More Than OK in the Okanagan

[Game recaps courtesy Ryan Watters / PACWEST]

PACWEST Gold: VIU 71 - Camosun 64
Saturday, March 2 - Kelowna Christian High School

The VIU Mariners are PACWEST champions in 2024 after an exciting 71-64 victory over the Camosun Chargers on Saturday night in Kelowna.

They would use a strong third quarter outscoring the Chargers 24-15 which took them to the win.  On the offensive side PACWEST Player of the Year Adam Anhold was outstanding under the net with 21 points and 14 rebounds and was a major presence on the defensive end altering shots by the Chargers.  Ryan Bastian was so quick on the defensive side and when he got his opportunities, he took full advantage dropping 16 points and had five steals.

In the end the Mariners shot 38% from the field and 83% from the free-throw line in the victory.

The gold medal is the Mariners seventh in their last 15 years and will represent the PACWEST in two weeks in New Brunswick as the Conference champion.

VIU's Ryan Bastian (L) guards Camosun's Jaime Palamos-Molins during the PACWEST gold match. Photo: Matt Carter

Despite the loss the Chargers earned a wildcard berth at the nationals as well after winning their fourth school silver.

Jesse Vogel was a one-man machine putting the Chargers on his back.  He was the only player in double figures finishing with a game high 28 points displaying amazing speed up and down the floor.  He was 12-of-24 from the field.  Cole Belton added nine and grabbed 10 rebounds.

Following the game the tournament All-Stars and MVP were named:

All-Stars
Royce Sargeant – Langara Falcons
Jesse Vogel – Camosun Chargers
Jaime Palamos-Molins – Camosun Chargers
Ryan Bastian – VIU Mariners
Peter Li – VIU Mariners

MVP:
Adam Anhold – VIU Mariners

PACWEST Semifinal: VIU 59 - Capilano 52
Friday, March 1 - Kelowna Christian High School

VIU Guard Peter Li drives against Capilano in a PACWEST semifinal game at Kelowna Christian School. Photo: Matt Carter

The VIU Mariners survive a scare from the Capilano Blues and advance to their 15^th straight PACWEST gold medal game after a 59-52 victory.

It was a low scoring defensive and physical battle with the Mariners shooting 38% from the field led by Player of the Game Peter Li and his 18 points.  PACWEST Player of the Year Adam Anhold ran into foul trouble but still finished with 13 points and seven rebounds and Kaeleb Johnson came off the bench for 12 points.

With the win the Mariners will advance to the gold medal game where they will meet the Camosun Chargers in an island rivalry game at 8:00pm. Both teams have already qualified for the national championship held in New Brunswick in two weeks.

The Blues shot 35% from the field and also ran into foul trouble particularly with their bigs.  Zach Klim was forced to the bench playing only 13 minutes which hurt them on the defensive end.  On the offence Kash Lang scored all 13 of his points in the second half after stifling defence by the Mariners in the first half.  Josh Dhillon was named their Player of the Game conducting the offensive push.