The Belmont Bulldogs gained more experience against mainland opponents last weekend at the North Shore Invitational high school boys basketball tournament.
One of just two Island squads at the 16-team event in North Vancouver, the Bulldogs finished with a 1-2 record after losing a tight game, 65-56, to eventual tournament finalist Charles Hays of Prince Rupert in last Thursday's opener.
Belmont easily handled a team from Northwest Territories 65-32 on Friday, then finished off with an 83-48 loss to the Pitt Meadows Marauders, who lost the consolation final 70-59 to Heritage Woods of Port Moody.
Hays lost the championship final 60-44 to Kitsilano of Vancouver.
Belmont's next action is Thursday (Dec. 18) at 7:30 p.m. against Oak Bay at that school's Gary Taylor Classic tournament opener. The game doubles as a city league contest.