Blue Jags Advance to Police Tournament Final with Win over Highlanders

                  Photo by Mike Edwards

By: Mike Edwards

It’s not about how you start – it’s about how you finish. The SMUS Blue Jags have taken that motto to heart in recent games, as the team once again rebounded from a poor first half and stepped up in the second to take control of the game and advance to the finals of the Victoria City Police Tournament. Graeme Hyde-Lay led the way for the Jags, dropping in a team high 21 points in the 64-41 victory over the West Vancouver Highlanders.

The Blue Jags started strong, creating a number of turnovers in the early going thanks to their high pressure trap defence. Hyde-Lay scored 8 points in the opening quarter and Jake Wilmott added 6 as SMUS took a 14-6 lead.

SMUS struggled with their execution at the offensive end for a large portion of the second quarter, however a late rally highlighted by a steal then and-one in transition by Max Pollen gave the Jags a 25-13 lead at half time. Hyde-Lay remained the high scorer, posting 13 points meanwhile Wilmott had 9 points to go along with 8 rebounds at recess.

The Highlanders came out strong to start the third, cutting the SMUS lead to 4 at one point. But the Blue Jags responded with a momentous 14-2 run to close the frame to restore their cushion and take a 41-25 advantage into the final period. The Blue Jags were able to maintain their lead the rest of the way, putting the finishing touches on the 64-41 win.

Aside from Hyde-Lay’s big game, Wilmott finished with 13 points and 11 rebounds for his first double double of the season. Meanwhile, Liam Catto notched 12 points and 5 rebounds and Callum Montgomery tallied a team high 4 steals.

"Yesterday I had a good talk with Coach Hyde-Lay and it put me in the right mindset to help the team in whatever category we needed.” said Wilmott after the game, “Tonight it resulted in me getting my first double double of the year which feels great.”

With the win, the Jags will advance to the Victoria City Police Tournament final where they will meet arch rival Oak Bay. The game time is set for 5:00 PM on Saturday, as the team looks to avenge their loss to the Bays from a week ago.