| E. RD 1 (Ont): Toronto Nortown Tri-Bells d’d Niagara Falls Jolleys 67-54; 77-53 (2g-0) E. RD 1 (Ont): Hamilton YMCA Mountaineers d’d Windsor Alumni 62-47; 76-56 (2g-0) W. RD 1 (BC): Vancouver Cloverleafs d’d New Westminster Moderns 83-53; 90-60 (2g-0) W. RD 1 (BC): Vancouver Eilers d’d U.B.C. Jayvees 58-50; 57-44 (2g-0) W. RD 1 (Alta): Lethbridge 77s d’d Magrath Rockets x-x; 69-67 (2g-0) W. RD 1 (Sask): Saskatoon Navy d’d Saskatoon Ramblers 65-56; 48-47 (2g-0) W. RD 1 (Sask): Regina Rifles d’d Moose Jaw Armored Kings 40-35; 52-50 (Total: 92-85) W. RD 2 (Sask): Regina Rifles d’d Saskatoon Navy 53-49; 59-58 (Total: 112-107) W. RD 2 (BC): Alberni Athletics d’d Victoria Kins 60-65; 69-80; 65-52; 72-60; 63-49 (3g-2) W. RD 2 (BC): Vancouver Eilers d’d Vancouver Cloverleafs 78-65; 69-59; 77-78; 77-66; 77-60 (4g-1) W. RD 2 (Alta): Raymond Union Jacks d’d Lethbridge 77s 71-50; 76-56 (2g-0) E. QF (Ont): Toronto Nortown Tri-Bells d’d Hamilton Mountaineers 84-63; 68-47 (2g-0) E. QF (N. Ont): Sault Ste Marie Gunners d’d Sudbury Mine-Mill 75-61; 62-55 (Total: 137-116) E. QF (Que): Montreal De La Salles d’d Montreal YMHA Blues 36-82; 58-83; 78-64; 75-64; 49-48 (3g-2) W. QF (Alta): Raymond Union Jacks d’d Edmonton Cal’s 99-79; 71-65 (2g-0) E. QF (OV): Ottawa Brooks Broncs d’d Ottawa Shaffers 46-44; 39-44; 58-55; 75-71 (3g-1) W. QF (BC): Alberni Athletics d’d Vancouver Eilers 72-53; 58-59; 69-65; 91-85; 54-73; 93-74; 69-67 (4g-3) E. SEMI (Que/OV): Ottawa Brookes Broncs d’d Montreal De La Salles 55-57; 72-55; 59-58 (2g-1) E. SEMI (Ont): Toronto Tri-Bells d’d Sault Ste. Marie Gunners 82-66; 85-70 (2g-0) W. SEMI (BC/Alta): Alberni Athletics d’d Raymond Union Jacks 97-73; 76-69 (2g-0) W. SEMI (Man): Winnipeg Paulins d’d Winnipeg King’s Best 107-69; 83-65; 98-77 (3g-0) W. FINAL (Man/BC): Winnipeg Paulins d’d Alberni Athletics 72-70; 71-65; 74-63 (3g-0) E. FINAL (Ont/OV): Toronto Tri-Bells d’d Ottawa Brookes Broncs 101-67; 68-58; 73-55 (3g-0) CANADIAN TITLE: Winnipeg Paulins d’d Toronto Tri-Bells 84-97; 62-54; 87-76; 55-59; 65-48 (3g-2) |
In March of 1954, the NABC rules committee of Canada and the U.S. threw out the one and one rule, substituting a bonus rule on fouls. For the first 37 minutes of a game, you hit one and you get another. For the last three minutes, all fouls are two shots. It used to be that you’d get a second shot even if you missed the first.
In the Ontario playoffs, the opening round saw the Toronto Nortown Tri-Bells dump the Niagara Falls Jolleys 67-54; 77-53 (2g-0). …………………………………………………… In game one, the Tri-Bells defeated the hosts 67-54 as Pete Potter, one-time intercollegiate high jump champ, and Freddie Thomas paced the Tri-Bells with 11 each. Ray Monnot added 9, Don Griffin 9, Ray Thomas 9, Leo Madden 3, Bill Mungar 8, Paul Cooper 2, Zeke O’Connor 5, Eddie Maynerick 1, Johnny Braithwaite 0 and Art Binnington 0. Buddy Fry, Horbie Logan, Hack Swain and John Sheppard each scored 12 to pace Niagara Falls. Atwood added 0, Finn 2, Kilkenny 0 and Plato 3. …………………………………………………… In game two, Toronto rallied from a 35-31 halftime deficit for an easy win as Don Griffin scored 15, Ray Monnot 15, Paul Cooper 1, Johnny Braithwaite 7, Ed Maynerick 5, Fred Thomas 5, Pete Potter 9, Bill Mungar 2, Ray Thomas 2, Art Binnington 2, and Leo Madden 5. Larry Howac paced Niagara Falls with 11. Horby Logan added 11, John Sheppard 11, Vince Fry 9, K. Atwood 3, H. Kilkenny 0 and F. Plato 2.
The Hamilton YMCA Mountaineers defeated the Windsor Alumni 62-47; 76-66 (2g-0). …………………………………………………… In game one, Hamilton whipped Windsor 62-47 as Truant scored 18, Harry Lampman 12, Gerry Urquhart 12, Weston 8, Logan 6 and McTaggert 6. Don Long led Windsor with 9, Deluca added 6, Uhrin 5, Harold Newton 5, Bill Jamieson 5, Steve Sobocan 4, Mailloux 4, Hester 4, Wade 3 and Forrest 2, while J Sobocan was scoreless. …………………………………………………… In game two, Hamilton dusted Windsor 76-66 as Vince Mazza scored 31, Ron Weston 16, Ray Truant 12, Rip Logan 10, Jerry McTaggert 3, Harry Lampman 2 and Tolmic 2, while Jerry Urquhart was scoreless. Sobocan led the Alumni with 14. Bill Jamieson added 13, Uhrin 13, Newton 11, Knudsen 6, Wade 4, Al DeLuca 4 and Hester 1.
In the Ontario semis and Eastern quarterfinals, the Toronto Nortown Tri-Bells swept the Hamilton Mountaineers 84-63; 68-47 (2g-0). …………………………………………………… In game one, Leo Madden and Ray Monnot each scored 13 to pace the Tribells, who led 23-11, 39-31 and 66-47 at the quarters. O’Connor added 4, Paul Cooper 5, Fred Thomas 7, Don Griffin 4, Pete Potter 12, A. Binnington 3, Bill Mungar 4, Johnny Braithwaite 3, Ed Maynerick 8 and Ray Thomas 10. Ray Truant led Hamilton with 19. Ron Weston added 3, Harry Lampman 2, Tip Logan 7, Mazza 13, Gerry McTaggart 8 and Gerry Urquhart 12. …………………………………………………… In game two, the Tri-Bells led 19-9, 33-25 and 49-38 at the quarters and won 68-47. The Mountaineers played with only seven, having lost Ron Weston to a twisted ankle. Fred Thomas led Toronto with 14. Leo Madden added 13, Ray Monnot 10, Peter Potter 7, Paul Cooper 2, Johnny Braithwaite 3, Eddie Maynerick 3, O’Connor 6, Bill Mungar 4, and A. Binnington 4. Ray Truant led Hamilton with 15. Gerry McTaggart added 11, Jerry Urquhart 10, D. Fawcett 4, T. Logan 6, Ron Weston 0 and M. Yednoroz 0. The Mountaineers, coach Chic Barressi) also included Chuck Tolmie, Art Darch, Bob Celeri, Harry Lampman.
In the East quarterfinals and Ottawa city finals, the Ottawa Brooks Broncs d’d Ottawa Shaffers 46-44; 39-44; 58-55; 75-71 (3g-1). …………………………………………………… In game one, Brooks (coached by Jack Faulkner) edged Shaffers (coached by Pete Finlay) 46-44 as Tom Holmes scored 20, Simpson 6, Nuth 6, Sharp 5, Stoate 5 and Fairbanks 4, while Beck was scoreless. Ken Tinsley led Shaffers with 9. Lou Besserer added 8, Brian Pye 7, Jim McNiven 6, Watts 4, O’Brien 4, McLaughlin 3, Findlay 2 and Ken McNiven 1, while Tamowski and Wilson were scoreless. …………………………………………………… In game two, the Shaffers evened the series with a 44-39 win as Lou Besserer scored 13, Jim MacNiven 9, Ron McLaughlin 9, Tinsley 6 and Pye 3, while K McNiven, Watts, Wilson, O’Brien, Tomowski and Findlay were scoreless. Mike Sharp led Brooks with 13. Tom Holmes added 10, Nuth 4, Fairbanks 4, Huband 4, Stoate 2 and G Turner 2, while Beck and Simpson were scoreless. …………………………………………………… In game three, Brooks nipped Shaffers 58-55 as Mike Sharp scored 15, George Turner 12, Tom Holmes 11, Bob Simpson 10, Fairbanks 7, Beck 2 and Stoate 1, while Nuth was scoreless. Lou Besserer paced Shaffers wit 18. Jim McNiven added 8, Ken Tinsley 7, Brian Pye 7, Ken McNiven 6, McLaughlin 5 and Finlay 4, while Watts and O’Brien were scoreless. …………………………………………………… In game four, Brooks took the series with a 75-71 win as Tom Holmes scored 27, Bobby Simpson 19, Mike Sharp 12, G Turner 8, Fairbanks 6 and Huband 3, while Dave Stoate, Beck and Bob Nuth were scoreless. Lou Besserer led Shaffers with 20. Jim McNiven added 19, Ken Tinsley 15, McLaughlin 8, O’Brien 6 and Brian Pye 3, while Ken McNiven, Wats and Finlay were scoreless.
In the Eastern quarterfinals and Ontario semi, the Sault Ste Marie Gunners dumped Sudbury Mine-Mill 75-61; 62-55 (Total: 137-116). …………………………………………………… In game two, Damon Godfrey paced the Soo with 21. Bill Harris added 15 and Ray Siltanen 10. Wayne Eadie led Sudbury with 12. Evans added 11.
In the Eastern quarterfinals and Quebec finals, the Montreal De La Salles defeated the Montreal YMHA Blues 36-82; 58-83; 78-64; 75-64; 49-48 (3g-2). …………………………………………………… In game one, the YMHA Blues dusted the De La Salles 82-36 as Ben Tissenbaum scored 20, Myer Knobovitch 12 and Sheldon Merling 12. Steve Holic scored 8 to lead the De La Salles 9coached by Jockey Walker). Ray Watkins added 8. …………………………………………………… In game two, the Blues clocked the De La Salles 83-58 as Myer Knobovitch scored 21, Jackie Golfman 18, Ben Tissenbaum 18 and Benny Lands 13. Ray Watkins led the De La Salles with 13. Steve Holic added 10 and Gerry Lafferty 9. …………………………………………………… In game three, the De La Salles garnered their first win of the series by clipping the Blue 78-64 as Ray Watkins scored 22, Gerry Lafferty 12, Don Bryant 9 and Tony Whitely 8. Ben Tissenbaum led the Blues with 18. Myer Knobovitch added 16 and Jackie Golfman 12. …………………………………………………… In game three, the De La Salles evened the series with a 75-64 win as Ray Watkins scored 21, Gerry Lafferty 17, Vic Richardson 10 and Jim Matchett 9. Myer Knobovitch paced the Blues with 23. Gen Tissenbaum added 20. …………………………………………………… In game five, the De La Salles captured their third straight, and the series, by nipping the Blues 49-48. Vic Richardson led the De La Salles with 13. Gerry Lafferty added 12, Frank Layden 8, Ray Watkins 8, Lussier 4, Don Bryant 2 and Holic 1, while Matchett, Heffernan and Whitely were scoreless. Myer Knobovitch scored 15 to lead the Blues (coached by Moe Abramovitz). Golfman added 9, Sid Strulovitch 6, Lands 6, Ben Tissenbaum 4, Merling 4, Rothstein 2, Sokoloff 1 and Levinson 1.
In the Ontario final and Eastern semis, the Toronto Tri-Bells swept the Sault Ste. Marie Gunners 82-66; 85-70 (2g-0). …………………………………………………… In game one, the Tri-Bells took a 21-point lead after the first half but the Gunners responded with a 13-0 run to open the second before Toronto refocused and took command, prevailing 82-66. Ray Monnot led the Tri-Bells with 21. Paul Cooper added 3, John Braithwaite 5, Ed Maynerick 6, Don Griffin 0, Fred Thomas 13, Pete Potter 8, Zeke O’Connor 0, Bill Mungar 7, Ray Thomas 0, Art Binnington 3 and Leo Madden 12. Lou Lukenda led the Soo with 14. Bob Forster added 5, Harold Lapointe 0, Gerry Kahle 12, John Wertman 4, Bill Shepard 2, Ray Siltanen 12, Bill Harris 9 and Damon Godfrey 8. …………………………………………………… In game two, the Tri-Bells walked to their straight Ontario title with an 85-70 win as the 49th Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment Gunners struggled to find their range. Ray Monnot scored 22 for Toronto. Peter Potter added 13, Johnny Braithwaite 11, Don Griffen 10, Freddie Thomas 8, Zeke O’Connor 7, Leo Madden 7, Umie Cooper 6, Bill Munger 4, Art Binnington 3, Ray Thomas 3 and Ed Maynerick 1. Lou Lukenda paced the Gunners with 23. Damon Godfrey added 17, Bob Forster 9, Ray Siltanen 7, Gerry Kahle 7, Billy Shepherd 4, Bill Harris 3 and Harry Lapointe 2, while John Ort was scoreless.
In the other East semi, the Ottawa Brookes Broncs defeated the Montreal De La Salles 55-57; 74-55; 59-58 (2g-1). …………………………………………………… In game one, Montreal edged Ottawa 57-55 as Ray Watkins scored 15, Steve Holic 13, Remi Lussier 10, Gerry Lafferty 7, Vic Richardson 6, Layden 3 and Bryant 3, while Matchett was scoreless. Tommy Holmes led the Broncs with 18. Mike Sharpe added 13, Ross Fairbanks 8, Simpson 6, Huband 5, George Turner 3 and Nuth 2, while Ross Beck was scoreless. …………………………………………………… In game two, Ottawa evened the series with a 74-55 win as Tommy Holmes scored 22, Ross Fairbanks 15, Mike Sharpe 11, Simpson 10, Huband 8, George Turner 3, Nuth 2 and Beck 1. Vic Richardson led the De La Salles with 12. Steve Holic added 8, Ray Watkins 8, Rene Lussier 6, Gerry Laferty 6, Matchett 6, Bryan 6 and Layden 3, while Hefferman and Whitely were scoreless. …………………………………………………… In game three, the Broncs took the series by nipping Montreal 59-58 on a pair of free throws by George Turner with a minute to play. Tommy Holmes and Mike Sharpe each scored 14 to lead Ottawa. George Turner added 12, Simpson 9, Huband 4, Nuth 3, Ross Fairbanks 2 and Beck 1. Gerry Lafferty scored 17 to lead the De La Salles (coached by Jockey Walker) Vic Richardson added 11, Ray Watkins 10, Layden 7, Steve Holic 4, Rene Lussier 4, Matchett 2, Bryant 2 and Whitely 1, while Hefferman was scoreless.
In the Eastern final, the Toronto Nortown Tri-Bells defeated the Ottawa Brookes Broncs 101-67; 68-58; 73-55 (3g-0). …………………………………………………… In game one, the Tri-Bells collected their highest score of the season as they whacked the Brookes 101-67. Ray Monnot paced Toronto with 26. Leo Madden added 16, Fred Thomas 12, Ed Maynerick 10, Don Griffin 14, Pete Potter 11, Ray Thomas 5, Paul Cooper 5, John Braithwaite 2 and Zeke O’Connor 0. Centre Tommy Holmes led the Brookes with 20. Mike Sharp added 11, Russ Fairbanks 10, Bob Simpson 10, Huband 6, Beck 4, Sloate 1, Nuth 2 and George Turner 3. …………………………………………………… Ottawa’s shooting woes continued in game two as the Tri-Bells registered a 68-58 win. Toronto led 41-29 at the half. Pete Potter paced the Tri-Bells with 17. Ray Monnot added 14, Fred Thomas 12, Ray Thomas 2, Leo Madden 10, John Braithwaite 2, Don Griffin 5, Zeke O’Connor 0, Ed Maynerick 7 and Umi Cooper 1. Bob Simpson paced the Brookes with 13. Tommy Holmes added 12, George Turner 8, Mike Sharp 8, Sloate 2, Ross Fairbanks 5, Husband 5, Beck 3 and Nuth 1. …………………………………………………… In game three, the Tri-Bells easily handled the Brookes 73-55 as Pete Potter scored 18, Ray Monnot 13, Don Griffin 6, Ray Thomas 6, Ed Mayernik 6, Fred Thomas 5, Leo Madden 5, Umi Cooper 5, Zeke O’Connor 5 and John Braithwaite 4. Tom Holmes led the Brookes with 12. Mike Sharp added 11, Bob Simpson 10, Ross Beck 5, Dave Stoate 5, Russ Fairbanks 4, George Turner 2 and Bob Nuth 1. The Brookes (coached by John Faulkner) also included Bob Huband.
In the West opening round and Saskatchewan semis, Saskatoon Navy defeated the Saskatoon Ramblers 65-56; 48-47 (2g-0). …………………………………………………… In game one, Navy dumped the Ramblers 65-56 as Morris Anderson scored 31, Alton Anderson 11, Legars 8, Johns 5, Emalie 4, Upton 3 and Leakos 2, while Hill and Cruickshank were scoreless. Jack Stevenson led the Ramblers with 14. Tom Meagher added 14, John Beaubier 14, Mel Malkin 10 and Chick Rowe 4. …………………………………………………… In game two, Navy nipped the Ramblers 48-47 on a free throw by Bob Upton in the final minute. Upton led Navy with 17. Alton Anderson added 11, Legars 6, Leakos 5, Emalie 4, Johns 4 and Hill 1, while Brooks, Cruikshank and Bailey were scoreless. John Beaubier led the Ramblers with 22. Jack Stevenson added 9, Malkin 7, Meagher 6 and Rowe 1, while Larson was scoreless.
In the other Saskatchewan semi, the Regina Rifles defeated the Moose Jaw 20th Armored Kings 40-35; 52-50 (Total: 92-85). …………………………………………………… In game one, the Rifles shot down the Armored Kings 40-35 as Fred Howard scored 9, Norm Fieldgate 8, Lou Lysack 6, Cuica 5, Rowbotham 4, Frolick 4, Hinton 3 and Chomay 1, while Morrow and Garvin were scoreless. Jack Sutcliffe led the Armored Kings with 11. Bob Yeomans added 7, Riddel 6, Couzens 5, Ramsdell 4 and Elliot 2. …………………………………………………… In game two, the Rifles edged Moose Jaw 52-50 take the total-point series by seven. Norm Fieldgate led Regina with 13. Johnny Chomay added 12. Bob Yeomans led the Armored Kings with 12. Jack Sutcliffe added 11.
In the Saskatchewan finals, the Regina Rifles defeated Saskatoon Navy 53-49; 59-58 (Total: 112-107). …………………………………………………… In game one, the Rifles edged Saskatoon 53-49 as Chuck Hinton scored 15, Norm Fieldgate 11, Jack Garvin 9, Lou Lysack 7, John Chomay 3, Howard 2 and Art Frolich 2, while Rowbotham, Hammond and Morrow were scoreless. Morris Anderson led Saskatoon with 31. Alton Anderson added 6, Spearo Leakos 6, Legars 2, Johns 2, Hill 1 and Uptown 1, while Elmsley and Bailey were scoreless. …………………………………………………… In game two, Regina nipped Navy 59-58 to take the total-point series by five. Norm Fieldgate led the Rifles with 13. John Chaney added 11, Gene Ciuca 9, Chuck Hinton 8, Jack Garvin 8, Morrow 2, Howard 2 and Lysack 1, while Rowbotham and Hamilton were scoreless. Morris Anderson led Navy (coached by Norm Jones) with 26. Ed Legars added 6, Ed Emslie 5, Bob Upton 5, A Anderson 3, Johns 3 and Brooks 2, while Cruickshank was scoreless.
In the Alberta quarterfinals, the Lethbridge 77s defeated the Magrath Rockets x-x; 69-67 (2g-0). …………………………………………………… In game two, Lethbridge completed the series sweep with a 69-67 victory as Al Greenaway scored 20, Walt Harris 17, Sham Stevens 17, Bob Lindsay 13 and Marv Kirchner 2, while Deck and Dale Stevens were scoreless. Wes Rice led the Rockets with 28. Tyler Alston added 14, Jim Matkin 13, Coleman 5, Sabey 4 and C Alston 3, while Muterson and Walter Pashuk were scoreless.
In the Alberta semis, the Raymond Union Jacks dispatched the Lethbridge 77s 71-50; 76-56 (2g-0). …………………………………………………… In game one, Raymond prevailed 71-50 as Al West scored 25, Ray Stevenson 25, Pete Shaw 7, Larry West 5, Al Nalder 5, Gordon Snow 2 and Duval Stone 2, while Len Rolfson, Lloyd Ralph, Monte Dahl and Hicken were scoreless. Sham Stevens led the 77s with 24. Walt Harris added 10, Al Greenaway 8, Dale Stevens 8, Bob Lindsey 5, Nels Deck 4, while Marv Kirchner was scoreless. …………………………………………………… In game two, the Union Jacks completed the series sweep by dusting Lethbridge 76-56 as Ray Stevenson scored 26, Al West 23, Pete Shaw 10, Gordon Snow 6, Lloyd Ralph 4, Alan Nalder 3, Monte Dahl 2 and playing coach Len Rolfson 1, while Duval Stone and Ted Brewerton were scoreless. Al Greenaway led the 77s with 19. Dale Stevens added 10, playing coach Bob Lindsey 9, Reed Erickson 9, Walt Harris 8 and Marv Kirchner 1, while Nels Deck was scoreless.
In the Alberta finals, the Raymond Union Jacks defeated the Edmonton Cal’s 99-79; 71-65 (2g-0). …………………………………………………… In game one, Raymond prevailed 99-79 as Al West scored 29, Larry West 22, Ray Stevenson 16, Alan Nalder 9, Pete Shaw 8, Gordon Snow 5, Lloyd Ralph 5, Monte Dahl 4 and Duval Stone 3. Cal’s playing coach and point guard Bill Price was in Toronto on business. Art Kruger led Edmonton with 19. Jim MaCrae added 16, Steve Mendryk 15, Dave Kimball 22, Turner 9 and Keir 7, while Yousefowich was scoreless. …………………………………………………… In game two, Raymond took the series with a 71-65 win as Stevenson scored 22, L West 21, Ralph 7, Shaw 5 and Nalder 5, while Rolfson, Snow, Dahl, Stone and Brewerton were scoreless. Keir led Edmonton with 18. Kimball added 16, MacRae 10, Mendryk 10, Kruger 9 and Turner 2, while Yousefowich was scoreless.
In the British Columbia quarterfinals and Lower Mainland semis, the Vancouver Cloverleafs defeated the New Westminster Moderns 83-53; 90-60 (2g-0). …………………………………………………… In game one, the Cloverleafs dusted New Westminster 83-53 as Maury Mulhern scored 17, Bob Burtwell 14, Ron Stuart 13, Leo Mulhern 10, Ramsay 9, Chuck Dean 8, Matthews 7, Tilly Briggs 4 and Henwood 1, while Tothill and Sankey were scoreless. Ted Mosdell led the Moderns with 11, George Catherall added 10, Lewko 8, Rilkoff 7, Tole 6, McComb 5, Lizee 3, Stokes 2 and Stoddart 1, while Depress, Herb and Pervis were scoreless. …………………………………………………… In game two, the Cloverleafs completed the slaughter with a 90-60 win as John Southcott scored 14, Leo Mulhern 12, Tilly Briggs 12, Ron Stuart 11, Chuch Dean 11, Elmer Matthews 11, Henwood 5, Maury Mulhern 4, Sankey 4 and Burtwell 4, while Tothill was scoreless. Jack Lewko led New Westminster with 15. Ted Mosdell added 10, Lizee 9, Rilkoff 8, Purvis 6, Catherall 5, Tole 4, Stoddart 2 and McComb 1, while Herb was scoreless.
In the British Columbia quarterfinals and Lower Mainland semis: the Vancouver Eilers defeated the University of British Columbia Jayvees 58-50; 57-44 (2g-0). …………………………………………………… In game one, the Jewellers (coached by John Forsyth) clipped the Jayvees (coached by Dick Penn) 58-50 as Bob Pickell scored 24, Reid Mitchell 13, Hindmarch 6, Moses 6, Munro 6, Forsyth 2 and Watt 1, while Wotherspoon, Manning, Chapman, Matthews and Ball were scoreless. Jim Carter paced U.B.C. with 15. Don Hill added 11, Drummond 8, Tarling 8, Pollock 5 and G Hill 3, while Friend and Wiems were scoreless. …………………………………………………… In game two, the Newellers took the series with a 57-44 win as Bob Pickell scored 19, Moses 8, Mitchell 7, Munro 6, Chapman 4, Forsyth 4, Hindmarch 4, Watt 2, Manning 2 and Matthews 1, while Wotherspoond and Ball were scoreless. Jim Carter led the Jayvees with 18. Drummond added 7, Pollack 6, Tarling 5, Friend 4, O’Conell 2 and D Hill 2, while G Hill, Merrill, Abbott and Wiens were scoreless.
In the British Columbia semis and Island finals, the Alberni Athletics defeated the Victoria Kins 60-65; 69-80; 65-52; 72-60; 63-49 (3g-2). …………………………………………………… In game one, the Kins prevailed 65-60 as Norm Baker scored 17, Clarke 17, Parker 10, Howie Tooby 8, Denison 8 and Curtis 5, while Bamford, Donahue, Hendry and Woollet were scoreless. Brinham led the Athletics with 17. Speidel added 13, Kermode 8, Brown 8, Williamson 6, Samarin 4, Mosdell 3 and Gray 1, while Grisdale and Veitch were scoreless. …………………………………………………… In game two, the Kins appeared to take a stranglehold on the series with an 80-69 win as Johnny Clark scored 24, Gerry Parker 18, Norm Baker 11, Elmer Curtis 10, Howie Tooby 8, George Denison 7 and Don Donahue 2, while Bill Bamford, Don Hendry and George Woollet were scoreless. Doug Brinham led Alberni with 13. Al Brown added 13, Harry Kermode 13, Dave Williamson 12, Elmer Spiedel 10, Joe Samarin 5, Denny Grisdale 2 and Ron Gray 1, while Laurie Vietch and Jack Mosdell were scoreless. …………………………………………………… In game three, Alberni dusted Victoria 65-52 as Samarin scored 16, Spiedel 15, Brown 12, Kermode 7, Brinham 7, Gray 4, Williamson 2 and Veitch 2, while Mosdell and Grisdale were scoreless. Baker led Victoria with 14. Parker added 10, Curtis 6, Denison 5, Bamford 4, Donahue 4, Woollett 3, Tooby 3 and Clark 3, while Jacklin was scoreless. …………………………………………………… In game four, Alberni clipped Victoria 72-60 as Kermode scored 20, Al Brown 13, Elmer Speidel 12, Brinham 8, Gray 7, Samarin 7, Williamson 2, Veitch 2 and Grisdale 1. George Denison led Victoria with 21. Johnny Clark added 12, Baker 10, Curtis 5, Tooby 4, Bamford 3, Parker 3 and Jacklin 2, while Woollett and Donahue were scoreless. …………………………………………………… In game five, Alberni took the series with a 63-49 win as Harry Kermode scored 14, Brown 14, Elmer Speidel 10, Brinham 8, Samarin 4, Williams 2, Gray 2 and Ostadaja 2, while Mosdell and Veitch were scoreless. Norm Baker led the Kins with 20. Clark added 10, George Denison 7, Hendry 6 and Gerry Parker 4, while Curtis, Jacklin, Tooby, Samined? and Donohue were scoreless.
In the other British Columbia semi, the Vancouver Eilers Jewellers defeated the Vancouver Cloverleafs 78-65; 69-59; 77-78; 77-66; 77-60 (4g-1). …………………………………………………… In game one, the Eilers (coached by John Forsyth) clipped the Cloverleafs (coached by Rob Weber) 78-65 as Bob Pickell scored 30, Nev Munro 14, Reid Mitchell 9, Denny Wotherspoon 8, Jim Moses 8, Norm Watt 6 and Vic Chapman 3, while Forsyth, Ball, Hindmarch and S Matthews were scoreless. Ron Stuart led the Cloverleafs with 15. Leo Mulhern added 14, Bobby Burtwell 10, Chuck Dean 6, Henwood 6, John Southcott 5, Maury Mulhern 4, Sankey 4 and Briggs 1, while Tothill, Ramsey and Elmer Matthews were scoreless. …………………………………………………… In game two, the Eilers dispatched the Cloverleafs 69-59 as Pickell sored 19, Munro 18, Mitchell 15, Moses 4, Wotherspoon 3, Chapman 3, Watt 3, Hindmarch 2 and Forsyth 1, while Matthews was scoreless. Stuart paced the Cloverleafs with 13. Dean added 13, Southcott 13, Maury Mulhern 13, Burtwell 5, Henwood 1 and Leo Mulhern 1, whilt Tothill, Ramsay, Matthews, Briggs, Sankey and Maury were scoreless. …………………………………………………… In game three, the Cloverleafs edged the Eilers as Leo Mulhern notched the winner with 3 seconds to play. Dean led the Cloverleafs with 25. Southcott added 16, Stuart 12, Leo Mulhern 11, Maury Mulhern 9 and Burtwell 5, while Tothill, Henwood, Matthews, Ramsay, Briggs and Sankey were scoreless. Pickell led the Eilers with 34. Hindmarch added 13, Moses 10, Munro 8, Mitchell 6, Ball 4 and Chapman 2, while Forsyth, Wotherspoon, Manning, Watt and Matthews were scoreless. …………………………………………………… In game four, the Eilers dispatched the Cloverleafs 77-66 as Pickell scored 39, Munro 17, Moses 20, Mitchell 7, Ball 2, Hindmarch 1 and Watt 1, while Forsyth, Wotherspooon, Manning, Chapman and Matthews were scoreless. Dean led the Cloverleafs wth 18. Southcott added 15, Stuart 14, Maury Mulhern 6, Leo Mulhern 5, Burtwell 3, Henwood 3 and Matthews 2, while Tothill, Ramsey, Briggs and Sankey were scoreless. …………………………………………………… In game five, the Eilers took the series with a 77-60 win as Bob Pickell scored 23, Munro 14, Moses 14, Watt 10, Forsyth 5, Hindmarch 5, Mitchell 5 and Ball 1, while Wotherspoon, Manning, Chapman and Matthews were scoreless. Chuck Dean led the Cloverleafs with 12. Elmer Matthews added 12, Leo Mulhern 10, Maury Mulhern 8, Stuart 7, Burtwell 6, Southcott 3 and Sankey 2, while Tothill, Ramsay, Henwood and Briggs were scoreless.
In the West quarterfinals and British Columbia finals, the Alberni Athletics d’d Vancouver Eilers Jewellers 72-53; 58-59; 69-65; 91-85; 54-73; 93-74; 69-67 (4g-3). …………………………………………………… In game one, Alberni bombed Vancouver 72-53 as Elmer Spiedel scored 19, Al Brown 16, Kermode 13, Brinham 12, Samarin 7, Grisdale 2, Williamson 2 and Mosdel 1, while Gray and Veitch were scoreless. Reid Mitchell led the Jewellers with 14. Bob Pickell added 11, Watt 8, Munro 8, Ball 6, Moses 3, Chapman 1, Wotherspoon 1 and Forsyth 1, while Manning was scoreless. …………………………………………………… In game two, the Jewellers evened the series with a 59-58 win as Norm Watt hit the winner in the final minute. Bob Pickell led the Eilers with 38. Munro added 6, Watt 6, Mitchell 4, Moses 3 and Ball 2, while Hindmarch, Wotherspoon, Forsyth, Chapman, Manning and Matthews were scoreless. Elmer Speidel paced the Athletics with 16. Harry Kermode added 15, Brown 11, Brinham 9 and Samarin 7, while Williamson, Gray, Veitch, Mosdell and Grisdale were scoreless. …………………………………………………… In game three, Vancouver edged Alberni 69-65 as Bob Pickell scored 23, Nev Munro 18, Mitchell 10, Watt 8, Moses 5, Bobby Hindmarch 3 and Ball 2, while Forsythe, Manning and Chapman were scoreless. Elmer Spiedel led the Athletics with 22. Brinham added 16, Brown 11, Harry Kermode 8, Samarin 7 and Williamson 1, while Veitch, Gray, Mosdell and Grisdale were scoreless. …………………………………………………… In game four, Alberni edged Vancouver 91-85 as Spiedel scored 29, Kermode 21, Brinham 16, Brown 11, Williamson 11 and Joe Samarin 3, while Veitch, Gray, Mosdell and Grisdale were scoreless. Pickell led Vancouver with 27. Mitchell added 20, Munro 15, Hindmarch 7, Moses 6, Ball 3 and Forsyth 1, while Manning and Matthews were scoreless. …………………………………………………… In game five, the Eilers thrashed Alberni 73-54 as Bob Pickell scored 27, Reid Mitchell 11, Munro 10, Forsyth 9, Ball 2, Manning 2 and Moses 1, while Chapman was scoreless. Elmer Speidel led the Athletics with 14. Kermode added 10, Brown 10, Samarin 10, Gray 4, Veitch 4, Williamson 1 and Brinham 1, while Mosdell and Grisdale were scoreless. …………………………………………………… In game six, the Athletics prevailed 69-67 win as Speidel scored 25, Samarin 17, Brinham 17, Kermode 16, Brown 8, Williamson 5, Veitch 2, Mosdell 2 and Grisdale 1, while Gray was scoreless. Pickell paced the Eilers with 30. Watt added 14, Mitchell 9, Munro 6, Forsythe 4, Moses 3 and Ball 2, while Chapman and Hindmarsh were scoreless. …………………………………………………… In game seven, the Athletics pounded the Eilers 93-74 as Spiedel scored 25, Brinham 17, Samarin 17, Kermode 16, Brown 8, Williamson 5, Mosdell 2, Veitch 2 and Grisdale 1, while Gray was scoreless. Pickell led the Eilers with 39. Watt added 14, Munro 6, Mitchell 6, Forsyth 4, Moses 3 and Ball 2, while Chapman and Hindmarch were scoreless.
In the West semis, the Alberni Athletics defeated the Raymond Union Jacks 97-73; 76-69 (2g-0). …………………………………………………… In game one, the Athletics prevailed 97-73 as Elmer Speidel scored 25, Doug Brinham 19, Harry Kermode 18, Brown 12, Grisdale 8, Samarin 6, Veitch 5 and Gray 1, while McPherson was scoreless. Ray Stevenson paced Lethbridge with 28. Larry West added 16, Al West 15, Shaw 5, Nalder 4, Ralph 3 and Dahl 2, while Rolfson, Brewerton and Stone were scoreless. …………………………………………………… In game two, Alberni completed the series sweep by clipping Raymond 76-69 as Elmer Spiedel scored 30, Harry Kermode 12, Doug Brinham 9, Al Brown 9, Laurie Vietch 6, Dave Williamson 4, Ron Gray 3 and Denny Grisdale 1, while McPherson was scoreless. Al West led the Union Jacks with 26. Larry West added 18, Ray Stevenson 13, Al Nalder 6, Lloyd Ralph 3, Gordon Snow 2, Duval Stone 2, while Pete Shaw, Ted Brewerton and Monte Dahl were scoreless. The Union Jacks led 27-26 at the half. The Athletics led 53-48 after three quarters.
In the other West semi, the Winnipeg Paulins defeated Winnipeg King’s Best 107-69; 83-65; 98-77 (3g-0). …………………………………………………… In game one, the Paulins prevailed 107-69 as Carl Ridd scored 34, Herb Olaffson 18, Doug Gresham 17, George Oelkers 10, Mike Spack 9, Ralph Watts 9, Roy Burkett 8 and Andy Spack 2, while Ken Callis was scoreless. John Brown led King’s Best with 14. Dick Herbertson added 14, Gerry Palmer 9, Hamilton 9, Jack Stevens 5, Hill 5, McRae 5, Wally Parobec 4 and Grant Alfonso 4, while Hutton was scoreless. …………………………………………………… In game two, the Paulins prevailed 83-65 as Herb Olaffson scored 26, Carl Ridd 23, Doug Gresham 18, Mike Spack 6, George Oelkers 4, Ken Callis 2, Roy Burkett 2 and Ralph Watts 1. Andy Spack was playing for a junior squad, so did not play for the Paulins. Jack Stephens led King’s Best with 12. John Brown added 12, Dick Herbertson 11, Wally Parobec 10, Hamilton 9, McRae 8, Grant Alfonso 2 and Gerry Palmer 1, while Hutton and Hill were scoreless. …………………………………………………… In game three, the Paulins completed the series sweep with a 98-77 victory as Herb Olafson scored 25, Carl Ridd 23, Doug Gresham 11, Roy Burkett 10, George Oelkers 8, Ralph Watts 2 and Andy Spack 1, while Al Carlson, Mike Spack, Ken Callis, Jack Meyers and Keith Bodley were scoreless. John Brown led King’s Best 23. Jack Stevens added 18, Wally Parobec 11, Dick Herbertson 8, Hamilton 5, Grant Alfonso 5, McRae 3, Reeves 2 and Gerry Palmer 2, while Hill was scoreless.
In the West final, held at the University of Manitoba, the Winnipeg Paulins defeated the Alberni Athletics 72-70; 71-65; 74-63 (3g-0) to win the Hamber Trophy. …………………………………………………… In game one, Winnipeg defeated Alberni 72-70 as Ralph Watts hit the winner with 31 seconds to play. Alberni led 19-16 after one quarter. The Paulins led 40-39 at the half. Alberni led 62-59 after three quarters. Carl Ridd paced the Paulins with 18. Herb Olafson added 17, Doug Gresham 12, Roy Burkett 9, Mike Spack 8, Ralph Watts 6 and Ken Callis 3, while George Oelkers was scoreless. Al Brown led the Athletics with 18. Doug Brinham added 16, Elmer Spiedel 12, Harry Kermode 11, Joe Samarin 8, Dave Williamson 3 and Laurie Veitch 2, while Grey and Grisdale were scoreless. …………………………………………………… In game two, the Paulins prevailed 71-65 as Doug Gresham scored 26, Mike Spack 17, Carl Ridd 15, Roy Burkett 8, Ralph Watts 7, Herb Olafson and George Oelkers 1, while Ken Callis was scoreless. Elmer Speidel led the Athletics with 21. Doug Brinham added 15, Al Brown 12, Harry Kermode 11, Joe Samarin 4 and Laurie Vietch 2, while Dave Williamson and Ron Gray were scoreless. …………………………………………………… In game three, Winnipeg completed the series sweep by clipping Alberni 74-63. The Athletics led 17-15 after one quarter and 40-32 at the half. The Paulins led 65-55 after three quarters. Doug Gresham and Roy Burkett each scored 15 to pace the Paulins. Herb Olafson added 14, Carl Ridd 10, George Oelkers 5, Mike Spack 5, Ralph Watts 5 and Ken Callis 2. Playing coach Elmer Spiedel paced the Athletics with 24. Joe Samarin added 13, Harry Kermode 11, Doug Brinham 10 and Al Brown 5. The Athletics also included Dave Williamson, Ron Gray, Laurie Veitch, Collin McPherson, Fred Bishop, Jack Mosdell, Colin McPherson, Bill Popowich and Denny Grisdale.
In the national finals, held in Toronto, the Winnipeg Paulins defeated the Toronto Tri-Bells 84-97; 62-54; 87-76; 55-59; 65-48 (3g-2).
In game one, the Tri-Bells won 97-84, although Winnipeg had led by one 64-63 at the end of third quarter. Tri-Bells went into a full-court press and the Paulins collapsed, allowing the Tri-Bells to scored 25 points in the final six minutes, including one stretch in which they ripped a 15-0 run in 2.5 minutes. Toronto manager Alex Fisher called it “the best game I’ve ever seen.” The score was knotted at 22 after one quarter. Toronto led 46-42 at the half before Winnipeg rallied to a 64-63 lead after three quarters. The lead changed hands eight times. Toronto was led by Ray Monnot’s 22 points. Peter Potter added 15, Bill Mungar 13; Fred Thomas 15; Leo Madden 11, Umi Cooper 4, Eddie Maynerick 5, Griffin 6 and Ray Thomas 4. Winnipeg was led by Carl Ridd’s 22 points. Herb Olafson added 17, Doug Gresham 17, Mike Spack 7, Roy Burkett 8, George Oelkers 4, Ralph Watts 5, Andy Spack 2 and Ken Callis 2. Winnipeg coach Jimmy Bulloch said his troops were victimized by a regional variation in rules, which led to starts Carl Ridd and Doug Gresham fouling out. “In the West,” Bulloch said, “an attacking player dribbling the ball must try to evade a defending player. Here, they allow you to run right over him. It cost us a game to find that out.” Toronto coach Paul Thomas surmised that the Manitobans played “over their heads. We scouted them in the Western final and they didn’t look nearly as good as they did against us.” An offended Bulloch countered that “we can beat this team. We beat a better one (Alberni) in the Western final.” Toronto hit 38-81 (.470) from the floor and 21-32 from the line, while Winnipeg was 33-82 (.400) from the floor and 18-27 from the line. Winnipeg was called for 20 fouls and Toronto 17.
In game two, Winnipeg packed the paint and defied Toronto to beat them from the perimeter. The Tri-Bells weren’t up to the task as the Paulins moved 18-10 after one quarter, 27-23 at the half and 39-33 at the three-quarter mark before taking total command in the final frame and winning 62-54. Toronto hit 22-72 (.300) from the floor, while Winnipeg hit 21-57 (.370). Winnipeg hit 20-28 from the line, while Toronto was 10-19. Herb Olafsson stifled a Tri-Bells rally in the fourth quarter with two free throws and the Winnipeg guards began dominating play down the stretch. Doug Gresham scored 21 for the Paulins, Carl Ridd 16 and 6-6 c. Herb Olaffson 13. Mike Spack added 9, Roy Burkett 1, Andy Spack 0, Ken Callis 0, George Oelkers 0 and Ralph Watts 2. For Toronto, Ray Monnot scored 15, Ray Thomas 14, Ed Maynerick 4, Pete Potter 5, Leo Madden 4, Bill Mungar 2, Umi Cooper 2, Fred Thomas 6 and Don Griffin 3. Winnipeg manager Whitey Carlson noted that criticisms that the Paulins weren’t deep enough to beat Toronto were obviously overstated. “What about our bench strength now?” he asked. Toronto manager Alex Fisher called it “a very poor game. But these kinds of games sometimes crop up in the playoffs.”
In game three, Winnipeg prevailed 87-76. Toronto raced out 8-1, but the Paulins responded with a full-court press and fought back to within one 24-23 after the first quarter. For the remainder of the affair, the Paulins zone defence continued to befuddle the Tri-Bells. Behind Herb Olafson’s points in the paint, Winnipeg led 48-41 at half; and 63-56 at third quarter and by as many as 20 in the final frame. Winnipeg shot 28-72 from floor while Toronto shot 23-89. Winnipeg was led by Carl Ridd’s 28 points, including 12-15 from the line. Herb Olafson added 20; Doug Gresham 14, Mike Spack 11, Roy Burkett 7, Andy Spack 0, Ken Callis 0, George Oelkers 3 and Ralph Watts 4. Toronto was led by Ray Thomas 15, Peter Potter 14, Fred Thomas 12, Ed Maynerick 10, Leo Madden 1, Ray Monnot 6, Bill Mungar 3, Umi Cooper 5 and Don Griffin 8. Toronto coach Paul Thomas noted that “the boys just can’t seem to cope with that zone defence. I don’t know why. They’ve done it before this season.”
In game four, the Tri-Bells eked out a 59-55 victory by rallying from a seven-point deficit in the final quarter. Carl Ridd scored six as Winnipeg built a 12-11 lead after one quarter. But Toronto rallied to knot the score at 30 at the half as Ray Monnot tossed in 12. Winnipeg was up 45-40 at the three-quarter mark. The Tri-Bells began pressing and Ed Maynerick drove the paint for a critical bucket to ignite the rally. Winnipeg soon tired. Toronto took the lead for good with three minutes to go when Pete Potter hit a bucket to give the Tri-Bells a 55-54 lead. Winnipeg twice suffered controversial foul calls against Roy Burkett and Mike Spack in the ensuing minute and Toronto finally capitalized when Ed Maynerick hit a pair from the line. The Tri-Bells then froze the ball and iced the win with a pair of free throws by Ray Thomas. Ray Monnot led Toronto with 23 points, including 18 in the first half. Ray Thomas added 11, Ed Mayernick 8, Fred Thomas 7, Pete Potter 6, Leo Madden 1, Bill Mungar 2, Umi Cooper 0 and Don Griffin 1. The Paulins were paced by Carl Ridd’s 17 points. Roy Burkett added 12, Mike Spack 11, Andy Spack 0, Ken Callis 0, Herb Olaffson 5, Doug Gresham 8, George Oelkers 0 and Ralph Watts 0. “We beat them at their own game,” chortled Toronto manager Alex Fisher, who surmised that Winnipeg’s style of play “would set basketball back 20 years. They’re prostituting basketball with their phoney zone defence.” Toronto hit 15-19 from the line and 22-68 from the floor. Winnipeg hit 17-25 from the line and 19-59 from the floor.
Game 5 was no contest as Winnipeg humiliated Toronto 65-48. The game was close only in the first quarter, after which Toronto led 17-16. But the Paulins superior inside game soon began to find porous holes in the Toronto defence. Winnipeg built a 32-29 lead at the half, extended it to 47-41 after three quarters and pulled away down the stretch. Toronto scored only one field goal in the final frame. Centre Herb Olaffson finished with 25 points (including 16 in the first half); Carl Ridd scored 19 including 11 in the final quarter. Doug Gresham added 15, Mike Spack 4, Roy Burkett 00, George Oelkers 2, Ralph Watts 0, Andy Spack 0, and Ken Callis 0. Ray Monnot led Toronto with 15 before fouling out. Guard Peter Potter added 10, Umi Cooper 0, Ed Maynerick 8, Don Griffin 2, Fred Thomas 3, Ray Thomas 8, Bill Mungar 2 and Leo Madden 0. “Olafsson was hot, wasn’t he,” grinned Winnipeg coach Jimmy Bulloch, while hugging the Montreal Sportsmen’s Trophy. Toronto coach Paul Thomas conceded that “Winnipeg has a good team. They were hitting too good. We worked like heck for a basket and then Paulins would move right back and hit right off the bat.”
The Paulins went on to represent Canada at the 1954 World championships in Rio de Janeiro, finishing seventh with a 3-6 record under the adopted name the “Winnipeg Canadians.” Carl Ridd was selected to the tournament’s 2nd all-star team. In 1952, he was offered a pro contract by the Milwaukee Hawks of the NBA but it turned it down to complete his studies at the University of Manitoba. The Hawks repeated the offer prior to the 1954 campaign but he again opted to remain in university. “I probably could have made it as a pro,” said Ridd, who became a United Church minister and a university professor. “But there were other things going on in my life that were more important at both times. I would not have been a great star as a pro, just average.” Bulloch began his coaching career with the St. Andrew’s Junior Men’s team and the University of Manitoba Bisons. From 1948-1955, he coached the Paulins. As coach of the St. Andrew’s Senior Men from 1959-64 and 1968-69, he led the team to the Canadian Championship on three occasions. Bulloch coached Glenlawn Collegiate to three consecutive provincial titles. At the helm of the Nicolett Inn Senior Men’s Team, Bulloch led the squad to the 1979 Canadian championship and the finals in 1981. Bulloch was named the Manitoba High School Coach of the Year in 1978 and Manitoba Senior Men’s League Coach of the Year on an unprecedented eight occasions. The Paulins were formed by entrepreneur Allan “Whitey” Carlson, who has been called “Mr. Basketball” in Manitoba. Between 1948 and 1953, he took basketball and shook some life into it and actually made it an attraction. When the Paulins needed $7,000 to get to Brazil for the World Championships, “Whitey” organized donkey baseball games, auto races, halftime entertainment at Bomber games. His hoops started at Kelvin High, then onto Toiler Juniors, then Toiler Seniors, one thing led to another and he wound up forming Paulins, which was easy because his firm, Paulin Chambers, agreed to pay the bills. Paulins operated three teams simultaneously – Junior, Senior B and Senior A. The Senior A’s won a National Championship. Player-Manager for King’s Best. One of the founders of the Manitoba Basketball Hall of Fame, “Whitey” Carlson refereed Senior and Varsity games for 12 years.
The runner-up Toronto Tri-Bells: Pete Potter; Freddie Thomas; Ray Monnot; Don Griffin; Ray Thomas; Leo Madden; Bill Mungar; Paul Cooper; Zeke O’Connor; Eddie Maynerick; Johnny Braithwaite; Art Binnington; coach Paul Thomas; manager Alex Fisher
The champion Winnipeg Paulins: Roy Burkett; Andy Spack; Mike Spack; Ralph Watts; Ken Callis; George Oelkers; Carl Ridd; Doug Gresham; Herb Olafsson; Wally Parobec; coach Jim Bulloch, manager Al ‘Whitey’ Carlson, trainer Max Avren; assistant manager Jack Meyers; statistician Keith Bodley, publicity manager Jack Meyers