Highlanders Break Down the Breakers for the Boy's Title

December 9, 2023

Boys Final: West Van v. Pacific Academy

Here we are ladies and gentlemen, with the West Van Highlanders playing against the Pacific Academy Breakers for the coveted 2023 No Regrets Boys Basketball Tournament Championship! Before we get to tip-off, the attendees enjoy a reminder of the origin of the No Regrets Tournament - an inspiring message for all of us to live our lives with No Regrets. In case any of the players needed it, there’s your motivation to get out there and give it 110% in this finals matchup!

What better way to start the game than with the rarely seen call of a premature tip on the opening tip! A lot of similarities between these teams - both have solid size but no traditional center presence, and a starting line full of athletic guard-like players comfortable handling the ball. The Highlanders have started the game with a little extra energy, especially #9, Calvin Kuzyk, who has attacked the rim and made a couple of impressive finishes at the rim. Halfway into this opening quarter West Van has earned themselves a 13-8 lead. 

The Breakers aren’t going anywhere, at least without a fight. A solid few minutes of play for Pacific Academy has them with a one point lead as we near the end of the quarter. The Breakers have been beastly on the offensive glass, giving themselves multiple extra opportunities and keeping them close. The result of that impressive run is Pacific Academy up 19-16. 

West Van’s Coach Ebes has opted for the Jordan tie this evening; you can safely assume he is looking for a bit of that infamous Jordan-esque play from his players tonight to capture this title. #6 for the Highlanders, Max Ndolvu-Fraser, is looking to step up and be that guy for Ebes - knocking down back-to-back threes to give his squad a three point lead. So far, the Breakers have done their damage with a number of players contributing, and the majority of that coming from points in the paint. With 5 minutes remaining in the half, the Highlanders have seen their lead reach 10 - expect to see a big push from the Breakers to close out this half with some positive memories heading into the half. 

#7 for PA, Jaden Mesfin, is looking to play a major role in doing the end of the first half damage; with the shot clock running down, he hit a difficult stepback three pointer to cut the lead to single digits. Highlanders #9, Kuzyk, continues his strong play by hitting the open three pointer after the Breakers sat back in their zone defence. Big man #21 for the Breakers, O. Mulugeta, is making his mark with the smooth baseline two handed flush! 

With each team finding their moments to go on mini-runs, the Highlanders head into the locker room with a 40-34 lead over the Breakers. 

Halftime Fact #1: Handsworth gym has a capacity limit of 1,500

West Van’s #9 Kuzyk started the second half being aggressive off the dribble, putting the Breakers into uncomfortable positions forcing them to foul to slow him down. West Van has used that momentum to increase their lead to 9 a few minutes into the third quarter. The Highlanders are working a 2-2-1 three quarter court press that is proving effective, giving the Breakers a different look to deal with as they come down the court. Thus far, PA’s solution to the Highlanders half court zone D is simply #7 Mesfin, who has hit a couple of threes in a row. Make that 3 threes in a row! It seems with each push by the Breakers to bring themselves a little closer, the Highlanders find a counter to keep them at bay. With one quarter remaining, West Van is up 67-55. 

10 minutes of game time left - time for Pacific Academy to go on a run and give themselves a chance at the title! With each run the Breakers attempt to make, the Highlanders have been ready to face it head on with a response. With only 5 minutes remaining West Van is holding onto a 14 point lead. It was the Highlanders’ night - they fought hard early in the game to earn a lead, and from then on really didn’t give the Breakers many opportunities to get back into the game. A game both teams can be proud of, and one the fans certainly got a high amount of entertainment from!

Final Score: West Van: 80 - Pacific Academy: 68.

Player of the Game: #9 West Van, Calvin Kuzyk

Thank you to all of the incredible teams that played in the 2023 No Regrets Tournament, and all of those individuals that played a role in ensuring it was a great success!

No Regrets.