It has been a season to remember for the MacNeill Ravens AAA boys basketball team.
Not only did they finish third in the provincials over the weekend – the highest ever placing for the school - they managed to achieve every goal they pledged with their coaches at the beginning of the season.
“I'm really proud of our team. These group of guys, 1 through 18, share a bond like no other,” said head coach Justin Pe.
“They truly enjoy each other’s company and often that shows on the court.”
Ravens went down to the Celtics
The Ravens were fourth seed going into the provincials at the Langley Events Centre last week and they cruised into the semi-finals on Friday night.
Unfortunately, they just came up a little short against the top seed St. Patrick Celtics, of Vancouver, going down 61-91.
But the boys rallied on the Saturday, taking out Duchess Park 68-59 to claim third spot in the province.
“In the beginning of our season, our coaching staff sat all of our players down and asked them to write their goals for the season,” said Pe.
“The common goals were - win Richmonds, make the provincials, play in the Arena Bowl and place higher than what we were seeded in.
“Throughout our season, we always said, we knew who we are, we know the type of basketball we wanted to play.
“It's tough to come out and play after a loss in the semi-finals, I'm very proud of the way we ended our season strong.
“I'm truly honoured to have been on this journey with these group of guys, most of which I've been coaching since Grade 9.”
All Star honours
Individual honours went to Grade 12 forward, Everett Swaim, who was awarded with Provincial First Team All Star.
While Grade 11 forward Josh Mayan was awarded with Provincial Second Team All Star.
Other notable players, said Pe, that played a key factor in the Ravens’ success were Grade 12 guards Marco Esteban, Cam Pacheco and Koyo Matsui.
