Ranked second in their division at provincials, Dover Bay Secondary are set to be one of the favourites at provincials. (submitted photo/Lance Sullivan)

By Nathan Maley

UNFINISHED BUISNESS

‘It left us hungry:’ Dover Bay senior boys basketball team prepares for provincials

Mar 2, 2024 | 10:35 AM

NANAIMO — After losing in last year’s provincial final, the senior boys basketball team from Dover Bay Secondary School is heading back to the big dance with some unfinished business.

The north Nanaimo based school won the 3A Vancouver Island Championship at Wellington Secondary School on Feb. 24 against Courtenay based Mark Isfeld, and head to provincials as the second ranked 3A team.

Despite the roster changing with only five players returning from last years runner-up team, head coach Darren Seaman said the desire to finish the job this year is still there.

“Shortly after reflecting on it we just said ‘well everything happens for a reason’, so it just left us that much more hungry.”

The Dolphins came into last year’s tournament ranked second, falling in the finals to the number one ranked team St. Patrick Celtics, who are ranked number one heading into the tournament for a second straight year.

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Dover went out and played many teams in the 4A division to begin the year, a step up in competition level from their own.

Seaman said taking on some higher caliber teams helped their team prepare for the provincial stage.

“We went out and tried to find the hardest competition early and as often as possible so that when it came to the games at our Triple-A, they so far have been a lot easier.”

While the competition may be a downgrade, Seaman also noted they can’t get ahead of themselves and they know the hardest games still are ahead.

Taking away from last years tournament, Seaman is focused on keeping his composure this year in order to help his team be in the best positions to win strategically.

He said that he’s been preparing the players who haven’t experienced the action at the Langley Events Centre by putting them into pressure environments.

“We put them in tough situations every practice, every practice is game-pace if not more and expectations are really high.”

Despite the young roster, Seaman wants his returning players to help guide first year talent through some of the pressure they may face.

“For the guys who are returning, it won’t be as overwhelming for them, they’ve been there they’ve done that so now they just need to go get the job done.”

Dover’s first opponent is yet to be determined, and will be revealed as a part of the Sunday, March 3 ‘Seeding Show’.

The tournament runs March 6-9 at the Langley Events Centre.

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