The Belmont senior boys basketball team had a strong showing at the Island championship this weekend in Nanaimo, finishing third and narrowly missing a spot in provincial play.
The local boys beat G.P. Vanier 84-70 in the tournament opener. Belmont then went on to face Cowichan in a close contest, ultimately losing 72-69 in what coach Kevin Brown called a “heart breaker.”
Rallying after the defeat, Belmont went on to face Claremont in another close contest but this time coming out on top, 75-73, at the final buzzer.
In their final game of the tournament, Belmont beat host team Dover Bay 68-66, giving them a third place finish.
Oak Bay beat out Cowichan for first and second finishes.
Since Belmont’s only loss of the tournament had come at the hands of Cowichan, they were not able to challenge for a chance at berth to the B.C. provincial championship March 9 to 12 at the Langley Events Centre.
Dontae Bull was awarded player of the game twice, as well as Jackson Leeder and Luke Baloran. Bull was also named to the first all-star team and Leeder to the second.
The Belmont squad also took home the award for the most sportsmanlike team.
katie@goldstreamgazette.com