(BOYS) With both teams looking for first win, Kits comes out on top against West Van

Kitsilano Blue Demons v. West Van Highlanders

Written by Tom Keast

Here in the high altitude gloom of the British Properties on a Saturday morning, two teams with deep basketball credentials meet at a time when your loyal correspondent would normally be sleeping. It’s a beautiful gym here at Collingwood festooned with ‘No Regrets’ Tournament banners.

Both West Van and Kits were looking for their first ‘No Regrets’ 2019 tournament win after some fairly decisive losses. But this game had some promise of more even matching.

West Van, courageous in their tartan shorts, is a bit of an unknown to the coaches, as they seek to gel in this early part of the season. Nice pull up jumper from Roger Zeng in the early but sparse scoring. Dean Martin added to it with a long-legged sprint to the hoop to double the Highlanders total to 4. Krestow of Kits will drive to the basket relentlessly and WV will have to develop an answer. West Van’s guards are quick thieves with finishing ability and Kits will have to respond to that. It’s game on. Amir Kashinpour (Amir K) on the Highlanders’ point seems a capable chap, energetic and quick.

An errant pass by Zeng was intercepted and he scooted down the court to block the resulting layup attempt. Problem solved. Eventually the arc would be tested and Blue Demons’ Alex Bobyn made the first trey of the game.

Other than offensive rebounds, steals are my favourite stat. Thievery abounds in this game for both teams. Both points and fouls were accumulated at an even rate for these teams and it sat at 18-15, end of first quarter.

Ryan Keating nailed a three for Kits which began the first real scoring separation to 5. Didn’t last long.

[I have long advocated for the removal of 1 academic credit for every missed open layup. Okay, I never really said it to anybody but I bet I’m not alone in thinking about it.]

Amir K went lefty on an awkward but successful layup immediately answered by Krestow for Kits. 26-23 Kits.

I have a feeling that the three shot will seal this deal. Few are attempted but, when made, the difference emerges. Kits’ Nikolas Savanovic stroked a beauty to keep Kits close. 31-27. Get the matches, this barn may be burnin’. 31-30 Kits at the half.

Fun half time fact: Collander Sexton, vice-principal of Buenos County High School in Texas, was sentenced in 1997 to three months in jail for deducting academic credits from players on the school senior basketball team who missed open lay-ups. (Again, much more fun when you make it up.)

The Tartan Teamwork Quotient (TTQ) was definitely rising in the second half as West Van took their first lead of the game, 37-35. But Krestow for Kits quickly evened it midway through the third. These teams are stacking the firewood for a 4th quarter conflagration. But simmering underneath the surface is a personnel chess game to be played by two Veteran Coaches in Ros and Sylvester.

Meanwhile Krestow’s steals put Kits up when his teammates finished. Douguet of Kits drove hard to the basket and scored but for the offensive foul, which stood in the way of a 6 point lead. Would have been the largest of the game. Some O fouls are clear, some aren’t.  

Bowling is a sport (or is it?) where a ball is rolled to knock down stationary pins. Stretches of this game feel like bowling.

Kits did get eventually to their 6 point lead, but Rodrigo U. of West Van hit two free throws to bring Kits to a lead of 4 at the ¾ pole.

Out of a timeout West Van was energized. Kits pressed. West Van’s Roger Zeng was quietly effective as was Savanovic for Kits- another three. Lead at 9. The separator. My guess is that if West Van doesn’t have a three point shooter this game may slip away from them. Kits lead is 9 with 6 min to play.

The end begins with a three from Kits Peter Charuhas. Some baskets traded but the lead went to 11. West Van is jacked, the bench is chanting. A lot of good work but the points didn’t come. Symbolic that a Krestow steal with a minute to go effectively ended the game. Wait! West Van #5 Aidan made a three!! And then ANOTHER one with 6 seconds left, this time off-balance no less. Yikes!  Final score Kits 65, West Van 61.

Player of the game: Kits #4 Owen Krestow