? Pinetree isn't a deep team, they do rely on Braich way too much. One bad game by Braich and they could be out. The Ramblers can be a dominant team with their twin posts, but softness could be their weakness. I'm still predicting that Centennial and Brookswood will come out 1, 2 in the Valleys.