The Burnaby Central Wildcats are taking their runner-up status in the Burnaby-New West senior girls basketball league seriously.
The Wildcats kicked off the Lower Mainland tournament on Saturday with a thrilling 61-60 come-from-behind victory over the John Oliver Jokers in an elimination game.
Their second match-up, against honourable mentioned Carson Graham, saw the underdogs fall 72-40.
On Wednesday -- past NOW deadline -- Burnaby Central lined up against Steveston-London, who were seeded 10th entering the tournament.
In Saturday’s win, the Wildcats stared at a 28-9 gulf early in the third quarter and turned the tide, thanks to a yeoman-like performance from guard Jayden Pineda. Coming off the bench, Pineda provided vital energy as Central stormed the Jokers’ zone.
Jennifer Mascardo counted 17 points and 12 rebounds along with six steals. Jalynne Huynh scored 16 points and picked up five boards, while Christine Lin added 14 points and six rebounds.
“It was fairly resilient to do what they did,” said head coach Chris Ducharme. “(John Oliver) got off to a good start and out-rebounded us, but we just put the pressure on (in the second half).”
Burnaby outscored the Jokers 52-32 in a spirited final 15 minutes.
The Wildcats held a four-point lead with seconds to play before John Oliver's best player sank a half-court shot to make it a one-point game.
Yesterday’s game against Carson Graham was one of those potential redeeming games that coaches love, Ducharme noted.
A year ago, the two met in the Lower Mainland playoffs and the North Shore rival won in overtime, ending Central’s season.
“I think the type of style we played (against Oliver) matches well for Carson Graham,” remarked Ducharme. “We’re underdogs, so there is no pressure on us.”
In the Burnaby-New West league final, the Wildcats fell 86-59 to New Westminster.
