Matosevic powers Bombers to fifth-place finish at Robert Bateman Hoop Tourney
By The Nelson Daily Sports
The L.V. Rogers Bombers posted wins over two Fraser Valley opponents to finish fifth at the Robert Bateman High School Boy’s Basketball Tournament Saturday in Abbotsford.
The Bombers were part of the 16-team tournament that included teams from Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley.
LVR, defending Kootenay AAA Zone Champ, opened with a 62-44 loss to fourth-ranked St Thomas More Knights of Vancouver.
“We were close with them the whole game including within six points in second half, but we couldn’t break their press and turned the ball over which lead to the loss,” said Bomber coach Jeremy Phelan.
Player-of-the-game Josh Matosevic led all scorers with 17 points while teammate Vinnie Watson had 15.
The Bombers were able to bounce back on the consolation side of the bracket, edging Pitt Meadows Marauders 56-47.
Matosevic was once again a beast for LVR, scoring 22 points to lead LVR.
Jake Anderson, LVR’s player-of-the-game, added 10 points.
LVR then turned in a defensive gem, holding BC Provincial Team member Liam Power to eight points in route to the 60-54 win over Brookswood Bobcats of Langley.
Anderson scored 16 points including 11 points in the first quarter.
Robby Dixon claimed player-of-the-game for LVR leading all scorers with 18 points.
Matosevic added 15 points for the Bombers.
LVR Juniors lose to Stanley Humphries in Crowe Consolation Final
Stanley Humphries ran all over a short-staffed LVR squad, dumping the Bombers 52-17 in the Consolation Final of the J. Lloyd Crowe Junior Boy’s Basketball Tournament Saturday in Trail.
The Rockers used a balanced scoring attack to bring down the Bombers.
Ginga Nomura led LVR in scoring with eight points.
LVR advanced to the Consolation Final by stopping Nakusp Cougars 40-26.
LVR’s Jairo Mangapot led all scorers with 16 points while Ben Hradil-Kasseckert Jaiah Lotus each added six points.
LVR opened the tournament Friday with a 67-23 loss to Grand Forks Wolves.
Mike Zarikoff and Jairo Mangapot each scored six points for LVR.
The Bombers are idle before hosting the LVR Junior Classic February 5-6 at the Hangar.
