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.