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UPDATED: Bombers get rocked by top seed Sir Charles Tupper

The Nelson Daily Sports
By The Nelson Daily Sports
March 11th, 2015

In the end, the top ranked team in the tournament was too much for the 16th squad.

Sir Charles Tupper Tigers made quick work of the Kootenay reps from Nelson, overpowering the L.V. Rogers Bombers 68-36 in opening round action at the BC High School AAA Boy’s Basketball Tournament Wednesday at the Events Centre in Langley.

The Tigers opened up a 26-7 first quarter lead and never looked back.

C. Schneller put up 25 points on LVR to lead Sir Charles Tupper.

Josh Matosevic scored 14 points and Vinnie Watson had 10 to lead the Bombers.

LVR now drops into the consolation round and meets Vernon at 8:30 a.m.

Bombers off to AAA Hoop Provincials; meet top ranked Tupper in opener Wednesday

It’s never easy being the 16th seed in any tournament.

However, having to play the role of Giant Killers is something all-to familiar for Kootenay Zone rep, L.V. Rogers Bombers.

The Bombers play top-ranked Sir Charles Tupper Tigers of Vancouver to open the BC High School AAA Boy’s Basketball Tournament Wednesday at the Events Centre in Langley.

The game tips off at 5:15 p.m. Wednesday.

“We are young and inexperienced heading into a tough first game against the No. 1 ranked Sir Charles Tupper Tigers of Vancouver,” said Bomber coach Jeremy Phelan, “however, we played Tupper in our first round game last year and know how to prepare for them.”

Phelan takes a team with no seniors to the AAA tournament.

And know it won’t be easy pulling of the upset.

“Key to the game is taking care of the ball and not succumbing to their full court press,” said Phelan about what LVR needs to do against the Tigers.

“We had 20-plus turnovers against them last year and lost by 22 points. If we can cut our turnovers in half we give ourselves at least a chance to win.”

LVR pretty much owned the Kootenay zone this season. Except for Golden, and an upset loss to Fernie Falcons, the Bombers waltzed through the Kootenay teams.

However, at the provincials the competition amps up several levels. Which makes even the slightest lapse in the game prove too much to overcome.

“We’ve watched a lot of game tape on them so nothing will be a surprise if they stick to their game plan,” said Phelan.

“(But) Tupper (second ranked in 2014) were likely disappointed with their fifth place finish,” Phelan added.

“They returned many key players including their starting 6’4” post pair and a strong back court. They press full court and like to play a lot of zone defense to keep their rim protectors close to home.”

LVR is led by the front line of Josh Matosevic, Vinnie Watson and Darian Johnson with Robby Dixon and Grade 10 point guard Eamon Studer directing the offence.

“We match up quite well with them despite being young,” Phelan, who along with coach Dean Studer, head the sideline crew of the Bombers.

“If we can play with effort and composure, and commit to helping each other on defense we may surprise a lot of people in this tournament.”

The Bomber boys are the second team from LVR to advance to a provincial basketball tournament. The LVR Senior Girl’s played last week at the BC High School Girl’s AA Basketball Champion.

The tournament runs through the week with the final set for Saturday at 6 p.m. in the Langley Events Centre.

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