Vancouver College Fighting Irish takes the lead in the series over St.George’s Saints

On Wednesday, the first game of the two game series had unfolded...

Mark Starkey

January 19, 2017

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Vancouver College Fighting Irish takes the lead in the series over St.George’s Saints

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On Wednesday, the first game of the two game series had unfolded in a local, high-pressure basketball atmosphere. Ranked #7 in British Columbia, the Vancouver College Fighting Irish took on 9th RankedSt.George’s Saints in a hard fought cross-town battle.

The rivalry between the Saints and the Fighting Irish has become an annual event that the local basketball community looks forward to. Right as you walk in to the gym at its full capacity, it is a whole new unique atmosphere you can feel in your chest. This isn't your average Canadian high school basketball game. Surrounded on both sides by jam-packed student sections chirping their opposing team's athletes, this gymnasium delivers an energizing experience like so few others in our Province.

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“The whole atmosphere in the VC and Saints games is really unique. This is one of the biggest rivalries in BC and everyone on the team is always excited this time around. Not only do we like playing in them it helps our team and school come together as a brotherhood.” says Vancouver College’s #13 Emilio Gonzalez-Ruiz.

The first half opened strong with both teams going at it with many back to back baskets. The 6’10” Center, Jacob Van Santen had a strong performance in the first half putting up 14 points down low. But the head to head match up between arguably two of the few top big’s in Vancouver was something to keep an open eye for. Van Santen and Bailey kept going at each other at both ends of the court.

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“It was definitely a challenge. We both play tough on both sides of the ball and I had to work hard for all my buckets. I've been playing against Jacob since grade 8 and we've always competing hard against each other. “ says Bailey on the head to head match up between Bailey and Van Santen.

As the game progressed, the Irish played some aggressive defence through out the game with the fast break offence which lead them to a bigger lead, closing out the half 54-38.

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Saints started the second half very strong. As they went on a run with a handful of stops and cut the lead to 6 points at the end of third quarter. As the clock was ticking and the final minutes of the game was approaching, It wasn’t enough time for the Saints and let the Fighting Irish took the win 92-79 in regulation.

“I think the key to our success today was staying cool and levelheaded throughout the game. They went on a run in the 3rd to bring it within 6, but we stayed composed and answered with a run of our own.”

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Game 2 of the two game series will be played at St.George’s on February 8th at 8:00PM. It will be the same process and will require a wristband. Make sure to get there early to obtain your wristbands!

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