The McMath Wildcats are getting battle-tested thanks to a December blitz of games that features three tournaments in less than two weeks.
The five-time city champion senior girls basketball team began the hectic stretch at the Victoria Christmas Tournament before heading to the Langley Events Centre for the Howard Tsumura Invitational. It will conclude at the Riverside Rapids’ Tournament for Emily, starting on Tuesday.
With their two toughest league tests already behind them, this is a vital part of the Wildcats’ schedule against a steady dose of quality competition as they look to build on momentum and experience heading into 2019 and ultimately the post-season.
They served early notice in Langley with a 59-42 victory over No. 1 2A ranked South Kamloops Titans in their opening game of the 16-team tournament.
Grade 11 Liz Kennedy continues to thrive in her new role at guard after spending the past two seasons battling bigger opponents in the paint. She poured in 21 points to lead the way in the upset win.
Freeing Kennedy of her post duties is Grade 8 6-foot-2 standout Marina Radocaj who continues to play well beyond her years. Not only did she contribute nine points but was also a major defensive presence, finishing with seven blocked shots and 14 rebounds.
The Wildcats also had timely scoring from Jayna Wilson and Abby Bodden in the win. Morgan Flynn, elevated to the starting lineup with both Caitlin Bradley-Tse and Caitlin Kippan unavailable, had her best game of the season, giving South Kamloops Star and 2018 Provincial MVP Maddy Gobeil fits all game with her tenacious defense.
McMath moved onto the quarter-finals against the Brookswood Bobcats. They gave the No. 5 ranked perennial powerhouse all they could handle until the Langley school went on an 18-2 run to pull away for 79-58 victory. Kennedy scored 27 in a losing cause. Radocaj added 12 and Wilson 11.
The Wildcats closed out the tournament Saturday with a 70-55 setback to St. Thomas Aquinas, No. 2 in the 2A rankings.
In Victoria, a narrow 65-61 loss to 2A ranked Southridge was followed by three straight wins over Oak Bay (78-41), Edmonton’s Harry Ainlay (78-62) and Colwood’s Royal Bay (76-63).
