Blue Jags Get By Thunder to Remain Perfect in League Play

                    Photo by Dave Edwards

By: Mike Edwards

Coming off a big win over Walnut Grove to close out the Vancouver College Emerald Tournament and with a big game against Cowichan looming to begin the Gary Taylor Tournament, it appeared as though the SMUS Blue Jags Victoria Tier 1 League game versus the Spectrum Thunder wedged in between was a prime trap game candidate. That was exactly how it played out, as the Blue Jags were able to fend off a feisty Thunder squad despite a lacklustre performance Tuesday night to improve to 3-0 in Victoria Tier 1 League play.

Both teams got off to slow offensive starts, however the Blue Jags were able to pick it up late in the quarter to take a 18-13 lead after one. Graeme Hyde-Lay dropped in 7 points and Matty McColl led the Jags with 5 rebounds in the first quarter.

SMUS took their momentum with them into the second, going on a 7-0 run to start the frame. But the Thunder fought back, going on a 7-0 run of their own to cut the SMUS lead to 28-20 at the half. Jake Wilmott led the Jags with 8 points at the break.

The Blue Jags coasted through the second half, resting on the cushion they built for themselves in the first half. It was also a good opportunity for the Blue Jags' bench to get some quality floor time, as Alec Keech, Jack Sherrod, Lucas De Vries and Angus Catto had strong showings off the bench in the second half.

In the end, the Jags walked away with the 51-39 victory. Wilmott finished as the high point man for the Jags putting up 11 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists. Meanwhile, Hyde-Lay posted 9 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists and Liam Catto hauled in a team high 10 boards including 5 at the offensive end.

“I just try to compete under the basket.” said Liam Catto – Angus' twin brother – on his strong rebounding effort, “It was a tough game for us but we’re happy to pull out the win.”

The Blue Jags will next enter competition at the Gary Taylor Classic that goes December 18-20 at Oak Bay High School. First up for the team is an important game with Cowichan that will tip off at 3:00 PM on Thursday.