Oak Bay Bays vs Pitt Meadows Marauders

Oak Bay Bays Preview

What have you done for me lately?? When you talk about teams peaking at just the right time, the Oak Bay Bays top that list going on a huge run heading into this year's Tournament. The Bays capitalized on that momentum by winning the Vancouver Island Championships last weekend beating Cowichan, Dover Bay and Vanier in a thrilling final game. As good as they're playing now, they certainly didn't start out the season that way. In fact there were some puzzling losses that made you think twice, like the loss to Carson Graham at the NSIT, and the 2 losses to Dover in league play, as well as losses to MEI and Centennial at the MEI tournament. As the season wore on, the wins began to pile up, and before you knew it, the Bays were ranked as high as 9th in the Province. They Bays are a guard oriented team playing an uptempo style with lots of shooting and guard penetration. Defensively, the Bays use their quickness to generate a ton of ball pressure sometimes full-court pressing the entire game. The Bays are well-balanced, but lack a true superstar in the lineup. Jeff Cummings and Eliot Rushton are terrific players, but aren't the dominating players that other teams possess.

These 2 teams have actually squared off against each other twice already this season. At the MEI Tournament, Oak Bay beat Pitt by 10+. But the Marauders avenged that loss with a 2 point win in their own tournament. Should be a very good game.

Players to Watch for: Eliot Rushton, Jeff Cummings, Mark Downarowicz, Reid Fraser
Outlook: Pitt's Gatner down low could pose some difficulties. Should they get past the Marauders, Brookswood, Kitsilano await. Doable, but certainly a challenge.

Pitt Meadows Preview

As good as it gets. If anything, the Marauders have persevered in the extremely tough Fraser Valley North division and a grueling Fraser Valley Championships to finally reach the big Tournament. Fundamentally, the Marauders are probably the best group of players assembled that I've seen. Athletically, well they're about average. Rich Goulet has to be considered one of the best coaches in BC High School history. Forget about the longevity, Goulet has sent more teams to the big dance than most in their lifetime and has the highest winning percentage at the Provincials. And with average talent year after year with the odd year here and there where he has the talent to take them all the way. How does he do it?? He teaches his players to play the game the right way. The Marauders choose substance over style, and although they may not be very "exciting" to watch, they win ball games. The Marauders have won and lost their share of games throughout the season, but when they needed to win, they won, hence securing a berth to the Provincials. Offensively, the Marauders are a half-court 1 post offense and don't run much. Fundamentals are key, so lots of passing, good shooting, post play. On defense, fundamentals again rule out so lots of close outs, protecting the passing lanes. The Marauders are patient, never forcing the play. They wait for their opponents to make mistakes and capitalize on them.

Players to Watch for: Gary Pelton, Dylan Gatner, Zach Udot
Outlook: I would be extremely shocked if the Marauders won the whole thing. But they should win a game or 2. They match up well against Oak Bay, not sure if they can match their speed though. Brookswood and Kitsilano would be real stretch.