While the score may have been lopsided, and with the real test expected to come in the days ahead, Richmond Christian’s win on day one of the B.C. Boys High School Basketball Championships at the Langley Events Centre Wednesday still felt like sweet vindication for a pair of co-coaches.
As Shane Tamana and Tim Subion watched their players on the top-ranked, 1A Eagles school run away with a 79-19 result over Mulgrave School from West Vancouver.
In other opening day games for Richmond teams at the LEC, 3A action saw the McMath Wildcats edge past Coquitlam’s Charles Best 73-70, while McNair fell 63-52 to Robert Bateman from Abbotsford.
In the 2A category, Cambie lost 99-65 to G.W. Graham from Chilliwack.
The Eagles’ Tamana and Subion recalled how their school’s basketball program has grown over the past few years, with this year being the team’s first return the provincials in 12 years.
Both grads (2008) of the independent school on No. 5 Road’s “Highway to Heaven,” Tamana said he remembers having to play every league game away from home because Richmond Christian’s gym at the time, that did not have a hardwood floor, wasn’t suitable for basketball.
“That was a pretty big disadvantage,” Tamana said. “Plus, our school is mainly known for volleyball. Now, we’re hoping this appearance at the B.C.’s will help with recruitment of players.”
Judging by the display Wednesday, it should be a good advertisement.
Standouts for Richmond Christian were Grade 12 shooting guard Joaquin Arguelles, who scored 35 points. Also making his presence know was Grade 11 point guard Sam Cabuay.
“It’s really his (Arguelles’) leadership that stands out,” Tamana said. “Last year he was a bit tentative with that role — we made him captain in Grade 11. But really, his drive, his focus and his on-court abilities makes him a good, all-round player.”
The next test for the Eagles — after the News’ deadline — is a quarter final tilt with Maple Ridge Christian on Thursday evening.
Whatever the result in that game, Tamana said the future looks good for hoops at Richmond Christian, as a strong junior team is coming through and should push the senior players.
“Right now, half of our team are Grade 11 students, so there’s an expectation that we should continue progressing,” Tamana said, adding next season Richmond Christian’s rising enrolment numbers will see it earn 2A status.
