(BOYS) Third-Place Game Has Lambrick Park Take Bronze in Convincing Win over Argyle
Lambrick Park Lions v Argyle Pipers
December 11, Boys third place game
The third place game in the boys division had Vancouver Island’s Lambrick Park Lions v Lynn Valley’s Argyle Pipers. North Shore basketball photographer legend Blair Shier told me Lambrick Park is the #1 ranked Double AA team in BC. I’ve also been told Argyle is coming off a devastating overtime loss in the semis to their North Van rivals Handsworth. You know they were fired up to bounce back after a tough game, reminiscent of the 2004-2006 Pipers/Royals rivalry. We were in for a good one in the battle for 3rd place at this years ‘No Regrets’ tourney!
At tip off both teams #22’s went up for the ball with the Pipers’ Jacob Bassam clipping Lions’ Angus Kidd in the jaw sending him to the floor. Was this physical play a bit of foreshadowing for the rest of the game? Stay tuned to find out! After a quick start by Argyle they found themselves up 14-8 and Coach Max Whitworth went for a full line change putting 5 fresh bodies in the game. Unfortunately, this strategy didn’t pay off initially. After a 6-0 run by Lambrick Park the score was tied at 14. The Lions continued to build off that momentum for the rest of the quarter and after Q1 they had a 29 - 25 lead.
Lions came out hot in the 2nd and built their lead to 10 but Argyle hung in there and a few minutes into the quarter it was a 5-point game. However, this was not the best half of basketball for the Pipers. After a somewhat awful last 5 minutes of the quarter they found themselves down 52-34 to the visiting island squad at the half-time break.
Half-time thought: It must be said that Pipers’ #15 Ben Nicholson went for a unique look wearing black shorts while his teammates wore white for the game. Its also possible there’s a volleyball ‘libero’ rule in basketball that I had no idea about.
Young Pipers’ Coach Whitworth got his team fired up for the second half and his squad got a couple of buckets early. This intensity fell off though as the quarter continued. Lions guard #2 Aiden Grew might need help tying his shoes as one of his sneakers was left on the floor but he definitely doesn’t need help on defense. His quick feet and tenacious work ethic caused multiple turnovers for his Island team. He was a big reason the Lions were up 68-44 heading into the final quarter.
Lambrick Park slowed things right down in the 4th looking to protect a large lead while the Pipers pushed the ball at every opportunity. Unfortunately for them they weren’t able to create enough to come back in this game. While the Pipers did win the 4th quarter, the final ended at 79- 57 for the Lambrick Park Lions.
Shoutout to the Pipers for never giving up and playing one of the games of the tournament in the semis. A big congratulations to the Lions for coming in 3rd at this years ‘No Regrets’ tournament! Thanks to both teams for taking part this year and good luck with the rest of the season!
No regrets