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Isfeld Ice senior boys basketball team opens season by winning tourney

The Isfeld Ice senior boys basketball team opened their season this past weekend in Victoria at the Parklands/Mount Doug Tournament in traditional fashion by winning the tournament, going 3-0.

After graduating 97 per cent of their scoring last season the Ice (#3 Vancouver Island 3A) looked to be in anything but rebuilding mode as they defeated Lambrick Park (#3 Vancouver Island 2A) in their first game 65-52.

After going down 11-4 early the Ice settled down and clawed their way back into the game, going ahead by six at the half 33-27. In the middle of the fourth Lambrick closed to within four but Isfeld went on a 11-2 run to end the game.

Thaskani Mtawali had 16 and Logan Benninger added 15. Coach Tom Elwood said the real difference was on the boards as Brett Woods and Anthony Brown dominated the glass collecting 10 rebound apiece.

In game two the Ice defeated a much-improved Parklands team 60-53. After going down 21-9 early in the first the Ice ended the half up 30-29.

With the score tied 41 all the Ice went on a 7-0 run to gain control and close out the win. Logan Benninger had 15 Mahara Mtwali had 12 and Woods added 11.

In the third game in less than 12 hours the Ice defeated Vic High 56-34. Down 8-4 early the Ice rallied to take control of the game midway through the second quarter with a tremendous defensive effort.

In the second half Benninger hit six threes as Vic High switched to a zone and blew the game open. Benninger ended up with 29 for the game and Thaskani Mtawali had 18.

The Ice open league play on Tuesday at home with a 5:15 p.m. start against Alberni and have the Ice Breaker Tournament this weekend starting Friday at 11:15 a.m.