Pinetree T-Wolves vs Churchill Bulldogs

Pinetree T-Wolves Preview

Primed to Upset. The Pinetree T-Wolves make their BC High School Basketball Provincial Tournament debut following a thrilling ride through the Fraser Valley North playoffs and the Fraser Valley Championships finishing 2nd overall. At the beginning of the season, nobody could forsee the T-Wolves finishing 2nd overall in the Valleys, let alone in the tough North Division. Not with stacked teams like Centennial, Brookswood, WRCA, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows. Like Gleneagle, the T-Wolves flew under the radar with their big wins labeled mostly as flukes. Heading into the tournament, nobody is doubting the T-Wolves and that "underated" label the team has had all season is gone as well. The T-Wolves first made waves reaching the quarterfinals of the HSBC losing to Kitsilano in a close 10+ point game. In the Fraser Valley North Playoffs, the T-Wolves beat cross-town rival Centennial to advance to the Final game losing Maple Ridge. The T-Wolves are led by relative unknown Aneetan Braich. When you watch Braich play, it's truly unbelieveable that he isn't a provincial player, nor heavily scouted. Not only does he have incredible shooting range, he routinely has to shoot with 1 or 2 guys in his face. The best way to describe Braich play is to compare him to Boston Celtics Superstar Paul Pierce. Both are creative finishers and accomplished shooters. Braich has learned to trust his teammates more throughout the season and each player knows exactly their role on their team and plays within their game. The T-Wolves are a perimeter team, with Braich as the focal point. On Defense, the T-Wolves mostly play a 2-3 zone and rotate very well.

Players to Watch for: Aneetan Braich, Tyler Lutton, Anderson Lai
Outlook: If there was a team that could really get hot in the Tournament, it's Pinetree. I think they will beat Churchill in a tough first game. Next to St. George's and Kitsilano, Pinetree maybe the next best team to beat Handsworth. The Royals better not underestimate them.

Churchill Bulldogs Preview

Mission Impossible?? The Bulldogs took the 3rd seed out of a relatively weak Lower Mainland Championships this year. All season long, the Lower Mainland only ever had a maximum of 3 teams ranked in the top 15, yet they send 5 teams to the Tournament. But you have to give credit where credit is due and the Bulldogs won their games while others lost and earned their berth. The Bulldogs have had some nice wins throughout the season but besides their win over Killarney, have yet to beat another top 15 team. The Bulldogs are probably the smallest team at the Provincials this year (I say probably as I'm not sure about Mt Baker, Caledonia, etc..) with their tallest player listed at 6'1". The Bulldogs play a very aggressive, in your face style. They're extremely physical and thrive on contact. Blake Poritz is their leading scorer. He explifies the teams blue collar attitude, battling in the paint vs taller bigger opponents for position. He isn't the most explosive player, but is fearless in his attack. On defense, the Bulldogs are pure hustle. They know they don't have the height, but rather rely on speed to force turnovers.

Players to Watch for: Blake Poritz, Kieran Wake, Ali Y-Tafti
Outlook: The Bulldogs will struggle to contain Braich. Magee matchup in the Consolation will be intruiging in Battle of Vancouver.