There is a theme running through Isfeld basketball since their return from winter break, and that is winning three of four games each week.
The Ice won its league game on Tuesday over provincial honourable mention Vanier 62-61. After being up one at the half, Isfeld pushed their lead to 13 through the third quarter. In the fourth, however, they ran into foul trouble as Vanier mounted a comeback to go up one with 1:03 left in the game. After missing two foul shots with 14.3 seconds left, Isfeld, out of timeouts, came down the floor and executed offence, spacing the floor until Aiden Mcdonald drove to the basket and was fouled with .6 left on the clock. He calmly knocked down both foul shots to put the Ice up one. Vanier called a timeout but their sideline play failed. The win gave the Ice first in North Zone league play for the seventh year in a row. Thaskani Mtawali lead the Ice with 17 points, Mcdonald added 15 and Hayden Fieret had 14.
On Thursday, Isfeld was playing the opening round of the Countdown to Playoff tourney against 10th-ranked Lambrick Park. The Ice controlled the game from the outset, winning 63-46. Riley Fusell led all scorers with 16 while Fieret had 15. In the quarter-final, the Ice faced number one-ranked Brentwood College and were no match, losing 91-41. Mtawali led the scoring with 18 and Trent Johnson added 11.
In the Saturday game, Isfeld played a tough Langley Christian School and gave an offensive clinic for three quarters of the game. The Ice demonstrated patience, ball movement and unselfish play as they raced to leads of 20-12, 48-29 at the half and after three quarters 67-37, winning 77-68. Mtawali had a season high 29 and Mcdonald added 15.
Isfeld has a bye in league play this week. North Island playoffs begin next week in Port Alberni.