The Peter Skene Ogden Secondary School Eagles basketball team were undefeated at the 2024 Barriere Secondary School Senior Boys Cougar Classic Dec. 13 to 14.
The Eagles took on all comers during the tournament, beating the Kamloops School of Arts 90 to 38 on Friday, Fort St. James Secondary School 83 to 61 on Saturday, and ultimately dominated in the finals beating Pemberton Secondary School 66 to 51. Eagles coach Andrew Steeves remarked his team overcame tough competition throughout the weekend with a hard-fought semi-final win against Fort St. James.
"The weekend showcased a full team effort, with every player on the roster seeing court time and contributing to three impressive victories," Steeves said. "Players of the Game were Anderson Koch, Everett Hollett, and Mohammed Daab, each stepping up when their team needed it most."
In the finals Steeves said that Hollett delivered an impressive MVP performance, scoring 40 of the team's 66 points. With Hollett proving unstoppable in that game, Steeves said that fellow players Ahmed Omer, Kolby Heit, and Micah McLelland orchestrated the team's offence and found ways to get him the ball.
While the Eagles' offence was strong, Steeves noted that defensive intensity was also key to the team's success throughout the tournament. Here this effort was led by Oland Vickers, Daab, and Jujhar Chhinna, who were tireless in shutting down opponents.
"Dalton Smith and Anderson Koch delivered clutch shooting performances in the semifinals and finals, sparking the Eagles’ offense from the outside," Steeves said. "In the paint, Lincoln Jensen, Cole Dagilis, and Everett Hollett dominated the boards, providing crucial rebounds on both ends of the floor and anchoring the team’s defence."
The victory is a welcome feather in the Eagles' cap as they gear up for what Steeves said will be a busy New Year. The Eagles are set to compete in five more tournaments in the back half of their season, with their next challenge being the Mustang Classic at Immaculata Regional High School in Kelowna from Jan. 9-11.
Steeves noted that the Eagles will also be hosting their own South Cariboo Winter Classic on January 31-February 1, where they hope to continue their winning ways.
"With momentum on their side and a deep roster of talent, the Eagles are primed for an exciting second half of the season," Steeves concluded.
