The Varsity Basketball team fought a tough battle before losing in the Lower Mainland Final on Friday February 23^rd at the Richmond Oval. The team, led by Grade 11 superstar Jerric Palma, had played two games prior to the finals, and won both. The first one was a home game against New Westminster, who the Varsity team handled easily. In the Semi-Finals, St. George’s went up against the number one ranked team in the Lower Mainland, Burnaby South. On the back of Palma’s 40 points, and six three pointers from grade 11 Bill Lin, the team pulled out a three point victory. They would get to face rival Vancouver College in the finals, and this would be the third time these two teams had squared off this season. St George’s had won the first game, but VC had responded with a victory in game two. This third game was very important, as the winner would take a higher seed in the provincial tournament, allowing them an easier road to the championship.

The game started off very intensely, but after one quarter Saints had the lead 24-15. Jerric Palma had started the game on fire, hitting two deep threes to start the game and pushing Saints out to an early lead. However, the Fighting Irish would fight back, taking a two point lead before halftime. The second half would be closely contested, but some key turnovers would be the difference maker as the Fighting Irish won 79-73. Both teams advance to provincials, but are unlikely to meet again.

The Saints now look forward to the provincial tournament, where they will face tough games on their road to the title. For the six grade twelves on the team, this is their last chance at the title, and they hope to capture it for the second time in Saints history.