Monday, March 8, 2004

Contact: Mark B. Kosak
University College of the Fraser Valley
Director of Athletics
Phone: 604-854-4583
Email: mark.kosak@ucfv.ca

UCFV men’s basketball team wins provincial championship

 The UCFV Cascades men’s basketball team scored 161 points in two games over the weekend to take the BCCAA provincial championship, but none were as sweet as the two resulting from Lee Jackson’s floater in the lane with 2.3 second left in the Cascades’ semi-final matchup against Camosun.

 The shot gave UCFV their first lead of the game, 77-76, and the win. Despite being outplayed much of the game, UCFV managed to keep within striking distance behind the clutch shooting of Mark Turner, who nailed 33 points in the win. UCFV’s usual powerhouse frontcourt combo of Mike McLaverty and Jamie Vaughn both struggled mightily in the game, with Vaughn eventually fouling out.

 The win was huge on many levels for the Cascades, as Camosun took both regular season games from UCFV and seemed to have the local team’s number. Taking confidence from the victory, UCFV met up with Capilano in the provincial final the following night. Led by Vaughn’s 19 points and eight rebounds, the Cascades jumped out to a lead and then managed to hold off Capilano, claiming their second provincial title in the last three years by a score of 84-76. Mark Turner was named tournament MVP while Jamie Vaughm was named to the tournament all-star team.

 With the UCFV women’s basketball team also taking the provincial championship over the weekend, UCFV has claimed six out of a possible eight provincial basketball titles over the last four years.. If that doesn’t qualify for a legacy, or even a dynasty, what does? Next up for both teams are the CCAA national championships. The women’s championship will be held in Montreal and the men’s will be in Kamloops. Both championships run from March 18-20.

 - 30 -

Story written by Ted Leavitt, UCFV student