Pitt vs WRCA

One of the most well played games I've seen in a long time. 2 words define both of these teams, EXECUTION and DISCIPLINE, the Warriors were slightly better resulting in the 60-49 win. Both teams were quite evenly matched, very well coached, and very well balanced overall. Going into the game, WRCA was the #1 seed beating Elgin Park in the first round. Pitt Meadows was the #9 seed beating Fleetwood Park in the first round. The crowd was a small one made up of mostly adults with an even amount for both Pitt and WRCA, maybe 60 strong. The Warriors are led by Adam Stewart and Nick Dekoster, while the Mauraders by Gary Pelton and Dylan Gatner. I'm not sure when Jordan Mara decided to rejoin the team, but he did start the game today.

The game started out with both teams feeling each other out. The Warriors came out attacking the basket hard with Jordan Mara slashing to the hoop really taking it hard. The Mauraders countered the 2-3 zone of the Warriors with patient ball movement, playing a little inside with Pelton and outside with Zack Udot. Warriors with the early advantage at the end of 1, somewhere around 13-10.

The pace continued to be slow with both teams content to run their half-court offense and half-court defense. The Warriors showed their depth by rotating several players into the game, all contributing offensively and defensively. The Marauders went inside with their size advantage down low with Pelton, he made several solid post plays keeping his team within a basket or 2. There were very little turnovers and the shooting percentages were most likely around 40-50%. Again, exceptional execution by both teams offensively. At the end of 2, the score was 29-25 for the Warriors.

To start the third quarter, the Warriors opened up the game going on a 10-2 run in the first 3 min. A couple of 3 pointers and well excuted plays on offense along with their halftime adjustment of a quicker double-team on Pelton led to the run. But Goulet would have none of it and called a timeout to regroup. The Mauraders answered back to cut the deficit back to single digits with great passing and spot up shooting by Udot, Gatner, and Lefleuf. The final 4 min saw both teams tighten up defensively. The Warriors had thrown a lot of junk defenses at the Mauraders all night switching from zone to man almost every possession. The quarter ended with the Warriors up 40-31.

The fourth quarter was almost a mirror image of the third. The Warriors this time using their active hands to get into the passing lanes to create turnovers and generate fast break chances stretching the lead to 14 or so in the first 4 min. The Marauders got themselves back into the game with some hot shooting by Udot and penetration by Gatner. The score was 56-49 with less than 2 min to go. The Mauraders fouled the rest of the way and the Warriors hit their FTs to seal the win.

Misc notes from the game,
- the Warriors are possibly the most balanced team I've seen next to Centennial. 1 through 9 are fundamentally good ball players
- Jordan Mara was decent but didn't dominate, he seemed a little rusty suggesting he hasn't been back long
- like I've written above, both teams executed extremely well on both ends, the Warriors' players are just a little better than Pitt's

The Warriors are a very good team, but they're not ready to contend for the Championship this year. They're simply too young. They're so young they should rename the team WRCA Daycare. Their starting PG is Nick Dekoster who is in Gr. 10. Eli Mara is a regular off the bench who is in Gr 8. I counted at least 3 others that were probably in Gr. 8. They are well balanced, possess exceptional skill for their age, poised under pressure, and extremely well coached. They could upset a team or 2 in the Provincials en route to the semis.

As for the Marauders, they are all about great coaching and fundamentals. They don't possess any exceptional talent, or skill, but everyone knows how to play the game. They've been taught by the best of the best in Goulet. Pelton is a solid player, he's got decent hands, good footwork, and decent strength. But he's obviously got some physical problems that prevent him from running the floor and jumping. Gatner is a player who if you aren't much of a basketball fan, wouldn't even notice him. He's not an AND1 baller, he doesn't dribble the ball a million times, he isn't flashy with his moves, he just plays ball. Zack Udot could be the best playmaker on the team, he's a good shooter and excellent cutter. The Mauraders could get shut out of the Provincials, and even if they make it, they don't have the athleticism to compete with most of the teams going to the big dance.