Ka(wh)i Leonard

Game recap courtesy the PACWEST

VIU Mariners 78
Camosun Chargers 75

A game for the ages as the VIU Mariners are champions of the PACWEST in 2026 thanks to a Kai Leighton three-point shot at the buzzer to clinch the win.

This game was back and forth as both schools showed how even they are with neither team taking much of a lead and the defences playing outstanding in the first half.  The Chargers took a one-point lead into halftime behind the solid play of rookie Thomas Beames.

In the second half the offences started to come alive with Keyonte Beals of the Mariners finding ways to get to basket after a quiet first half due to some early foul trouble.  He would finish the ball game with 20 points, knocking down four from the three-point line.

With the game tied late with under 30 seconds to go, David Finch led the Charger offence down the floor.  With time ticking away he made a strong drive to the hoop looking for the go-ahead basket, but the swarming Mariners defence held.  Ryan Bastian grabbed the rebound with 10 seconds left, rushed down the floor, fed a pass to Winston Cole, who then found Leighton on the left wing in front of the Chargers bench.  He caught the pass and without hesitation fired a three ball that found the bottom of the net to win the game and the gold medal.  It was one of the best finishes in PACWEST history. 

As a team the Mariners shot 43% and hit 11-three pointers, none bigger than Leighton's at the buzzer.  He finished with 21 points and was named the Player of the Game.  Beals added 20 and Cole was spectacular in the second half and chipped in with 13 points.

It was a heartbreaking loss for the Chargers in front of a huge crowd at PISE.  They shot 42% led by Finch and his 21 points and 12 rebounds.  Beames finished with 17 points and Tyler Synesael collected 14 and 10 rebounds. 

Regardless of the outcome, both the Mariners and Chargers will represent the PACWEST at the CCAA national championship that the Mariners will host in a couple of weeks at VIU.

Following the game the tournament All-Stars and Most Valuable Player were announced:

All-Stars

Kash Lang – Capilano Blues

Thomas Beames – Camosun Chargers

David Finch – Camosun Chargers

Winston Cole – VIU Mariners

Keyonte Beals – VIU Mariners

Tournament MVP – Kai Leighton