After a thrilling double overtime 48-46 loss against Sentinel Secondary of West Vancouver Jan. 9, the Chatelech bantam boys' basketball team won both games of a Jan. 11 double-header at Chat.
Although not playing to their abilities, the Chat boys prevailed 32-22 over Mulgrave Secondary of North Vancouver in the first game. High scorers were Lucas Nordelund and Matt Brown with eight points apiece. Branden Hussey scored timely points thanks to pinpoint passing from Paul Desautels.
"I was a little concerned when our big guy (Grant Mayers) fouled out," said coach Sean Smith. "He's a major rebounder for us. But the rest of the guys picked up the slack and really defended well. I was pleased that they showed the ability to close a game. It says a lot about their character."
The second game against a much-improved Elphinstone team was a seesaw affair, with the lead changing hands several times.
After Elphi took a first quarter lead, Alexander Reid dropped in four of his game-high 14 points to give Chat a one-point halftime lead. The score continued to be close well into the second half, but experience paid off in the last quarter when Chat pulled away and finished with a 36-27 win.
"The game was much closer than our first game against Elphi - their boys really improved in just a week," added Smith. "Gus [Guzak] is a good coach and his boys have responded well to his leadership." High scorer for Elphi was Aiden Leinberger with 10 points, while Evan Murphy dazzled at the point.
Chipping in with six points apiece for Chat were Matt Brown, Oliver Telfer and Eli Paradis.
On Monday, Chat continued to roll upended Don Ross Secondary School of Brackendale 30-22.
Matt Brown had several timely points. Nick Mercer took on the big man assignment with aplomb, and Chris Dixon was outstanding on the boards in his first high school game.
Next and last home game is Wednesday, Jan. 25, against triple A West Vancouver Marauders at 3:40 p.m.
