It was a good run while it lasted, but the Ladysmith 49’ers senior boys AA basketball team have ended their season with a respectable fourth-place finish at the 2012 Island AA Tournament in Victoria.
During the tournament, held Feb. 23-25 at St. Michael’s University School, the top eight teams on Vancouver Island squared off in a competition for a shot at the B.C. Championships in Kamloops.
Taking first place in the tournament was St. Michael’s, in second place was Brentwood College and Lambrick Park secured the third and final provincial playoff spot.
Ladysmith’s fourth-place finish narrowly missed the cut.
The 49’ers had a strong start to the tournament, with a 70-67 win over the Gulf Islands team. Top scorers were Tanner Gresmak with 29 points and Ronal Finnegan with 16.
The team’s next action took place Feb. 24, a 48-60 loss against SMUS. Top scorers were Deavon Geary (20 points) and Tyson Strandt.
On Feb. 25, the team started the day with a 68-55 victory over Mark Isfeld, with the top scorers being Gresmak and Geary.
The 49’ers finished the tournament with a 81-67 loss against Lambrick Park.
Geary, who scored 19 points in the team’s third game, also picked up a tournament all-star designation.
Calls to 49’ers coach Randy Steele were not returned before press time.