Blue Jags Pounce on Islanders to Break Out of Slump

                    Photo by Mike Edwards

By: Mike Edwards

The SMUS Blue Jags put forward a complete 40 minute effort and got off the schneid Monday evening with a convincing 79-43 victory over the Nanaimo District Secondary School Islanders. It was a strong performance in all facets of the game for the Blue Jags, something they desperately needed in order to put the two game trip to Washington behind them and get back on track.

 

The Blue Jags came out with good energy, opening the game on an 11-2 run. After a strong first quarter, SMUS was up 25-6. Liam Catto led the way with 7 points for the Jags, and Matty McColl chipped in with 5 in the frame.

 

The Islanders responded to start the second, going on a 5-0 run to open the quarter. But the Blue Jags answered back and took a 39-17 lead into the half. Catto still led the Jags with 10 points and Callum Montgomery picked up 3 steals at recess.

 

SMUS continued to build on their lead in the third, ending with a sweet tic-tac-toe passing play on the fast break finished off by Montgomery. From there it was smooth sailing through the fourth as the Blue Jags put the finishing touches on the 79-43 win.

 

Jake Wilmott (13 points and 5 rebounds) and Graeme Hyde-Lay (13 points and 4 rebounds) were the high scorers for the team, meanwhile Jason Scully recorded 12 points, 7 boards and 5 assists. The Jags also received significant contributions from Montgomery who finished with 11 points and a Blue Jags season high 7 steals on the night.

"I just tried to jump passing lanes and get some steals where I could." said Montgomery on setting the Blue Jags season high in the category, "We played well defensively and brought a lot of energy."

 

The Blue Jags now have a quick turnaround, as they have the Spectrum Thunder rolling into SMUS Tuesday evening at 7:30 PM. Then, the team will head into Oak Bay High School on Friday for a big tilt against one of BC's top AAAA teams.