The Burnaby South Rebels put up 53 points in a losing cause against the Handsworth Royals at the Crehan Cup high school girls' basketball championships Monday.
The Rebels, playing with just five players and no bench, were forced by sheer numbers to play loose defence against the No. 5-ranked Royals, but gave a good account of themselves in the offensive end following a 9153 defeat at the Lower Mainland AAA girls' provincial qualifier.
"We have to give it our all every single game," said South guard Pavneet Brar, who tied teammate Manpreet Nijjar with 16 points. "It's tough for us but we're going to pull through as far as we can."
With the loss, South earned a matchup against Vancouver No. 2 Eric Hamber on Tuesday (after NOW deadlines).
A win there would pit South against the winner of Kitsilano/ Sentinel on Thursday and a possible draw against the loser of York House and Argyle the following day.
South scored 19 points in the first quarter against Handsworth but trailed 67-34 at half time.
In the second half, the Rebels kept pace with the Royals, outscoring the North Shore school 12-7 in the final quarter.
But while execution is not an issue for the talented group, having to hold back on defence in order to keep the foul count down is.
"We have to take on the burden of every single player. We have to do it as a team," Brar said. "With only five players, everything has to be done as a team."
In a late game, New Westminster advanced to the semifinals with a 70-56 victory over Kitsilano.
Senior guard Ariana Sider led the Hyacks with 35 points, while Meriam Ali chipped in with 18.
No. 7-ranked New West will face Handsworth at Steveston-London Secondary on Thursday. Game time is 6: 35 p.m.
