Delta Pacers Grade 8 boys basketball team is steamrolling its way towards the post-season with a perfect record in league play and recent tournament victory.
The Pacers proved to be the class of the St. Patrick's Shamrock Classic in Vancouver, producing three consecutive double-digit victories.
Delta opened up play with a 61-31 victory over Southridge. In typical fashion, the Pacers applied tremendous defensive pressure, leading to numerous fast-break opportunities .
Later that evening, DSS took on the host St. Pat's. Energized by their earlier victory, the Pacers once again started the game with hard work on the defensive end. Taking advantage of a significant height advantage, they went inside early and often and built an 18-point lead by the early stages of the second quarter. However, a pesky St. Pat's team closed the gap to nine by halftime after hitting some clutch threes from beyond the arc.
The second half remained close the entire way with the Pacers' lead stretching to as much as 10, only to see St. Pat's close the gap to as little as four points.
Coming down the stretch, in the final five minutes, the Pacers once again relied on their strong post play to prevail 53-41.
On Saturday, the Pacers took on Vancouver's David Thompson. Unable to handle the intense defensive pressure, the Vancouver school found itself trailing 34-8 at the half.
In the end, the Pacers cruised to a 57-25 victory. Forwards Jacob Cowley, guards Jas Singh and Duncan Ross were named to the tournament all-star team. Cam Gray, Jared Ferreira, Cam Ratzlaff and Dylan Bubel also had strong performances.
The Pacers improved to 7-0 in Delta League play and 14-4 overall with a 69-30 victory at Delview last Thursday.
With the final stretch of league games remaining, the Pacers know they can't look too far into the future. However, coaches Aaron Akune, Doug Griffing and Jordy Cunningham are optimistict this group of players could be playing well into late February and early March if they continue to improve.
While the Pacers are fortunate to sport a roster with significant playing experience, they are also receiving key contributions off the bench from Connor Edgson, Keatan Mann, Jack Kraemer, Tyler Jones, Parker Strukoff, Mitch Robinson, Carter Warn and Brennan Matharu.
As a tuneup for the playoffs, the Pacers will participate in the Walnut Grove Tournament in Langley Feb. 8-9 which will feature some of the stronger teams in the Fraser Valley.
Delta District playoffs get underway Feb. 11, while the Fraser Valley Championships run Feb 19-25.
