The Elphinstone Coug-ars' playoff run came to end Tuesday night in Richmond, but what a run it was.
After losing 43-34 to the West Vancouver High-landers last Wednesday (Feb. 3), ending their chance at a North Shore title, the Cougars were forced into a must-win game against St. Thomas Aquinas to become the North Shore number three seed at the Vancouver and District wildcard playoffs.
The Cougars came out hungry in their elimination game against the Fighting Saints from STA on Thursday, Feb. 4, posting a 59-54 win.
Elphi opened on an 8-2 run, but got into foul trouble. Elphi's bench tried to hold off STA, but the Saints poured it on to lead by 16 at the half.
The Cougars mounted a bit of comeback in the third, cutting the lead to 11, but they saved their best for last.
A defensive change in the fourth quarter saw Zach Karmel completely shut down STA's top scorer, holding him to just four points. Haden Bush sparked the team coming off the bench with passing and movement unseen throughout the playoffs. He also received a full court pass to take Elphi's first lead since the first with only 1:01 left in the game. TJ Turenne hit eight free throws in a row to ice the victory.
The Cougars opened the Vancouver and District Championship tournament on Monday with a dominating 71-40 win over the Burnaby Central Wildcats.
The Cougars shared the ball well with 18 assists. Zach was great on defence with five steals. Griffy Goyer led the scoring with 11 points, while Austin Perry pulled down a ton of rebounds and was aggressive all night.
On Tuesday, Elphi faced McMath, the number one seed from Richmond. Leading 24-16 at the half, the Cougars looked poised for the upset, but it wasn't to be, as McMath pulled out a 43-40 win.
The Cougars had a chance with a three-point shot at the buzzer, but the ball hit the rim and didn't fall.
Despite the loss, head coach Denis Turenne said he was proud of the team and the way they finished.
"It ended up as a loss, but the guys left the floor winners," he said.
"In time these kids will realize what they did this year and how far they have come. It was a total team effort, and as a coach, I could not be more proud of each and every one of them."
