With playoffs looming, Southridge Academy’s Kface Klassic provided plenty of intrigue for Richmond senior boys basketball teams.
The eight-team tournament concluded Saturday afternoon with the host Storm producing a 59-52 victory over the McMath Wildcats in the title game.
Too many offensive dryspells were the Wildcats’ undoing, including a five point opening quarter and going the final three minutes of the game without a basket.
The result should be of special interest to the Hugh Boyd Trojans, Cambie Crusaders, McNair Marlins and RC Palmer Griffins. The Storm are ranked No. 5 in the latest provincial 2A rankings and the South Surrey school will be the team to beat at the eight-team inaugural South Fraser 2A Zone Playoffs scheduled for later this month.
The Wildcats also got a taste of a potential South Fraser 3A playoff opponent with their 75-44 opening round win over the Princess Margaret Lions. The Surrey school currently sits in a playoff position in the Sur-Del 3A League with a 3-2 record.
McMath advanced to the final with a 67-52 win over a 4A opponent — the North Surrey Spartans. Travis Hamberger led the way with 26. Mike Kitka added 11 and paced the attack against North Surrey with 25.
Hamberger earned all-star honours.
McMath turns its attention back to league play this week against Palmer, Cambie and Burnett. Three wins would lock up first place and an opening round game with eighth place Palmer in the city championships that will be hosted by Boyd next week.
Second through sixth also remain up for grabs.
At the buzzer…
Berths were finalized Sunday for next month’s provincial championships with the South Fraser Zone receiving three each for the 3A and 2A tournaments. Berth allotment reflects the number of participating teams rather than the strength of the zone.
