There will be more than one boys basketball team at Palmer secondary school enjoying "March Madness."
While the senior squad is heading to Kamloops for the B.C. "AA" Championships, the Griffins' juvenile team will be in Kitsilano for the Grade 9 provincial tourney. Palmer secured its spot in the March 7-9 event by winning last week's Vancouver and District title.
Keyed by the strong play of Marko Stojanovic and Koby Thompson, the Griffins produced wins over New West (73-47) and West Vancouver (48-41), before taking care of Argyle (57-48) in the title game.
Richmond champions McMath dropped a 56-51 decision to St. Thomas Aquanis in its quarterfinal game, while McRoberts fell in the same round to West Van (45-29). The Strikers had worked their way into the main draw with a 54-51 victory against Burnaby South.
The McMath Wildcats are headed to the B.C. Junior Boys Championships at Vancouver College after placing second in the Vancouver and District playoffs.
The Richmond champions opened with a 58-49 win over Byrne Creek, then slipped past North Shore champion Handsworth in the semi-final (55-51) before falling 73-37 to Burnaby South in the title game.
The Richmond Colts bowed out with a 59-52 quarter-final loss to West Vancouver, while McNair drew into the main draw with a 61-58 win against Sentinel, before losing 58-45 to Burnaby South.
Meanwhile, Richmond schools flexed their muscles at the Vancouver Bantam Boys Championships and it was Richmond High leading the way.
The city champions continued their outstanding season with a three straight victories last week, including a 60-45 victory over rival Steveston-London Sharks in the championship game. Both schools are headed to the B.C. Boys Grade 8 Championships in Pitt Meadows.
Richmond High's road to the final included lopsided wins over Moscrop (52-39) and Sentinel (50-34). The Sharks slipped past St. Thomas Aquanis (45-43) and Richmond rival McMath (41-31).
In Juvenile Girls action, Richmond champions McRoberts managed a third place finish in District playoffs after a decisive 39-16 win over Burnaby South.
The Strikers opened play with a 42-32 victory against Seycove, before running into eventual champion New West in the semi-finals, falling 39-32.
