(BOYS) St. George's Saints top Rockridge Ravens in close battle at Collingwood

St. George’s Saints vs Rockridge Ravens

Written by Jeff McCutcheon

It’s been 2 years but the “No Regrets” tournament is back! The stands are about half full for our opener at Collingwood. St. George’s vs Rockridge, a classic North Shore vs Vancouver battle.

In past years this tournament seemed to always line up with snow or massive storms. This year it’s a beautiful day and the only precipitation to be found are these senior teams making it rain with threes! Kicked off by the Ravens #10 Griffyn Bibbings each team traded three pointers until the score was 6-6 a couple minutes into the game. Shorty after the visiting Saints went on a bit of a run capped off by a massive “And One” bucket by #3 Sheja Rubayi. Although he wasn’t able to convert the free throw his team still found themselves ahead 22-13 at the end of the 1st quarter.

Both teams match up very similarly both physically and in playing style. With no true real dominating threat inside these squads have their big men on the perimeter playing a very quick team-orientated game. Lots of passing resulting in open looks for both sides. Unfortunately for Rockridge it was St. George’s who was able to hit more of these shots consistently. In what felt like a much closer game than the scoreboard said, the Saints were up 46-27 at the half.

Halftime thought: Pastel neon kicks and head bands/hair buns are in. With players from both teams proudly supporting these looks, it’s clear I need to renew my subscription to GQ.

The Saints came out hot after the half adding 9 points in the first couple minutes while the Ravens could only put up 4. Rockridge spent the rest of the quarter trying their best to claw back but it just seemed that every time they hit a big shot, the Saints had an answer. Ravens senior guard #11 Thomas Harris finished the quarter with a beautiful spin move and fade away shot to bring his team within 14. 64-50 after 3 quarters.

This Rockridge team, from just down the road in Caufield, refused to give up. After a bucket by #7 Jesse Grieve it was a 9-point game with 8 minutes left. They’ve taken what was at one stage a 25-point lead down to single digits. A massive deep 3 from Ravens #6 Arshya Ghasemi and it’s a 4-point lead! The bench is fired up and the visiting fans that have made the trip are making this gym rock. St. George’s senior guard #4 Jack Vandenberg has been Mr. Consistent all night. While doing his best Tom Brady impression he’s been able to quarterback the ball to his teammates while making clutch shots when it mattered. After a very intense last couple minutes the Ravens didn’t quite have enough to complete the comeback. 87-80 as the buzzer sounded for the St. George’s Saints. Hats off to the Ravens for never giving up and a big congratulations to the Saints for a solid win.

Good luck to both teams in the rest of the tournament!

No regrets