Senior Boys Begin Season with Annual Alumni Game

    Photo by Sarah Scully

By: Mike Edwards

The 2014-15 Senior Boys Basketball season officially got underway Saturday afternoon with the annual Alumni Game. Playing in front of a lively crowd in the SMUS double gym, the senior boys found themselves up against a very talented and physical alumni squad that featured some of SMUS’ top former senior players.

In the first quarter the Alumni set the tone defensively, holding SMUS to 7 points. Matt Rud (Class of 2014) scored 6 points to lead the Alumni to a 16-7 lead at the break.

The Alumni came out strong once again in the second quarter, stretching the lead to 16, their largest of the game. The senior boys battled back and came within two at one point, but the Grads staged a late rally and took a 37-29 lead into the second half. Jake Wilmott led all players at the half, with 11 points for SMUS.

The senior boys had a strong start to the second half, highlighted by a Liam Catto and-one that cut the lead down to one. But the Alumni weathered the storm and were able to keep a 5 point lead heading to the fourth.

In the end, it was great defence from the Alumni that was the difference maker, as SMUS was only able to manage six points in the final frame, and the Grads walked away with a 56-47 victory. Wilmott finished with a game high 16 points, meanwhile Jason Scully and Max Pollen scored 11 each. Scully also received Player of the Game honours. For the Alumni, as Jeremy Harris (Class of 1992) led the way with 14 points and Danny Boticki (Class of 1999) had 12.

“Lots of defensive attention from the opposition goes to Jason [Scully] and that will happen every game, so I just need to go to the open areas.”, said Wilmott of his 16 point performance.

Heading into the season, SMUS has the number one ranking in BC at the AA level. The senior boys are back at it this Tuesday for two home exhibition games at 4:00 pm versus Mt. Douglas and 7:15 pm versus Belmont. Following that the team will head off to the BC Independent School Championships on November 28 and 29 in Vancouver.