Ravens No. 1 in Richmond

Steward Siy may still smiling—with good reason.

The co-coach, with Landon Dy, of the A.R. MacNeill Ravens is still relishing in the team’s thrilling 77-76 victory over the R.C. Palmer Griffins in last week’s Richmond high schools junior boys’ basketball final.

“It was unbelievable,” said Siy, of both the game and the boisterous fan base that packed the MacNeill gym last Thursday.

Both teams defended well and executed their offence even better, combining on 18 three pointers.

“Just when one team was building momentum the other would hit a bigshot,” said Siy.

Palmer, coached by Rob McClelland, enjoyed a slight early advantage and were up 19-17 after a quarter and 40-37 at the half. But MacNeill tied the game at 51 to end the third frame and was able to go on a 13-4 run to begin the fourth to seemingly take control and a 64-55 lead.

But MacNeill’s advantage was shortlived, as Palmer cut the lead to three points, 68-65, with 90 seconds to play before the former got a cuple of huge baskets to go up 72-65. However, Palmer answered those too and wth 30 seconds to go MacNeill’s lead was again down to three points at 74-71.

After another MacNeill point and a time out, Palmer scored a three to pull within a point but was forced to foul MacNeill guard Umar Tung in an effort to get the ball back. Tung hit both free throws to all but seal the deal. With five second to play, guard Chris Tsang hit the first of two shots from the foul line to extend MacNeill’s lead before Palmer scored a three as time expired, making the final score 77-76 in the Ravens’ favour.

MacNeill co-captain Tung had a double double, leading all scorers with 34 points and 10 rebounds and was 11-for-18 from the floor and nine of 10 from the foul line.  Ravens’ big man Nathan Tomas also had a double double with 13 points and 10 boards. Antonio Jhuty had 27 points for the Griffins followed by teammate Gurjit Pooni with 25.

R.A. McMath Wildcats won the third-place game 47-44 over the Richmond Colts.