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.