Blue Jags Top Kondors to Capture Second Consecutive Island Title

                  Photo by Mike Edwards

By: Mike Edwards

The SMUS Blue Jags put forward another dominant performance Saturday night, topping the host Kwalikum Kondors 73-36 in hostile territory to capture their second AA Vancouver Island title in as many years. Strong defence was once again the story for the Blue Jags, who took command of the game early and didn't look back.

Despite getting into foul trouble early on in the first quarter, the Blue Jags executed well at the offensive end to jump out to a 21-10 lead. Callum Montgomery led all players with 10 points in the opening period.

The Blue Jags continued to score efficiently at the offensive end in the second and were also able to keep up their strong defensive play, expanding the lead to 37-19 at half. Montgomery still led the way with 16 points at the break, meanwhile Graeme Hyde-Lay dropped in 6 points, Jason Scully chipped in with 4 points, 4 assists and 3 rebounds and Jake Wilmott added 4 points and 4 boards for the Jags.

SMUS kept it coming to start the third, squashing any comeback hopes the Kondors had. From there it was smooth sailing as the Blue Jags finished off the Kondors for the 73-36 victory.

Montgomery finished as the high point man with 18 points to go along with 5 steals, while the Blue Jags also got contributions from Hyde-Lay (14 points and 5 assists), Wilmott (13 points, 5 rebounds and 5 steals) and Scully (9 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 blocks). Scully was also awarded the MVP of the tournament for the second consecutive year, while Hyde-Lay and Wilmott were named to the First All-Star team.

"I thought in all three games we defended and rebounded with great energy and that was reflected in the low point totals we conceded." said Blue Jags Head Coach Ian Hyde-Lay on the team's strong tournament, "You have to be able to guard and rebound to be successful in the playoffs."

"Our hats go off to Kwalikum." continued Hyde-Lay, "The reality is it would have been hard for them to maintain the same emotional level they had last night in their big win [over Lambrick Park], but it is a great feat for them to have qualified for Provincials."

"The BCs will be a great challenge for us but we are playing our best basketball at the right time." added Hyde-Lay, "We just have to take it one game at a time."

The Blue Jags now have four games remaining on their schedule, the first of which will be in the round of 16 at the Provincial Tournament in Langley.

Blue Jags Clinch Provincial Berth with Emphatic Win Over Eagles

                    Photo by Mike Edwards

By: Mike Edwards

The SMUS Blue Jags punched their ticket to Langley for the BC AA Provincial Tournament in emphatic fashion Friday night, blowing out the Brentwood Eagles 64-22 to advance to the Island Tournament Finals and secure the top three finish needed at to qualify for the Provincial Tournament. The Blue Jags displayed one of their most complete performances of the season, and they appear to have found the perfect time to string together their best stretch of basketball this season.

 

The Blue Jags came out flying to start, opening the game on a 9-2 run en route to a 18-8 lead after one quarter of play. Jason Scully led the way with 8 points and 3 rebounds while also protecting the rim with 3 blocks in the first, and Jake Wilmott chipped in with 6 points and 4 rebounds for the Jags.

 

The Blue Jags brought their momentum with them into the second, playing with high intensity at the defensive end to limit the Eagles to only 4 points in the frame. At half time, SMUS held a 35-12 lead. Scully (10 points and 8 rebounds) was just two rebounds short of a first half double double, while Graeme Hyde-Lay dropped in 10 of his own and Wilmott added 9 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals in the opening 20 minutes.

 

The Blue Jags kept the foot on the gas pedal and didn't let up in the second half, adding to their lead further highlighted by a monstrous alley-oop dunk by Scully off a Matty McColl feed. SMUS once again played stellar defence in the period, holding the Eagles scoreless in the entire third quarter. The Blue Jags coasted through the final period to put the finishing touches on the 64-22 victory.

 

Hyde-Lay was the high point man with 13 points, Scully recorded a double double with 12 points and 11 boards, and Wilmott finished with 12 points, 7 rebounds and a team high 6 steals in the game for the Jags.

 

"It was obviously a very good performance on the defensive end which is the most important thing for us as a team." said Wilmott, who also received Player of the Game honours, "We also clinched our berth to Langley which is very exciting."

 

The Blue Jags will now move on to the Island Final where they will meet the hosts Kwalikum coming off a big win over Lambrick Park in the other Semi Final. The game time is set for 7:30 PM on Saturday at Kwalikum.

Blue Jags Inch Closer to Provincial Berth with Win Over 49ers

                    Photo by Mike Edwards

By: Mike Edwards

The SMUS Blue Jags opened the AA Island Tournament Thursday night, taking care of business with a 70-42 triumph over the Ladysmith 49ers in the Quarter Finals. With the win, the Blue Jags took one step closer to clinching a berth in the AA BC Provincial Tournament.

 

The Blue Jags got off to a strong start, scoring a number of transition buckets in the first frame to jump out to a 29-9 lead. Jason Scully led the way with 7 points in the opening period, meanwhile Graeme Hyde-Lay added 5 points and 3 assists.

 

The 49ers regrouped to start the second, going on a 6-0 run to begin the quarter. But the Blue Jags responded with a pair of triples from Alex Caton and Max Pollen to retake a comfortable 37-18 advantage into half time.

 

The Blue Jags kept it going to start the second half, continuing to find quality open looks and extending their lead to 58-27 after three quarters. From there it was smooth sailing for the Jags as they closed out the 70-42 victory.

 

Scully finished as the high point man with 11 points, meanwhile Callum Montgomery had a strong night at both ends with a Blue Jags season high 10 steals to go along with 9 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists. Meanwhile, the Blue Jags also received contributions from Jake Wilmott (9 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists), Hyde-Lay (8 points, 4 assists and 2 blocks), Liam Catto (8 points and 6 rebounds) and Lucas De Vries (8 rebounds).

 

"I just try to jump the passing lanes and pick their pockets like I'm stealing cookies from the cookie jar." said a cheerful Montgomery on his season high 10 steals after the game.

 

The Blue Jags will now advance to the Semi Finals of the Island Tournament where they will meet Brentwood for the first time since the ISA Tournament back in November. The scenario is simple – a win and the Blue Jags will punch their ticket to Langley for Provincials.

Blue Jags Top Lions in Physical Affair to Win South Island Tournament

                                    Photo by Mike Edwards

By: Mike Edwards

The SMUS Blue Jags put forward one of their best defensive performances of the season, defeating the Lambrick Park Lions 61-47 Saturday afternoon to win the South Island Tournament. For the 10 graduating seniors on the team – all of whom have made great contributions to the SMUS basketball program over the years – it was the final home game of their high school basketball careers.

The Blue Jags got off to a good offensive start in the first quarter, but Lambrick Park stayed in the game thanks to a number of second chance points off offensive rebounds. Max Pollen led the way with 9 points in the opening frame as SMUS took a 19-16 lead.

The story continued to be the physicality on the boards in the second, with possession hotly contested on each and every missed shot. The Jags were able to up their hustle in the rebounding department and that reflected on the scoreboard, as they widened their lead to 32-21 at half time. Callum Montgomery (4 points and 6 rebounds) and Jason Scully (7 points and 4 rebounds) led the Blue Jags on the boards in the opening half.

The two teams played each other evenly in the third, as the Blue Jags were able to maintain a 10 point cushion entering the fourth quarter. The Lions continued to hang around and stay within reach in the final period, until a late Graeme Hyde-Lay triple followed by a Scully and-one put Lambrick Park away for the 61-47 Blue Jags victory.

Scully finished as the high point man on the afternoon, scoring a game high 21 points to go along with 9 rebounds and 3 blocks. Meanwhile, Hyde-Lay finished with 13 points and 4 steals, Pollen chipped in with 11 points and 3 rebounds and Montgomery totaled 8 points and 8 boards for the Jags.

“We were really happy with how we defended.” said Scully on the team’s strong shutdown effort, “We struggled at times on the boards but we were still able to find ways to maintain our lead.”

With the win, the Blue Jags earn the number one seed for the South Island in next week’s Island Tournament, where they will look to qualify for Provincials with a top three finish. The tournament will begin on Thursday at Kwalikum High School.

Blue Jags Down Stags to Open South Island Tournament

                   Photo by Mike Edwards

By: Mike Edwards

With a strong regular season behind them, the SMUS Blue Jags began their much anticipated "second" season with the South Island Tournament Friday afternoon, opening on a high note by downing the Shawnigan Lake Stags 61-41 in the SMUS double gym.

The Blue Jags got off to a slow start offensively, as the Stags jumped out to a early lead three minutes into the game. But the Blue Jags came alive to finish the quarter on a 14-2 run, taking a 20-8 lead after one. Graeme Hyde-Lay lead the way with 9 points in the opening frame.

The two teams played each other relatively evenly in the second, but SMUS kept a 10 point advantage at half time for a 28-18 lead. Hyde-Lay still lead the way at half with 12 points and Jason Scully contributed 7 points 5 rebounds and 3 assists.

The Blue Jags expanded their lead to start the second half, heading into the final frame with a 16 point cushion. SMUS kept it coming the rest of the way to close out the 61-41 victory.

Hyde-Lay finished as the high point man with 20 points to go along with a team high 7 steals on the day. Meanwhile, Jake Wilmott tallied 16 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists, Jason Scully notched a double double with 13 points, 13 boards, 4 helpers and 2 blocks and Callum Montgomery added 5 points, 8 rebounds and 3 steals for the Jags.

"We had a bit of a shaky start but once we got rolling we got into a rhythm." said Hyde-Lay on the team's performance, "It was a good start to the stretch drive for us."

With the win, the Blue Jags will head into the South Island Tournament Final against Lambrick Park, which will also be SMUS' last game on home court for the team's seniors. The game time is set for 2:15 PM on Saturday in the SMUS double gym.

Blue Jags Conclude League Season with Rout of Rams

                  Photo by Mike Edwards

By: Mike Edwards

The SMUS Blue Jags concluded their 2014-15 Victoria Tier 1 League regular season in style Saturday afternoon, putting together one of their strongest offensive outputs of the season in their 86-25 rout of the Mt. Douglas Rams. Lost in the 86 point outburst was an equally strong defensive effort, as the Blue Jags surrendered only 8 points in the final three quarters.

The Blue Jags got off to a rather sluggish start, giving up some easy inside buckets to the Rams in the early going, however some timely transition baskets kept SMUS tied with the Rams at 17-17 after one.

The Blue Jags woke up in the second and created separation from the Rams thanks to a 12-0 run to begin the quarter. After outscoring Mt. Douglas 26-3 overall in the frame, SMUS took a 43-20 lead into half time. Jason Scully led the way at the break with 12 points and 4 rebounds, Jake Wilmott contributed 10 points and Max Pollen added 7 for the Jags.

SMUS took their momentum with them into the second half, continuing to extend their lead after outscoring the Rams by another big margin in the third quarter, this time 29-2. Heading to the fourth, the Blue Jags held a 72-22 advantage. From there it was smooth sailing through the fourth as the Blue Jags closed out the 86-25 victory.

The Blue Jags received contributions on the scoreboard from a number of players on the afternoon. Scully finished as the high point man, posting 18 points and 5 rebounds, meanwhile Liam Catto notched 12 points, 6 rebounds and a team high 6 steals for the Jags. In addition, Wilmott (10 points, 4 assists and 4 steals), David Lee (9 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists), Graeme Hyde-Lay (8 points, 4 assists and 4 steals) and Lucas De Vries (6 points, 7 rebounds and 3 blocks) also had strong showings. Finally, Matty McColl recorded his first double double of the season, totaling 10 points and 12 rebounds on the day.

“Obviously we had a slow first quarter but we turned it on offensively getting going with a lot of back to back stops and scores.” said Wilmott on the team’s performance, “We outscored them by a big margin in the rest of the game and that speaks to our ability as a team.”

“Looking forward it's going to be very important to try and start our games with the same effort we had after the first quarter today for entire games.”

With the win, the Blue Jags end their Victoria Tier 1 League season with a 10-1 record. The team will now gear up for the last – and most important – stretch of the season. First up is the South Island Tournament hosted by SMUS from February 20-21.

Blue Jags Prove Too Much for Bulldogs, Sweep Season Series

                  Photo by Mike Edwards

By: Mike Edwards

The SMUS Blue Jags put the foot on the gas pedal early and didn't look back, defeating the Belmont Bulldogs 66-39 Thursday night in a hostile Belmont environment. The two teams have grown familiar with each other this season – this being their fourth meeting – with the Blue Jags coming away with all four victories to sweep the season series.

The Blue Jags got off to an excellent start, canning five treys in the opening frame coupled with strong interior defence to jump out to a 24-3 lead after one quarter of play. Graeme Hyde-Lay led the team with 11 points in the opening frame.

SMUS expanded their lead in the second, opening the quarter on a 15-2 run to take a comfy 42-15 lead at recess. Hyde-Lay still led the way at half with 13 points and 3 assists and David Lee dropped in 8 of his own. Meanwhile, Liam Catto (6 points and 7 rebounds), Jake Wilmott (4 points and 7 rebounds) and Matty McColl (4 points 6 rebounds) also had strong showings in the first 20 minutes for the Jags.

The lead built up in the first half was enough for the Blue Jags, as they sat on their cushion the rest of the way. In the end, SMUS wrapped up the win by a final score of 66-39.

Scully finished with a team high 16 points to go along with 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Meanwhile, Hyde-Lay totaled 15 points and 5 assists and Lee also chipped in with 15. It was a strong night on the boards for the Blue Jags, who were led by McColl (13 rebounds), Wilmott (12 rebounds) and Catto (10 rebounds) in that department.

“I’m trying to be more confident looking for my shot and tonight my teammates were able to find me some good looks.” said Lee after the game, “I thought we rebounded very well tonight and really looked to run which resulted in some easy buckets.”

SMUS will now gear up for a Saturday afternoon tilt against Mt. Douglas. The game will get underway at 3:00 PM at SMUS, as the Blue Jags look to extend their season high eight game win streak.

Blue Jags Edge Lions for Seventh Straight Win

                   Photo by Mike Edwards

By: Mike Edwards

Jason Scully equaled his season high with 28 points and added 11 rebounds, and Max Pollen sank two crucial free throws in the final seconds to give the SMUS Blue Jags a 60-57 triumph over the Lambrick Park Lions in Victoria Tier 1 League Play Tuesday night. The win is the Blue Jags’ seventh straight overall, dating back to their January 27 game at Claremont.

 

SMUS got off to a strong start, jumping out to a 17-9 lead after one quarter of play. Scully dropped in 10 points to go along with 4 rebounds in the first frame.

 

Lambrick Park cut into the deficit early in the second, coming within 2 points midway through the frame. But SMUS closed the half strong to take a 34-26 advantage into the break. Scully continued to lead the way with 19 points and 7 rebounds in the opening 20 minutes.

 

The Lions came out strong to start the second half, erasing the 8 point deficit by the end of the third quarter to head to the final frame tied at 46. The Lions took their momentum with them into the fourth, taking a 4 point lead prompting a SMUS timeout. But the Blue Jags responded with a crucial 9-2 run to take a 3 point lead with just over a minute to play. SMUS was able to hold their lead the rest of the way thanks to a pair of Max Pollen free throws for a 60-57 Blue Jags victory.

 

Aside from Scully’s big game, the next highest scorers for the Jags were Graeme Hyde-Lay (11 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists) and Liam Catto (11 points on 2-for-3 shooting from downtown). Meanwhile, Pollen totaled 9 points and 4 assists for SMUS.

 

"I’ve been trying to work on my free throws in the gym.” said Pollen on his two clutch buckets from the charity stripe, “Tonight it paid off when it counted.”

 

Next up for the Blue Jags is another Victoria Tier 1 League tilt at Belmont. The game will tip off at 7:30 PM on Thursday, as the Blue Jags look to keep their momentum rolling as the regular season winds down.

Blue Jags Take Down Rams in League Play

                                  Photo by Dave Edwards

By: Mike Edwards

Jason Scully dropped in 24 points and added 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 blocks to lead the SMUS Blue Jags to an 84-46 victory over the Mt. Douglas Rams in Victoria Tier 1 League action Thursday night. The Blue Jags pulled away in the second half after a tight first 20 minutes to take home their sixth straight win overall.

The Blue Jags came out with good energy, starting the game on a 13-2 run. Mt. Douglas had a strong push back, however, cutting the SMUS lead to 20-16 after the first quarter of play. Scully led the way with 12 points in the opening frame.

The Jags cooled off shooting the ball in the second, allowing the Rams to stay in the game. At recess, SMUS had a 38-28 lead. Despite the team’s poor shooting half, Jake Wilmott stepped up for the Jags with 17 points on 5-for-7 shooting from behind the arc to go along with 4 rebounds and 4 steals in the first half.

The Blue Jags started strong to open the third, taking control of the game and expanding their lead to take a comfortable 66-33 advantage to the final frame. SMUS coasted through the fourth to close out the 84-46 victory.

Aside from Scully’s team high 24 points, Wilmott finished with 22 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals, Liam Catto contributed 9 points and 6 rebounds and Callum Montgomery chipped in 4 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 steals. Meanwhile, Lucas De Vries hauled in 8 rebounds to go along with a team high 5 blocks and Graeme Hyde-Lay had a great defensive performance with a team leading 6 steals that more than made up for an uncharacteristically rough shooting night.

“I was able to score efficiently tonight and my teammates did as well.” said Scully after the game, “That will be important for us the rest of the season and especially at Provincials.”

With the win, the Blue Jags improve to 6-1 in Victoria Tier 1 League play with four league games left on the schedule. Next up for the Jags is a key date at home versus Lambrick Park on February 10, followed by a meeting with Belmont a week from today.