Hoop squads learn lessons at B.C.'s

Both Hugh Boyd and R.A. McMath learned valuable lessons at last week's B.C. senior boys' triple-A basketball championships.

Coach Phil Ens of the McMath Wildcats was happy with his young team's performance at the tournament.

The team had 10 Grade 11 players with two seniors and their final record was 38-8. The team was 1-2 at the tournament, finishing with a 81-63 loss to Alpha.

"As far as accomplishments go, I think we went a lot further than anyone expected us to at the beginning of the season."

"It was exciting for the kids," said Ens. "Now they know where they have to get to next year...it was a big learning experience because it's a totally different atmosphere when you get to the (Agridome)."

Hugh Boyd was 1-2, finishing with a 71-56 loss to Wellington Friday.

"Remember, Hugh Boyd is a double-A size school, we chose to play triple-A for the competition," coach Jim Donaldson said.

"When you take everything into consideration, the fact that they got a late start with me coaching...and to go 24-10 and make the B.C.'s-is pretty darn good."

It was the first B.C. championship appearance for both teams. Argyle defeated Pitt Meadows 65-44 in the finals

Richmond ruggers lead early standings

Richmond's Under-16 rugby teams split their games this week, but both are off to strong starts in spring league play.

The A team blanked previously-unbeaten Surrey 24-0 Sunday, while the B side defaulted to Brit Lions because several players had prior soccer commitments.

Centre Dan Woods opened the scoring for Richmond A's on a 60 meter run, following that up with his 11th try in three games for the locals, who lead the standings at 3-0.

Nathan Tjipta, Leo Lam, Scott May and Eric Wiebe also scored for Richmond. And Shaun Dhaliwal and Kane Ireland also impressed.

Rowdies close in on playoff title

Richmond Rowdie appear headed for a berth in the President's League pennant finale March 27 at the Richmond Ice Centre.

The local Peewee C Division team netted its third win in a row by defeating Seafair 9-5 last weekend to improve to 3-1-1 in the Green group of body-contact minor hockey playoffs.

Gleb Vaguine led the Rowdies with four goals, while Robbie Monsen picked up two goals and four assists. Kevin Yamaguchi got the game-winner.

Michael Lee-Kwen and Dexter Allen also scored for the Rowdies.

Ryan Odribege and Sam Harkness picked up assists.

Nicholson wheelchair hoops female athlete of the year

Trish Nicholson of Richmond is the B.C. Wheelchair Basketball female athlete of the year. Nicholson has been playing wheelchair hoops for more than 12 years now, but has brought a new level of enthusiasm and dedication to the sport. In 2003 she was recognized for her outstanding performances as an all-star at the women's national championships in Toronto and 2003 B.C.-Canadian finals in Nanaimo.

She trains regularly with the national team program players and has brought her game to a new level.