VCC Irish vs RC Palmer

The air was electric and parking was a premium, so we parked way out back.

The trip from Empire Field took a while as expected, but parking at the Langley Events Center was worse than the trip down highway 1 heading East.

The building is mostly full, but a few seats in the end zone were still open, which doesn’t mean they were not sold.

We were told that capacity is 6,700 ot that is what they would like to have in attendance, but anything over 5,500 is a bonus.

Basketball BC signed a three-year deal with the Events Center and in  conversation with several over the week long event, they have no concerns about this staying beyond this current contract, so expect an extension – but not just yet.

The first half saw a see-saw battle with both teams trading great chances and the coaches trying different tatics when they have control.

Full credit has to go to RC Palmer for the overall comeback from the first quarter to end the half to be down by a single point.

Half time was entertaining and the one group that had everyone talking was a group called the “Skipping Sensations”.

Now I don’t skip (but have tried), but this group put on an impressive performance which had the crowd electric.

This must take hours of practice but not during rainy day’s.

The group had a total of 17 young ladies who were great and I for one didn’t know this even was still around!!

The second half of the game seemed controlled by RC Palmer, which was the same manner in which they played Terry Fox in the semi-finals on Friday.

While they were down by a huge gap of 19-2 in the first quarter, they have managed to turn the tables on VCC Irish and have a gigantic third quarter by stealing 21 points. The Irish only managed 10.

Palmer forced turnovers by charging to the basket, outworking VCC in both ends of the court and shocked the crowd supporting the Irish.
With only 28 second left the Irish called a timeout, but quite possibly it was too little too late for the boy’s from Vancouver Community College.

They called the third and final timeout with 23.8 second left, but the attack shown by RC Palmer in controlling the second half was too much for them to handle.

The final quarter saw RC Palmer muster up 18 points in the 4th quarter.

They had 33 at half time, so managed to get 38 in the second half putting them over the top for the 2011 Championship win.

Following the game I had the chance to talk to the Head Coach of RC Palmer, Paul Eberhardt and he told me “this group of guy’s lost in the grade 8 final to the same VCC Irish and over the last five years they have worked extremely hard to grow the program, and I am extremely proud of this group of young men for everything”.

He continued “this is dedicated to my Dad who won the championship 50 years ago (1961) and his drive keep me focused on staying involved. He could not be hear today as he is in the hospital, but here in spirit”.

Paul is dedicated to working with today’s youth for a better tomorrow, and as a parent, you simply can’t ask for more than that.

This tourny is exceptional to follow and if you have never attended – make plans for next year. It’s one event you won’t want to miss!!!!!!!

Thanks to Basketball BC for helping out and especially the Staff at the Langley Events Center!!!!