The annual derby between the Ballenas Whalers and Kwalikum Kondors was as expected – a high-energy, exciting high school basketball season opener.
Although the match was a tuneup to test their respective mettle and game plans, both schools battled hard. In the end, it was the Kondors who earned a 93-79 decision.
The Kondors were able to overcome the full-court press of the Whalers and put pressure on their ballhandlers from the get-go. They also kept the score close with their effective transition game the Whalers struggled to defend against.
Kondors new coach Kevin Frampton like the hard work his players showed under the trapping game of the Whalers.
"I like their composure because Ballenas was really pressing in defence," said Frampton. "They put a lot of pressure on the ball. And for the first game of the season, that's pretty scary because they're going to throw a lot turnovers even if the other team doesn't put pressure on the ball."
It was tightly contested game. The Whalers got the the Kondors grounded at first with their traps but Kwalikum got their transition game going as well made some strong drives to the basket to keep the score close. The score was tied 47-47 at the half.
When game resumed, both teams again traded baskets but at the end of the third period, the Kondors were working around the Whalers' trapping defence and led 66-60.
The Kondors were led by the Mbobela brothers with centre and power forward Simon recording a double-double with 36 points and 15 rebounds, while Ben netted 18 points, four assists and seven steals. Leo Mckay also pitched in 12 points, six assists and three blocks.
Ballenas head coach Paul Wright was not too concerned about the result. He was more concerned about the execution of their game plan.
"I liked our intensity and our effort, that's what we were focusing on," said Wright. "I like that we got a lot of good reps, which is kind of the primary purpose of this game. We weren't too worried about the scoreboard. It was more about doing things our way and doing them the way that we practised and really refining those things in live competition."
The Whalers were led by Wyatt McMilen who had 15 points, with Jared Abad contributing 12 points and centre Mason Fettback 10.
The teams meet again on Dec. 17 as they are both in the tough Triple-A North Island League that also includes Alberni, Brooks, Carihi, Francis Kelsey, John Barsby, Mark Isfeld, Timberline and Wellington.
The Kondors will play their first home league game against the Alberni District Storm on Tuesday, Dec. 3 at the Kwaliku Secondary gym at 3 p.m.
To prepare for the coming league, the Kondors will compete in the Mark Isfeld Ice Breaker Tournament that will take place starting Nov. 29. They will play their first game against G.P. Vanier Towhees on Friday, Nov. 29 at 11:15 a.m. The other schools entered in the tournament include host Mark Isfeld, Timberline, Highland, Pacific Christian, St. Jean Brebeuf and Carihi.
The Whalers will play their first league game on the road versus the Wellington Wildcats on Dec. 3 at 3 p.m.
Coach Wright said they will be working on some components of their game to get themselves ready.
"Intangibles like better crashing the offensive glass, better boxing out and better making adjustments to things that they're trying to do to counter us," said Wright. "As well, more diligence in the details of the game. The trap was a little slow and hesitant tonight, so that's one of the details that we will work on and clean-up."
