2009-2010 WCBL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

FALCONS 87 vs. RUNNIN’ REBELS 74

On Wednesday evening, the Runnin’ Rebels managed to hold 7/8ths of the Falcons lineup to 32 points over the course of the forty minute WCBL Championship game.  The 1/8th that they didn’t contain dropped in a title game record 55 points, as Aman Heran led his squad to their third straight championship and fourth in five years.  Grabbing a fourteen point lead early in the first half, the Falcons managed to contain the Rebels offense with a strategic 3-2 zone, however once the Rebels started to break the defense the score was cut in half before the teams entered the break with the defending champs holding a 39-31 lead.

Closing the difference to within four at about the thirteen minute mark of the second half, the Rebels offensive consistency was similar to that of a Brett Farve retirement.  Just as quickly as they tightened the gap, the Falcons (read, Heran) pulled it back in their favor.  With the scoreclock hitting single digit minutes, the Rebels once again were but a point away from taking control of the game as Nick Lafleur hit back to back threes.  Four straight Falcon three pointers later the double digit lead was once again intact.  With less than two minutes left on the board, the Rebels were already mentally defeated as the Falcons snuffed out any chance for a desperation comeback attempt, holding on for the 87-74 victory. Heran’s record 55 points included twelve three pointers, while Pardeep Sunner and Dalbir Dosanjh were the only other Falcon members to hit for double digits with 12 and 11 respectively.  Lafleur led the Rebels offense with Mio Kovacevic and Steve Lee chipped in with 13 points apiece.  The Falcons victory puts them in company with the Meralomas as the only two teams to have their name etched in four WCBL titles, and along with the Nielsen Golgis as three-peat champions.

On behalf of all the participants of the 2009-10 season, a special thanks goes out to the game officials and the Southridge student scorekeepers for all their time and effort, to Delview Secondary for once again providing the home court for the WCBL, to the administrative and custodial staff at Delta School Board Facility Rentals and to the generous CENTRECOURT program sponsors for providing the Championship and Individual Awards.

AWARDS: (Individual awards are based upon nomination from league participants)

2009-2010 WCBL CHAMPIONS: Falcons ($400 Keg Gift Certificate)

2009-2010 WCBL MVP: Randy Nohr, Nielsen Golgis ($125 SportChek Gift Certificate, $50 Morgan Creek Keg Steakhouse Gift Certificate, Baden Official WCBL Game Ball, Nike Shorts and Shirt, K1X Sling Bag, Gatorade Water Bottle)

2009-2010 WCBL ALL-STARS: Andy Khaira, Falcons; Neb Aleksic, Runnin’ Rebels, Steve Lee, Runnin’ Rebels; Jason Leslie, Nielsen Golgis; Hunter Jordan, Nevermore ($25 Morgan Creek Keg Steakhouse Gift Certificate, $25 SportChek Gift Certificate, $25 Cineplex Gift Certificate, Baden Official WCBL Game Ball, Nike Shorts and Shirt, K1X Sling Bag, Gatorade Water Bottle)

2009-2010 WCBL MOST IMPROVED PLAYER: Randip Singh, Assault (Baden Official WCBL Game Ball, K1X Sling Bag, Nike Shirt, Gatorade Water Bottle)

2009-2010 WCBL LEADING SCORER: Randy Nohr, Nielsen Golgis 33.0 ppg ($25 Morgan Creek Keg Steakhouse Gift Certificate)

With three convincing victories over Nevermore in their back pockets, it was assumed that a fourth would come along on Sunday morning for the Runnin’ Rebels in first game of the WCBL Semi-Final weekend.  Trading baskets for the first three minutes, the Rebels showed early signs of rust after having a two week hiatus since their last game, whereas Nevermore appeared confident and well balanced in their attack.  Breaking the ten point deadlock with a 16-6 run, Nevermore created a ten point buffer for themselves and extended to a thirteen point halftime lead.  Frustration boiled over for the Rebels as the deficit mounted to as many as twenty-six points midway through the final twenty minutes.  After a poor start and a struggle for almost thirty minutes not only with their opponent, but with themselves, the Rebels managed to get on the same page and picked up the intensity with a full court press that baffled Nevermore.  With an incredible 32-10 run, the Rebels tied the game at 83 points, before closing the match out and completing an amazing comeback effort, 91-85.  With only five active members, all of which hitting for double digits, the Rebels return to the championship game for the first time since the 2000-01 season.  Steve Lee and Mio Kovacevic led the Rebels offense with 31 and 25 points respectively and combined for 19 rebounds.  Hunter Jordan and Jim Taylor finished off their impressive rookie season’s with 19 points apiece to go along with 14 points from both Dexter McKnight and Tom Selak.

Redemption.  That was the sole goal on the minds of many of the Nielsen Golgis in their Semi-Final meeting with the Falcons, a team that defeated the Golgis 106-102 in the 08/09 WCBL Championship Game.  Jumping out to a controlling 12-2 run to start the game, the Golgis were able to attack the Falcons in transition and from the free throw line, during a first half in which both teams were in desperate need for a secondary scoring source.  Highlighted by another battle between two of BC’s finest pg’s, the Golgis Randy Nohr and Aman Heran added another chapter to their epic battles.  With 24 first half points, Nohr led the Golgis to a slight 40-37 advantage at the break, while Heran countered with 13 points.  The script flipped in the second half as the Falcons used a 16-10 run to gain their first lead of the game 53-50 before the two teams see-sawed the scoreboard back and forth for the remainder of the second half.  Just as the Falcons chased the Golgis towards the end of the first, the Golgis found themselves down six with under two minutes on the clock.  A trio of free throws and a basket latter, the Golgis were able to close the game to within a single point before falling short 76-75.  Whereas Nohr was on fire in the first half, he cooled in the second hitting 14 of his team high 38 points, while Heran returned the first half favor with 25 second half points to match the 38 point effort.  Dalbir Dosanjh and Jason Leslie provided that required secondary scoring role with 16 points and 2 blocks for the Falcons forward and 11 points, 13 boards for the Golgis big man.

WCBL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

MARCH 17th 7:30pm – (2) Runnin’ Rebels vs. (5) Falcons

Regular Season:  Runnin’ Rebels 14-3, Falcons 8-9 (seeding based on defaults)

Head to Head:  Runnin’ Rebels 4-0

Preview – The semi-final games proved that the head to head regular season has very little impact on the result of a do or die playoff game as the Rebels needed a spectacular comeback and the Falcons upset the number one seed.  Both teams have the ability to work the ball inside, or hit from deep for a three ball, so it will come down to defense and a lot of what if’s.  The Rebels will need to keep their composure and consistency, while making sure that there is a hand up on the Falcons guards once they cross the halfcourt line.  On the other hand, the Falcons will need to control the boards and have someone step up to provide an inside scoring source to counter the Rebels inside attack.  After a long season, fatigue, injuries and mental errors have started to take their toll, but all will have to be put aside for forty more minutes on Wednesday evening as the Falcons look to “threepeat” (thanks Mr. Riley) and join the Golgis and Meralomas as four time champs, while the Rebels (Planet Fitness 98-01), who have been to the final three times, hope to stake their claim as the WCBL Champions.

With an overwhelming 104-66 whitewash of Assault last Sunday, Nevermore continued to chart their course into even deeper waters as they advance to the WCBL Semi-Finals.  After missing the previous two weeks of action with a wonky knee, Jim Taylor returned to the Nevermore lineup, dropping 21 points and grabbing 11 boards to help lead the green clad squad to an easy victory.  While the contest was relatively undecided throughout the first half, despite Nevermore holding a twelve point lead after the first twenty minutes, one figured that Assault had not packed their bags quite yet.  However, one would have been dead wrong, as Assault, regardless of the 34 point effort from Randip Singh, played as if the game was foreign to them, giving up a 30-10 run to start the second half.  Aided by a trio of three pointers, Hunter Jordan paced Nevermore with 23 points, while Nate Corneau was the only other member of Assault to hit double digits with 18.

WCBL FINAL FOUR

10am – (2) Runnin’ Rebels vs. (3) Nevermore

Regular Season:  Runnin’ Rebels 14-3, Nevermore 8-9

Head to Head:  Runnin’ Rebels 3-0

Preview – Although sweeping the regular season series, the Rebels will need to beware of a Nevermore squad that is riding a three game winning streak.  With two weeks off since their last game, the Rebels will have to avoid any rust and will have to quickly mesh together.  In order to knock off the Rebels, Nevermore will have to commit to stopping either the points in the paint or taking away the long range shots.  Lacking the size to compete inside, Nevermore will have to continue knocking down the “J” and slowing the Rebels transition game.  If one were looking for “x-factors” for this game, the guard matchup between the Rebels Nic Lafleur / Thomas Wan and Nevermore’s backcourt of Ryan Widas and Dexter McKnight will have a huge impact on who controls the flow of the game.  While Vegas bookies might have the Rebels leaving the gym with a victory, odds are Nevermore is prepared to make sure it won’t be a cake walk.

11:15 am – (1) Nielsen Golgis  vs. (5) Falcons

Regular Season:  Nielsen Golgis 16-1,  Falcons 8-9 (seeding based on defaults)

Head to Head:  Nielsen Golgis 4-0

Preview –  The Nielsen Goligs, aside from one minor setback, owned the WCBL standings this season, including a four game sweep of the Falcons.  While both teams have had a couple of weeks off to rest and recover, the Falcons are benefits of a major coup as guard Aman Heran, who has been out with a foot injury since Christmas is set to return.  The big question for the Falcons is how he will affect their chemistry after learning to play without him for two months.  While the obvious answer is that he will create more scoring opportunities for the Falcons big men, the question of being in game shape remains, especially against the high tempo Golgis offense.  After falling short to the Falcons in the WCBL championship last season, the Golgis would like nothing better than to use them as a stepping stone to the title game.  Look for the Nielsen Golgis to continue their dominance over the Falcons this season and return for another chance to add a fourth championship notch to their belts.

10am – (3) Nevermore vs. (6) Assault

Regular Season: Nevermore 8-9, Assault 2-15

Head to Head:  Nevermore 3-0

Preview – After years of purgatory in the WCBL basement, Nevermore has a strong opportunity to advance past the opening round of the WCBL playoffs for the first time in team history.  However, not everything is roses for the third seed as they lost their leading scorer Sean Holland to a foot injury, and may be without their second leading point producer Jim Taylor to a unstable knee.  Assault on the other hand has struggled in their inaugural season in so many different ways, that they might need to grab a couple of horse shoes, four leaf clovers and a rabbit’s foot to make something positive of their season.  Look for big games from Nevermore’s Dexter McKnight and Tom Selak, while Assault’s offense will no doubt come from the outside shooting of Randip Singh, Nate Corneau and Dwayne Harrison.  Look for Nevermore to capture the elusive playoff victory and move on to the second round.

11:15 am – (4) Wildcats  vs. (5) Falcons

Regular Season: Wildcats 3-14,  Falcons 8-9 (seeding based on defaults)

Head to Head:  Tied 2-2

Preview – In a matchup featuring two teams that at the start of the season had high expectations placed upon them based on their play from the 08-09 season.  However with roster changes and injuries, both teams did not meet the lofty standards.  Splitting their regular season meetings, does not allow for much of a prediction for this affair, however based on their records against the other teams in the field, the nod leans towards the Falcons to come out of this one.  In the past, the Falcons relied on beating teams from the outside, however this season that load is a little more balanced as Andy Khaira has stepped up his game in the paint.  Harvey Brar has taken over the point guard reins this season, however beyond him, the backcourt depth is a tad thin.  The Wildcats have seen their role players step up into starters spots this season, led by Lee Craven and Dave Morris, who are averaging 20 and 18 points per game.  Both teams have the capability to move on to the second round, however based on their experience, the Falcons should be the ones still playing next week.

After running the WCBL gauntlet for sixteen straight games, the Nielsen Golgis perfect season came to an end on the seventeenth week in a 102-90 loss to the Runnin’ Rebels.  However the victory is like dating one of the Kardashian sisters, (ending up with either Khloe or Kourtney, not lucky enough to get Kim….the good looking one) as the Golgis were without James Kenyon, Jeff Dallin and Jim Martin.  Despite a shortened bench of their own, limiting the Golgis outside shooting and out rebounding their opponent by fifteen, the Rebels grabbed the lead during the final twenty minutes after the scoreboard see-sawed back and forth during the first half.  Led by Neb Aleksic’s 30 points and 11 rebounds, along with 17 apiece from Thomas Wan and Mike Whitehead, the Rebels finally managed to get a “W” over the Golgis, the one victory that eluded them throughout the entire season.  Randy Nohr continued his MVP worthy season with a game high 32 point, 8 assist outing, while Jason Leslie added 24 points and 11 boards.

With the Falcons dropping a default loss to the Wildcats earlier in the day, a 95-88 victory over Assault gives Nevermore new life in their hopes for a third place seeding entering playoffs in two weeks.  Trailing by one at the break and by as many as seven midway through the second half, Nevermore capitalized on a couple of what appeared to be questionable fouls against Assault late in the game.  With three players hitting the stat sheet for a double double, led by Dexter McKnight’s 21 points and 11 rebounds, and 16 points from Hunter Jordan, Nevermore managed to close the game with a 11-2 run.  The victory puts Nevermore into a tie for third place with the Falcons at 8-9, with the two teams scheduled to meet in the final week of the regular season next Sunday.  Randip Singh and Nate Corneau paced Assault with Singh posting 26 points and 5 assists, while Corneau contributed 23 points and 4 rebounds.

The Wildcats defeated the Falcons by forfeit.

For the first eighteen minutes of their meeting on Sunday, Assault not only managed to compete with the Nielsen Golgis, but surprisingly held the lead after a 9-2 run, spearheaded by Nate Corneau’s four three pointers in the first half. However the tide quickly turned back towards the league’s top seed as a 16-0 stretch closed out the first half 57-42. Marking the return of Jeff Dallin who had been out of the lineup due to a broken hand, suffered prior to the Christmas break, the Golgis posted four members of their roster with twenty plus points in a 126-106 victory. In spite of Randy Nohr’s second triple double of the season Jim Martin’s dunk attempt led the game’s highlight reel, as he attacked the basket for a two handed flush, only to have his momentum move the basket off it’s support and while swaying to the side, have the ball meraculously still to drop through as part of his 21 points.  Nate Corneau and Dwayne Harrison combined for eleven three pointers for Assault, with Corneau finishing with 30 points and Harrison adding 23.

As with the Golgis/Assault game, the difference in the battle between Nevermore and the Wildcats in the first half was a 11-2 Nevermore stretch to close out the first twenty minutes led by 21 of Hunter Jordan’s season high 33 points.  Although the “W” looked to be in the bag for Nevermore, the Wildcats mirrored Jordan’s first half effort with Peter Adam’s identical 21 of 33 in the second half to close the game to within as little as four points midway through the period.  Unable to match up with Nevermore’s size advantage on the boards, the Wildcats fell short on second chance opportunities and their comeback attempt with a 103-93 loss.  Tom Selak posted 28 points and 17 boards for Nevermore, while Dave Morris countered with 25 and 10 for the Wildcats.

Following the theme of the day of first half runs, the Rebels broke open a two point game into a seventeen point halftime lead with a 21-2.  For the first time since mid December, the Rebels featured a full roster as six of their eight players hit for double digit points including 11 from Mio Kovacevic and 10 from Srdj Vujovic.  Without any relevant point production from their inside game, the Falcons looked to beyond the three point line as Harvey Brar and TJ Rai combined to lead their team with seven three pointers and 38 points in the 100-72 loss.

With the first and second seeds locked up for the WCBL standings, the focus has turned to the race for third place on the ladder between the Falcons and Nevermore. Going into Sunday’s action the Falcons already held the tie-breaking rights, as they claimed two previous head to head victories over Nevermore. However only one game separated the two teams as they met for the third time this season. After a fairly evenly played first half, Nevermore held a 43-37 edge, thanks in large part to controlling the boards on both ends of the court. While Falcons forward Andy Khaira seemed to be the only scoring presence in the first half for the Falcons, Pardeep Sunner stepped up in the second half with 10 points. With the scoreboard favoring the Falcons by five points midway through the second half, Nevermore found themselves limited in second chance opportunities as they were out rebounded 27-16, as the Falcons managed to maintain their lead and pull out a 78-71 victory. Khaira finished with a game high 35 points and 15 rebounds, while Sunner added 15 points and 7 boards. Sean Holland paced Nevermore with 21 points and 8 rebounds, to go along with Jim Taylor’s 14 and 8 effort.

The Nielsen Golgis officially clinched first place in the WCBL playoff seeding and the regular season title with their 133-72 victory over the Wildcats. With six members of the Golgis squad hitting for double digits in points, the well balanced offensive attack was too much for the Wildcats to handle as the Golgis cruised to a 73-25 halftime lead. With the game well in hand, the Golgis looked to create a little bit of flavor in the second half with a number of crowd pleasing dunks by James Kenyon and Jim Martin. Although they struggled to put points on the board in the first half, the Wildcats picked up their offensive game in the final twenty minutes as Branden Jttri and Mike Swan led the team with a combined 28 points and 4 steals. Jason Leslie and Randy Nohr once again provided an inside/outside scoring attack for the Golgis with a total 58 points, 26 rebounds and 13 assist afternoon.

The Runnin’ Rebels had little trouble with Assault on Sunday morning knocking off the fifth seeded team 113-85 as five members of the Rebels roster hit for double digits in scoring. With a double digit lead in their back pockets early in the first half, the Rebels size proved to much for Assault to handle as the Rebels controlled the glass with a 56-22 difference, led by 27 rebounds from Steve Lee and 10 from Igor Dutina. With the sole highlight being the game high 38 points, including nine three pointers from guard Dwayne Harrison, Assault failed to separate themselves from the Wildcats in the WCBL standings as both teams sit at 2-13 on the season.

After forward Jason Leslie fell a single point short of the fifty point mark last week, Golgis guard Randy Nohr accomplished the feat for the second time this season with a game and league high 54 points in a 125-96 victory over Nevermore this past Sunday. For a game that was relatively competitive throughout the first ten minutes of the opening half, it turned lopsided following a Golgis 22-5 run to close the first half. Extending their lead to as much as forty points midway through the second half, the Golgis eased into their fourteenth consecutive victory and took one step closer to securing the top seed in the WCBL playoffs. After a modest two game winning streak, Nevermore found themselves slip one game back of the Falcons in the race for third place. Dexter McKnight and Jim Taylor posted 26 and 21 points respectively in the loss, while Leslie chipped in with 39 points to help in the Golgis victory.

With four players hitting for over twenty points apiece, the Runnin’ Rebels offense was hitting from all over the court in their meeting with the Wildcats. Unable to match the Rebels size, the Wildcats struggled on the glass as the Rebels turned rebounds into easy baskets. Although the Rebels captured a relatively easy 135-101 victory, led by Igor Dutina’s game high 34 points, giving up over one hundred points pointed out the lack of execution on the defensive end. Steve Lee, Neb Aleksic and Nick Lafleur were all prominent on the Rebels stat sheet while the Wildcats countered with three individuals breaking the twenty point tally with Jeff Chu pacing the team with 28 points, aided by Dave Morris and Lee Craven.

The Falcons moved themselves one game ahead of Nevermore in the WCBL standings as they positioned themselves in third place with a 97-72 victory over Assault. With Andy Khaira and Harvey Brar hitting for 24 points apiece, the Falcons flipped a 53-44 halftime lead into the double digit “W”, despite the best efforts of Assault forward Nate Corneau’s nine three pointers and a game high 37 points.

Regardless of their bench depth, or more importantly lack of it, the Falcons pushed the Runnin’ Rebels to the limit this past Sunday thanks to a quick start and an eight point lead at the break. With Andy Khaira establishing a post presence early on, the Rebels defense started to sag into the paint, therefore opening up the three point line for Ajit Dhaliwal and Harvey Brar. The Rebels struggles remained the same to start the second half as their lack of consistent team play on both ends of the floor allowed the Falcons to continue their route to a potential upset. Finally getting things together, the Rebels team defense and ball movement lead to a number of easy baskets, bringing them back into the game and taking over the lead for the remainder of the game and a 93-80 victory. Led by Igor Dutina’s team high 22 points and a workman’s 16 points and 6 rebounds from Srdj Vujovic, the Rebels continue to hold down the second spot in the WCBL standings. Brar and Dhaliwal finished with a combined seven three pointers for the game with 22 and 18 points respectively.

With their 93-74 victory over the Wildcats, Nevermore will not only be guaranteed to finish the season with their best record in team history, but they have also put themselves in a tie with the Falcons for third place in the WCBL standings (the Falcons currently hold the tie breaker due to head to head record). The return of guard John Green from a two week hiatus helped the Nevermore offense extend the Wildcats defense out to three point territory and open up the passing lanes. Green finished with a season high 27 points for Nevermore, who are currently riding a two game winning streak. The well documented struggles continue for the Wildcats as they continue to search for an identity as the players who were formally playing as a supporting role have been thrust into unfamiliar territory. Dave Morris continues to be their one steady scoring option as he dropped 26 points and 7 rebounds on Sunday, aided by Mike Swan’s 18 points and 6 rebounds. Sean Holland, Mike Lane and Ryan Widas all chipped in on the Nevermore scoring attack with 10 points apiece.

Minus their all-star point guard, the Nielsen Golgis just found another way to continue their winning streak as they ran over Assault with a 134-82 mauling. Led by forward Jason Leslie’s game high 49 points, one short of the league season high of 50, the Golgis “W” was never really in doubt as they rang up a 70-43 first half difference. The one shining light on Sunday for what continues to be a dismal season for Assault was the team season high 41 points from forward Nate Corneau, which included eight bombs from downtown. James Kenyon and Hanspaul Pannu provided secondary scoring for their respective squads with 38 and 21 points.

After getting slammed by nearly forty points last week against the Golgis, the Falcons flipped the script this past weekend with a blowout victory of their own against the Wildcats. Kicking off the game with a 14-5 run, the Falcons worked the inside/outside game with Andy Khaira manning the paint, while Harvey Brar attacked from long range. Despite a rough start, the Wildcats managed to not only get themselves back into the game, but take over the lead, thanks in large part to the five first half three pointers from Peter Adams, including three straight from downtown. A case of deja vu took place at the start of the second as the Falcons once again reeled off a 14-2 spurt to regain control of the scoreboard and proceeded to dismantle the Wildcats defense as Khaira finished with a game high 32 points and 15 rebounds, while Brar added 30 points including five three pointers in a 104-82 triumph. Dave Morris paced the Wildcats with 22 points and 8 rebounds to go along with 21 points from Adams who was held to only a single basket in the second half.

In what became the most lopsided margin of victory for the Nevermore team (including the Raven years), the forty-two point difference against Assault included four players hitting for over twenty points apiece. While the game was close for the first ten minutes of action, it quickly turned in Nevermore’s favor as the team rained nine of their fifteen three pointers in the first half on route to a 68-42 halftime lead. The demolishing continued in the second half as Nevermore controlled the glass on both ends of the court taking full advantage of their size difference over Assault, who were lacking all of their big men for the game. Led by a season high 28 points from point guard Ryan Widas and a game high 22 rebounds from Tom Selak, Nevermore cruised to an uncontested 122-80 victory over Assault. Hanspaul Pannu hit a team high 21 points for Assault who after a victory last week, have quickly fallen back into their inaugural season struggles. Randip Singh and Dwayne Harrison each added 19 points for Assault.

The Nielsen Golgis continue to be the achillies heel to the Runnin’ Rebels as they continue to not only remain undefeated in the league standings, but also the only team that the Rebels have been unable to defeat this season. Facing a nine point difference after the first half, the Rebels managed to quickly close the gap to within four points at the beginning of the final twenty minutes, only to see it grow again to seventeen moments later. With James Kenyon and Randy Nohr leading the way with 31 points apiece, the Golgis defense and lack of execution from the Rebels managed to keep the lead at a comfortable margin for the duration of the game, finishing with a 93-86 victory. Igor Dutina’s team high 20 points paced the Rebels, while Thomas Wan added 16 in the loss.