Invitationals - Britannia's Winning Games

By: Sunny Zatzick

Britannia Senior Girls vs. Sir Charles Tupper

The Britannia Senior Girls worked exceptionally hard for their first place win against Sir Charles Tupper at 4 PM, January 12th. In the first quarter the score was close, with Tupper never more than one or two points ahead. The girls were supported by the senior boys team on the bench, cheering them on along with the rest of the crowd. In the last five seconds of the quarter Chen Kagande scored a basket to push Brit ahead 16-15, setting the stage for the next three quarters of success.

The second quarter featured two necessary blocks from Taegan Lee, as well as a three pointer from Lee. Kagande continued to push the score ahead, and Cheyenna Wilson scored a three pointer to end the quarter with Brit in the lead 28-21. 

The third quarter showcased Brit’s skill, with impressive plays from every player on the court. The team had possession in nearly every play, and worked well together to build up the play. In the last 20 seconds Bianca Padolina scored a layup to bring the score to 54-32.

In the final quarter Tupper scored several three pointers, however Brit remained in control of the game. Brit reciprocated the intensity with three pointers from Kagande, Kailani Austin, and Padolina. The final score was 72-44, with loud cheers from the crowd at the final buzzer. The Britannia Senior Girls showed teamwork and skill for their well-deserved first place win. 

Britannia Senior Girls: Awards Received

Most Valuable Player: # 2 Bianca Padolina

1st Team All-Stars: # 10 Chen Kagande

2nd Team All-Stars: # 9 Taegan Lee

Best Defensive Bruin: # 8 Tessa Charleson

The Eric Ming Most Inspirational Bruin Award: # 10 Chen Kagande

Britannia Senior Boys vs. David Thompson

The Senior Boys’ battle against David Thompson at 5:45 PM, January 12th showcased their drive and perseverance. Throughout the entire game the score was close, leaving the audience attentive all evening. In the first quarter, Liam Gregoire opened the scoring in the first minute, and Kelly Ochieng scored both baskets in his free throw to make the score 4-5. The game was aggressive from the start, both teams wanting the win intensely, recalling the final game of last year’s invitationals between the same two teams that resulted in a first place win for David Thompson. 

The second quarter began with a score of 11-14, and the score rapidly increased, with Brit pulling ahead just for the score to be tipped back again in David Thompson’s favour in the next minute. Between the two of them, Ochieng and Adam Mestinsek contributed seven points with successful free throws, specifically one made by Ochieng in the last minute. With the crowd on the edge of its seat, Milkias Hagos made a free throw in the last .4 seconds of the quarter to put Brit in the lead with a score of 41-40. 

The third quarter spotlighted Mestinsek with two three pointers, as well as Ochieng, who had a necessary block and overall 18 points when the quarter ended. The third quarter saw both teams grow more aggressive and the continual close score. 

Every second of the last quarter was full of intensity, with incredibly fast turnarounds and counter-plays by both teams. To the cheers of the crowd, David Thompson’s most influential player, standing at 6’7” was fouled out of play in the last four minutes. The last few minutes saw essential points won by Osiris Jacob, Alex Liu, and Ochieng. In the last minute, with the score at 75-78, Liu scored a three-pointer that sent the crowd to its feet. David Thompson’s attack was incredibly fast, but Brit’s defence stood strong to the cheers of the crowd and teammates. In the last ten seconds Ochieng’s free throw pushed the score to 79-77, and the entire crowd held its breath as David Thompson’s last shot hit the rim and then bounced out. Brit’s win was secured in the last second when Munashe Sephani scored on his free throw, and the crowd’s cheers were thunderous as the buzzer rang and Britannia boys won first place with a score of 80-77. 

Britannia Senior Boys: Awards Received

3-Point Champion: # 8 Adam Mestinsek - 16 treys

Most Valuable Player: # 20 Kelly Ochieng

1st Team All-Stars: # 23 Liam Gregoire

Best Defensive Bruin: # 1 Munashe Sephani

The Eric Ming Most Inspirational Bruin Award: # 2 Osiris Jacob

The Bruins Invitationals are a special part of Britannia's community and legacy. This years Invitational's were made possible due to a number of people, including Mitra Tshan, who organized every aspect of the tournament and made it function smoothly and efficiently. The games could not have happened without the dedicated score-keepers, referees, and commentator, and naturally the other teams who commuted to participate in the tournament. The Invitationals were alleviated by the Britannia community and alumni who showed up at every game to cheer on the teams.

Congratulations Bruins and good luck next year at the 50th Invitationals!