The South Okanagan Flames junior B lacrosse team couldn’t deliver on their coaches prediction, but it wasn’t for a lack of trying.
Before their Thompson Okanagan Junior Lacrosse League first round playoff series with the Kamloops Venom started, coach Kevin Thompson predicted the Flames would win the series. The Flames were swept on July 9, losing 10-6. After losing the opening game in Kamloops 9-5 on July 5, the Flames then lost in Oliver 17-11 on July 7.
Hurting the Flames was the same problem as last year — not enough players. Some couldn’t play because of work commitments, while the high school graduates went on a graduation trip, which Thompson didn’t blame them for doing.
“I was super impressed with what our guys did in the last game,” said Thompson, who used 12 runners.
The boys were just running their butts off. I’m sure Kamloops is quite impressed they couldn’t beat us by more. There was no give up there. The boys were very disappointed at the end of it. We came up short with what our expectations were.”
Thompson praised the Venom for a strong defensive performance. They are known for playing an offensive style.
“They put up some defensive walls. You can’t win with 12 runners when the other team is giving you 60 minutes of their best,” said Thompson.
Thompson said the team is proud of what they accomplished this season, including their best regular season record with 10 wins, five losses and one tie.
The top five offensive producers on the Flames were Kaid Macleod with 42 goals and 89 points in 11 games, brother Jake with 19 goals, 56 points in 16 games, Connor Walton with 33 goals, 56 points in 12 games, Louis Shortreed with 19 goals, 36 points in 16 games and Levi Thompson with 17 goals, 30 points in 12 games.