MacNeill Ravens senior boys basketball team continued its strong start to the season by capturing the annual Jokers Classic at John Oliver Secondary in Vancouver.
The honourable metnion “AAA” Ravens capped a perfect three-game run with a thrilling 82-81 win over St Pat’s Celtics — currently ranked No. 3 among “AA” schools. Sky Tan led the way with 34 points — hitting nine of 16 shots. Usman Tung secured tournament MVP honours with 20 points and 14 rebounds. Shane Kleyn chipped in with 11.
MacNeill advanced to the final by outlasting city rival Cambie 75-70. Tung led the winners with 24 points. Omar Abumalouh added six points and eight rebounds. Arjun Sahota led the Crusaders with 16 points. Jackie Nguyen had 14.
The Ravens opened with a 73-39 victory over Notre Dame, behind 17 points from Tung and 14 from Tan.
Point guard Jackson Thackwray was named to the tournament all-star team.
Cambie fell to Magee 81-73 in the third place game.
Meanwhile, early signs indicate parity will be a big part of the city league this season.
Defending champion McMath squeaked out a 73-72 road win over the vastly improved Hugh Boyd Trojans. The Wildcats then took part in the Howard Tsumura Invitational in Langley — going 1-3 in a steady diet against quality competition. They return to league play Monday night with a key encounter against the Colts at Richmond High.
Other action last week saw the Steveston-London Sharks hold off Palmer 69-64 while McNair got past Williams Road rival McRoberts 83-71.
Additional key games this week include McNair visiting Steveston-London tonight and MacNeill at Cambie on Wednesday at 7 p.m.
