The Lake City Club Basketball under-15 boys team were winless at the UBC-Okanagan tournament at the end of May.
Lake City ended the tournament with a 54-25 loss to Calgary's Genesis. Genesis featured a couple of big players who were skilled and mobile. Adding to Lake City's challenge was losing Bailey Burdick to injury when he rolled his ankle. Will Casimir-Eneas stepped up to take on heavy minutes at centre and finished with 10 points, six rebounds with one block and steal. The good news for Lake City is Burdick isn't expected to miss their next tournament in Vancouver June 15-17.
Against Van City in their third game, Lake City lost 46-37. Lake City coach Eron Labadie said his team was in the game until turnovers cost them. Burdick scored 14 points to go with 19 rebounds with two steals and blocks. Austin Afonso was their most aggressive player managing 10 points, three rebounds and two steals.
Against Kelowna's DiPP U14 program, Lake City Lost 57-41. Tyson Douangpanya provided a good all-around game with eight points and three rebounds. Against Kelowna Heat U15, Lake City bowed 52-30. Burdick owned the boards with 11 while adding eight points. Hunter Parsons provided a lot of energy off the bench with relentless defensive pressure.
"This is a team with a lot of players that are very young in their basketball careers," said Labadie. "We don’t have a lot of kids that have been playing the game for five or six years. Right now it is about learning the game and developing the skills that will take their game to the next level. I have commended the boys for their resiliency. No matter what the score is, the boys seem to keep battling. That is important to continue growth. Right now we are working hard to develop pride in what we do and preaching the need to look after the basketball. We have been plagued with turnovers which has hurt us and limited our opportunities. At this stage of the game, this team can’t afford to just give the ball away."
Heading into the Kelowna tournament, Labadie said they knew they would face strong competition. He has stressed with his team they are in a learning process to develop. They need the players to be challenged at a high level to see where they need to be and what it takes to win.
Lake City U11 girls lose to Kelowna Schooners
The Lake City U11 girls received a balanced attack, but it wasn't enough in a 47-38 loss to the Kelowna Schooners on June 3.
Averi Boerboom led Lake City with 20 points, while Vanessa Herman and Faith Henrichsen each added 10 points.
“I am very proud of how our team is progressing in terms of rebounding, fast breaks, and defence," said Lake City coach Laurie Hudson. "The girls are learning how to front their checks through the key, to anticipate where the ball is going to be passed, and to cut to the open space on the floor. One of our point guards, Averi Boerboom, had her best game of the season, picking up 20 points on drives to the hoop and outside shots. Vanessa and Faith were consistent in their aggressive offense and defence.”