The Isfeld Ice senior boys basketball team took their first step toward a third consecutive appearance at the 3A provincial championships by winning the North Islands this past weekend.
Defensively, Isfeld was on another level, giving up an average of 42 points per game. The Ice opened with a resounding 59-36 win over the Woodlands Eagles. The game was under control the entire way with Isfeld up 18 at the half. Noah Kaefer had 16 points and Jeppe Madsen added 12.
In the semifinal Isfeld faced a tough, physical Wellington squad that had upset top seeded Nanaimo the week before. Up by 11 at the half, the Ice doubled Wellington in the third quarter to lead 56-38 and ended the game with a 74-44 win. Madsen had a career high 23 along with Kaefer.
In the final the Ice faced a much bigger Nanaimo District team. Again up 11 at the half 29-18, the Ice turned up the defensive pressure and held ND to eight third quarter points to go up 49-29. Isfeld set a school record, hitting 16 threes for the game. Hank Magdanz had six tries on his way to 20 points for the game. Kaefer had 16 and Madsen added 11. The final score was 60-44.
With these three wins the Ice have upped their season record to 32-0 and maintained their #2 ranking in the province.
This weekend (Feb. 25-27) the Island championships will be hosted by NDSS. The Ice (N1) open Thursday at 3 p.m. against Carihi (N5).