| W. RD 1 (BC): Vancouver Puritans d’d Vancouver Dietrich-Collins 96-75; 73-72; 107-84 (3g-0) W. RD 2 (BC): New Westminster Bakers d’d Vancouver Puritans 79-75; 71-96; 70-74; 100-93; 79-76; 91-78 (4g-2) W. RD 2 (BC): Alberni Athletics d’d Victoria Haida Chiefs 93-63; 89-57; 55-56; 75-60 (3g-1) E. QF (ONT): London Fredericks d’d Toronto Dow Kings 87-56; 78-71 (2g-0) E. QF (QUE): Montreal Yvon Coutu Huskies d’d Montreal Northern Oilers 80-82; 68-67; 94-79 (2g-1) E. QF (OV): Ottawa Shaffers d’d Carleton Ravens 64-61; 61-51 (Total: 125-112) W. QF (BC): New Westminster Bakers d’d Alberni Athletics 77-51; 70-74; 63-61; 54-52; 66-58 (4g-1). W. QF (SASK): Regina Campion Grads d’d Saskatoon Regals 60-56; 57-49 (2g-0) E. SEMI (Que/Ott): Montreal Yvon Coutu Huskies d’d Ottawa Shaffers 76-77; 93-83; 82-70 (2g-1) E. SEMI (Ont): London Fredericks d’d Windsor Embassy Hotel 90-70; 82-72 (2g-0) W. SEMI (Man): Winnipeg IPAC Buffaloes d’d Winnipeg St. Andrews 61-57; 55-54; 60-49 (3g-0) W. SEMI (Alta/BC): Lethbridge Broders d’d New Westminster McGavin’s Bakers 76-67; 83-70 (2g-0) W. FINAL (Alta/Man): Lethbridge Broders d’d Winnipeg IPAC Buffaloes 75-66; 66-72; 95-80; 87-66 (3g-1) E. FINAL (Ont/Que): London Fredericks d’d Montreal Yvan Coutu Huskies 93-68; 86-81 (2g-0) CANADIAN TITLE: Lethbridge Broders d’d London Fredericks 90-102; 82-94; 87-77; 90-79; 92-90 (3g-2) |
In the East quarterfinals and Ottawa city championship, the Ottawa Shaffers defeated the Carleton Ravens 64-61; 61-51 (Total: 125-112). …………………………………………………… In game one, the Shaffers edged the Ravens 64-61 as Ed Laschuk scored 23, Bill Bonzulak 17, Glen Pettinger 9, Bucky Buchanan 5, John Justinich 4, Jackson 3 and Goldie 3, while Sandy Keir was scoreless. Dave Gorman and Jamie Buell each scored 14 to pace the Ravens. Elliott added 9, Kilfoyle 7, Callahan 7, Moore 6, Home 4, Nicholds 2 and Reid 2, while Barrigar and David were scoreless. …………………………………………………… In game two, the Shaffers clipped the Ravens 61-51 as Russ Jackson scored 16, John Justinich 15, Glen Pettinger 12, Goldie 6, Ed Laschuk 4 and Sandy Keir 4, while Bill Bonzulak and Bucky Buchanan were scoreless. Moore paced the Ravens with 15. Kilfoyle added 13, Jamie Buell 11, Barrigar 4, Elliott 3, Callahan 2, Gorman 2 and Nicholds 1, while David, Home and Reid were scoreless.
In the East quarterfinals and Quebec finals, the Montreal Yvon Coutu Huskies defeated the Montreal Northern Oilers 80-82; 68-67; 94-79 (2g-1). …………………………………………………… In game two, the Huskies prevailed 68-67 as Jim Reynolds scored 29, Ralph Dunbar 19 and Don Wright 11. Marc Hannibal led the Oilers with 17. Playing coach Jack Winters added 16 and John McDonough 14. …………………………………………………… In game three, the Huskies took the series with a 94-79 win as Jim Reynolds scored 25, Ralph Dunbar 24, Vince Drake 16, Howie Ulrich 12, Al Mikalachki 10 and Wright 7, while Gibbs and Gordon were scoreless. Bob Winters led the Oilers with 29. Marc Hannibal added 25, Phil Fleurquin 16, John Mcdonaugh 4, Al Hirsch 3 and Dan Hurley 2, while Bleakley, Wright and Ulrich were scoreless.
In the Ontario semis and national quarterfinals, the London Fredericks, formerly the London Lords and London Senior As, and before that the Tillsonburg Livingstons, having moved to London when their sponsorship was withdrawn, defeated the Toronto Dow Kings 87-56; 78-71 (2g-0). The Senior A’s were broke and nameless since being dropped by Gerry Livingston. They picked up the sponsorship of the department store Fredericks of London shortly before the Eastern final. …………………………………………………… In game one, the Fredericks completely outclassed Toronto 87-56, taking a 29-16 lead early off an 8-0 run and opening the second half with another 8-0 run. Gene Rizak led the Lords with 18. Ambrose Gardner added 18, Bob Gardner 15, Doug Marshall 14, Barry Howson 13, Dave Thompson 2, Oliver 2, Martin 5, and DeArmon 0. George Stulac paced Toronto with 12. Matt Lipka added 10, John Dacyshyn 8, William Goldring 8, Lawson 2, J. Stulac 2, Jankuaskas 2, Dalton 7, West 5 and Beveridge 0.
In East semis and Quebec/Ottawa Valley playoff, the Montreal Yvon Coutu Huskies defeated the Ottawa Shaffers 76-77; 93-83; 82-70 (2g-1). …………………………………………………… Milt Shaffer, president of the Ottawa Shaffers initially withdrew from the eastern Canadian semis protesting “ridiculous residency rules.” Game one was delayed by 25 minutes because of Shaffer protests that Huskie Jim Reynolds, a former Shaffer player, was ineligible because a CABA rules states that a player must have taken up residence by November 1 of the playing year. Reynolds, an Ottawa Rough Rider, had moved to Montreal in late November. He was allowed to play and scored eight points in game one. Meanwhile Huskies Ralph Dunbar and LeRoy Watson were initially ruled ineligible for the series because they could not provide proof of residence. But both were subsequently re-instated after Huskies coach Vince Drake provided evidence of residency. …………………………………………………… In game one, the Shaffers edged the Huskies 77-76. The Huskies led 33-25 at the half. Glen Pettinger paced the Shaffers with 26. Sandy Kier added 16, John Justinich 14, Russ Jackson 10, Bucky Buchanan 9 and Ed Laschuk 3, while Goldie was scoreless. Ralph Dunbar paced the Huskies with 21. Howie Ulrich added 12, Al Michalachki 10, Don Wright 9, Jim Reynolds 8, Vince Drake 8, Watson 6 and Gordon 2, while Gibbs, Turner and Miletic were scoreless. …………………………………………………… In game two, the Huskies evened the series with a 93-83 win as Jim Reynolds scored 26 and LeRoy Watson 19. John Justinich paced the Shaffers with 22. Russ Jackson added 16 and Sandy Kier 16. …………………………………………………… In game three, held in Montreal, the Huskies prevailed 82-70. The Shaffers finished the game with only two men on the floor. The score was knotted at 68 when a fourth Shaffer fouled out, leaving them with four men. Only Sandy Kier and Bucky Buchanan were left on the floor at the end. Jim Reynolds paced the Huskies with 20. Ralph Dunbar added 17 and playing coach Vince Drake 14. Sandy Kier led the Shaffers with 17. Ed Laschuk added 15 and Russ Jackson 14. The Shaffers also included Dave Bonzaluk, John Justinich, House, Bucky Buchanan and Clark Goldie.
In the East semis and Ontario final, the London Fredericks dispatched Windsor Embassy Hotel 90-70; 82-72 (2g-0). …………………………………………………… In game one, London whipped Windsor 90-70 as Barry Howson scored 27, Doug Marshall 19, Bob Gardner 16, Gene Rizak 11, John McKibbon 9 and Ambi Gardner 9, while Ross Macaulay and De Armon were scoreless. Leo Girard led Windsor with 17. Al Rollo added 15, Jimmy Stewart 12, Bob Wright 10, Larry Johnson 8, Richard Rau 4, Valentine 2 and Morris 2. …………………………………………………… In game two, London dumped Windsor 82-72 as Gene Rizak scored 33, Barry Howson 19, Marshall 13, Bob Gardner 11 and Ambi Gardner 6, while Thompson, Oliver and De Armon were scoreless. Jim Stewart led Windsor with 24. Leo Girard added 14, Lou Veres 12, Al Rollo 11, Larry Johnson 8, Valentine 2 and Rau 1, while Morris was scoreless. …………………………………………………… Frederick’s Department Store agreed to sponsor the London entry shortly before the Ontario-Quebec finals. Otherwise, the team would have had to default.
In the Eastern final, the London Fredericks thrashed the Montreal Yvan Coutu Huskies 93-68; 86-81 (2g-0). …………………………………………………… In game one, London prevailed 93-68 as John McKibbon scored 23, including 11 field goals. Although badly beaten on the boards by 18-year-old Huskies’ centre Leroy Watson, the 6-7 McKibbon took command in the second half. Barry Howson added 20, Gene Rizak 14, Doug Marshall 13, Ambi Gardner 10, Bob Gardner 9 and Thompson 4, while Oliver and DeArmon were scoreless. Jim Reynolds led Montreal with 13. Don Wright added 12, Ralph Dunbar 11, Al Zurich 11, Leroy Watson 8, Drake 5, Gibbs 4 and Mel Mikalachki 4, while Turner and Gordon were scoreless. …………………………………………………… In game two, London prevailed 86-81 in overtime as Gene Rizak scored 19, Barry Howson 18 and John McKibbon 18. Gene Rizak hit two field goals to force overtime and four free throws in overtime as London took the match. Leroy Watson led Montreal (playing coach Vince Drake) with 20. Mel Mikalachki added 19.
In the West opening round, British Columbia quarterfinals and Lower Mainland semis, the Vancouver Puritans defeated Vancouver Dietrich-Collins 96-75; 73-72; 107-84 (3g-0). …………………………………………………… In game one, the Puritans clubbed the Dietrich Collins 96-75 as Brown scored 20, Candlish 15, Lorne Holyoak 15, Pickell 14, Nosella 10, Chan 8, Spottiswood 5 and Babcock 5, while Sankey was scoreless. Puritans coach Lance Hudson sat in the stands, telling the Vancouver Sun that “they don’t need a coach to win this series.” Elkington led the Dietrich-Collins with 16. Hyndman added 12, Heathcote 11, Malecki 11, Williamson 9, Gimple 7, Clark 6 and Dumont 3. …………………………………………………… In game two, the Puritans pounded Dietrich-Collins 93-72 as Bob Pickell scored 19, Brown 19, Sankey 12, Candlish 11, Spottiswood 8, Holyoak 8, Chan 4 and Nosella 2, while Babcock was scoreless. Tom Elkington led the Dee Cees with 18. Hyndman added 17, Clark 10, Malecki 10, Heathcote 8, Gimple 4 and Williamson 4, while Dumont was scoreless. …………………………………………………… In game three, the Puritans took the series with a 107-84 win as Bob Pickell scored 30, Hunter Candlish 18, Mel Brown 16, Roy Nosella 16, Lorne Holyoak 9, Sankey 7, Chan 6, Spottiswood 4 and Babcock 1. Ed Malecki led Dietrich-Collins with 18. Tom Elkington added 18, Heathcote 14, Clark 9, Dumont 8, Hyndman 7, Williamson 6 and Gimple 4.
In the West second round, B.C. semis and Lower Mainland finals, the New Westminster Bakers defeated the Vancouver Puritans 79-75; 71-96; 70-74; 100-93; 79-76; 91-78 (4g-2). …………………………………………………… In game one, the Bakers prevailed 79-75 as Keith Hartley scored 19, Barry Drummond 18, Doug Carter 16, Ed Wild 7, Betcher 7, Ken Winslade 6 and Mike Potkonjak 6, while Drummond and Parker were scoreless. Bob Pickell led the Puritans with 23. Lorne Holyoak added 14, Roy Nosella 9, Mel Brown 9, John Spottiswood 8, Hunter Candlish 6 and Terry Sankey 6, while Stuart and Babcock were scoreless. …………………………………………………… In game two, the Puritans evened the series with a 96-71 win as Pickell scored 33, Brown 14, Holyoak 12, Noella 11, Spottiswood 10, Sankey 6, Candlish 4, Chan 4 and Babcock 2, while Stuart was scoreless. B Drummond led New Westminster with 22. Wild added 13, Potkonjak 8, Winslade 8, Betcher 6, Hartley 6, Carter 5 and Drummond 3. …………………………………………………… In game three, the Puritans edged the Bakers 74-70 as Pickell scored 32, Holyoak 11, Chan 9, Brown 7, Sankey 6, Spottiswood 5, Candlish 2 and Nosella 2, while Stuart and Babcock were scoreless. Wild led the Bakers with 19. Hartley added 12, B Drummond 12, Potkonjak 10, Winslade 9, G Drummond 4, Betcher 2 and Parker 2, while Carter was scoreless. …………………………………………………… In game four, New Westminister clipped Vancouver 100-93 as Hartley scored 24, Winslade 18, Potkonjak 14, Wild 14, Pederson 10, G Drummond 10, B Drummond 8 and Betcher 2, while Parker and Carter were scoreless. Pickell led the Puritans with 30. Sankey added 11, Brown 11, Holyoak 10, Spottiswood 5, Babcock 4, Chan 3 and Nosella 2, while Stuart and Lane were scoreless. …………………………………………………… In game five, the Bakers edged the Puritans 79-76 as Hartley scored 29, Potkonjak 20, Winslade 9, B Drummond 6, G Drummond 4, Wild 4, Pedersen 4, Betcher 2 and Parker 1, while Carter was scoreless. Pickell led Vancouver with 28. Stuart added 14, Candlish 14, Sankey 12, Chan 4, Brown 3 and Spottiswood 1, while Nosella and Babcock were scoreless. …………………………………………………… In game six, New Westminster took the series with a 91-78 win as Hartley scored 32, B Drummond 21, Winslade 14, Wild 10, Pedersen 6, Potkonjak 4, Betcher 3 and G Drummond 1, while Parker and Carter were scoreless. Pickell led the Puritans with 31. Brown added 14, Candlish 10, Sankey 7, Nosella 7, Stuart 4, Spottiswood 2, Babcock 2 and Chan 1.
In the British Columbia semis and Island finals, the Alberni Athletics defeated the Victoria Haida Chiefs 93-63; 89-57; 55-56; 75-60 (3g-1). …………………………………………………… In game one, Alberni pounded Victoria 93-63 as Denny Grisdale scored 25, Don Krego 18, Taylor 15, Panton 13, McPherson 11, Mosdell 5, McKay 4 and Brown 2. Ken McCulloch led Victoria with 16. Spotswood added 14, Devlin 13, Wilson 13, Barnes 5 and Steele 2. …………………………………………………… In game two, Alberni clubbed Victoria 89-57 as Denny Grisdale scored 19, Jack Mosdell 18, Krego 12, Panton 11, McPherson 10, Brown 6 and McKay 4. Ken McCulloch led the Haida Chiefs with 16. John Devlin added 15, Soltice 10, Steel 6, Sestowgod? 4, Collet 4 and Wilson 2. …………………………………………………… In game three, the Haida Chiefs nipped Alberni 56-55 as Ed Steel scored 14, George Denison 12, Ken McCulloch 9, Wilson 9, Soltice 7, Nightwood? 3 and Devlin 3, while Barnes was scoreless. Bruce Taylor led the Athletics with 14. Colin McPherson added 13, Panton 9, Krego 8, McKay 6, Mosdell 6, Kimoto 2 and Brown 2. …………………………………………………… In game five, Alberni took the series with a 75-60 win as Don Krego scored 25, Dennis Grisdale 18, Taylor 9, McPherson 8, Mosdell 8, Panton 3, McKay 3 and Kimoto 1. Mike Soltice led the Haida Chiefs with 14. Wilson added 11, McCulloch 8, Devlin 7, Spotswood 7, Denison 7 and Steele 6.
In the BC finals and West quarterfinals, the New Westminster Bakers defeated the Alberni Athletics 77-51; 70-74; 63-61; 54-52; 66-58 (4g-1). …………………………………………………… In game one, New Westminister (coached by Fred Collen) clocked Alberni 77-51 as Ken Winslade scored 15, Keith Hartley 12, Barry Drummond 11, Mike Potkonjak 10, Parke, 7, Bill MacDonald 6, Carter 4, G Drummond 3, Ed Wild 3 and Betcher 2. Don Krego led Alberni with 18. Brown added 10, Gary Panton 6, Denny Grisdale 5, Colin McPherson 4, MacKay 4, Jack Mosdell 4 and Bruce Taylor 1, while Kimoto was scoreless. …………………………………………………… In game two, Alberni evened the series with a 74-70 win as Don Krego scored 22, Denny Grisdale 20, Taylor 12, Mosdell 8, McPherson 8 and Brown 4, while Panton, McKay and Kimoto were scoreless. Hartley led the Bakers with 16. Wild added 11, B Drummond 10, Winslade 9, Peterson 9, Potkonjak 4 and G Drummond 3, while MacDoanld, Betcher and Parker were scoreless. …………………………………………………… In game three, the Bakers prevailed 63-61 as Ken Winslade hit a 30-foot bomb with three seconds to play. Winslade paced the Bakers with 16. Gordon Betcher added 10, B Drummond 9, Carter 7, McDonald 6, Hurley 6, Potkonjak 6 and G Drummond 2. Denny Grisdale paced Alberni with 16. Don Krego added 13, Colin McPherson 13, Mosdell 11, Brown 4, Taylor 2 and McKay 2, while Kimoto was scoreless. The Bakers led 33-26 at the half. …………………………………………………… In game four, New Westminster prevailed 54-52 in overtime. The Bakers’ Ed Wild forced overtime when he knotted the score at 46 with a bucket with eight seconds remaining on the clock. Winslade led New Westminster with 15. Hartley added 11, Wild 10, MacDonald 8, Potkonjak 6, Pederson 2 and B Drummond 2, while Betcher, Carter and G Drummond were scoreless. McPherson led Alberni with 13. Krego added 12, Grisdale 9, Mosdell 8, Brown 6, Taylor 3 and McKay 1, while Panton was scoreless. …………………………………………………… In game five, the Bakers took the provincial title with a 66-58 win as Keith Hartley scored 20, Wild 12, Winslade 9, G Drummond 9, B Drummond 5, Potkonjak 4, MacDonald 4, Peterson 2 and Carter 1, while Betcher was scoreless. The Bakers led 36-30 at the half. Colin McPherson paced the Athletics with 17. Krego added 12, Grisdale 12, Taylor 5, Mosdell 4, Brown 4 and McKay 4, while Panton was scoreless.
In the Saskatchewan south finals (a semi-final series that became a final series after the Moose Jaw Jesters defaulted) the Regina Campion Grads defeated the Regina Gems 60-43; 54-61 (Total: 114-104).
In the Saskatchewan finals, the Regina Campion Grads defeated the Saskatoon Regals 60-56; 57-49 (2g-0). …………………………………………………… In game one, the Campion Grads prevailed 60-56 as Gale Downey scored 28, Bernie Collins 7 and Henry Murzyn 6. Errol Needham led the Regals with 18. Bill Carruthers added 11 and Charlie Mayer 8. …………………………………………………… In game two, the Campion Grads clipped the Regals 57-49 as Bob Bell scored 15 Don Holzer 13, Gale Downey 10, Henry Murzyn 10 and Galen Wahlmeier 4. Terry Webster led the Regals with 15. Alton Anderson added 9, Dave Osburn 8 and John Needham 7.
In the western semis, the Lethbridge Broders d’d the New Westminster McGavin’s Bakers 76-67; 83-70 (2g-0). …………………………………………………… In game one, Lethbridge clipped New Westminster 70-67 as Lloyd Harris scored 24, Fester 16, Larson 1, Lilja 11, West 7, Tait 4 and Blacker 2, while Frank was scoreless. Hartley led the Bakers with 17. Potkonjak added 12, G Drummond 12, Betcher 11, Ken Winslade 10, McDonald 4 and Carter 1. While Peterson was scoreless. …………………………………………………… In game two, the Broders took the series by clipping the Bakers 83-70 as Gordon Fester scored 27, Lloyd Harris 25, Lilja 11, Larsen 9, Frank 6, Blacker 3 and West 2, while Tait, Ennis and Sindlinger were scoreless. Bill McDonald led New Westminster with 23. Mike Potkonjak added 19, Hartley 8, Betcher 7, Winslade 5, Pedersen 4 and B Drummond 4, while Carter and G Drummond were scorless.
In the other Western semi, the Winnipeg IPAC Buffaloes defeated the Winnipeg St. Andrews 61-57; 55-54; 60-49 (3g-0). …………………………………………………… In game one, the Buffaloes edged St. Andrews 61-57 as Fred Ingaldson scored 28, Grant Alfonso 11, Jim Bannon 9, Ken Galanchuk 7, Charlie Brower 4 and Doug Hill 2. Gene Walker led the Super Saints with 14. Glen Torgerson added 11, Dave Mills 9, Frank Kiraly 6, Dennis Woolley 5, playing coach Jim Bulloch 5, Blainey 4, Mike Henderson 2 and Stark 1. …………………………………………………… In game two, IPAC edged St. Andrews 55-54 as Don Frame scored 15, Fred Ingaldson 15, Bob Hazel 13, Jim Bannon 8, Brower 2 and Grant Alfonso 2, while Hill, Ken Galanchuk and Fred Melnyk were scoreless. Mills paced the Saints with 15. Woolley added 11, Bulloch 7, Torgerson 6, Kiraly 6, Walker 5, Blainey 2 and Henderson 2, while Gibson and Cook were scoreless. …………………………………………………… In game three, the Buffaloes completed the series sweep with an 60-49 win. The Buffaloes used a zone to confuse the Andies and led 26-19 at the half. Playing coach Fred Ingaldson and Grant Alfonso each scored 16 to pace the Buffaloes. Charlie Brower added 11, Galanchuk 6, Jim Bannon 6, Hazel 2 and Frame 1, while Fred Melnyk, Wayne Bovay and Doug Hill were scoreless. Dave Mills paced the Andies with 23. Jim Bulloch added 6, Frank Kiraly 6, Blainey 5, Dennis Woolley 4, Mike Henderson 3 and Gene Walker 2, while Torgeson and Gibson were scoreless. The Andies also included Bill Carpenter, Bill Novak, Bill DeVries and Wayne Cook.
In the Western final, Lethbridge Broder’s d’d Winnipeg IPAC Buffaloes 75-66; 66-72; 95-80; 87-66 (3g-1). …………………………………………………… In game one, Lethbridge clipped Winnipeg 75-66 as Fester scored 25, Haris 15, Lilja 9, West 8, Larsen 6, Frank 4, Blacker 4 and Tait 4. Ken Galanchuk led the Buffaloes with 15. Grant Alfonso added 12, Jim Bannon 12, Don Frame 11, Fred Ingaldson 8 and Charlie Brower 8. …………………………………………………… In game two, Winnipeg edged Lethbridge 72-66 as Ken Galanchuk scored 21, Fred Ingaldson 20, Jim Bannon 14, Grant Alfonso 9, Charlie Brower 5, Bob Hazel 2 and Don Frame 1. Jack Lilja led Lethbridge with 15. Fester added 13, West 11, Harris 10, Larsen 8, Blacker 8 and Tait 1, while Frank was scoreless. …………………………………………………… In game three, Lethbridge dumped Winnipeg 95-80 as Fester scored 19, Harris 18, Blacker 16, Larsen 12, Lilja 9, Tait 6, Frank 5 and Sindlinger 2. Fred Ingaldson led Winnipeg with 34. Bannon added 13, Alfonso 11, Galanchuk 10, Brower 4, Frame 4, Hazel 2 and Melnyk 2, while Hill was scoreless. …………………………………………………… In game four, Lethbridge took the series by blasting Winnipeg 87-66 as Fester scored 26, Harris 15, West 14, Larsen 14, Lilja 12 and Blacker 4, while Frank and Sindlinger were scoreless. Playing coach Fred Ingaldson paced Winnipeg with 25. Grant Alfonso added 17, Charlie Brower 8, Ken Galanchuk 6, Jim Bannon 2, Don Frame 2, Fred Melnyk 2 and Wayne Bovay 2, while Doug Hill and Sammy Dolhun were scoreless. The Buffaloes (coached by Grant Alfonso, manager Harvey Lipkin) also included Bill Verasky, Don McLean, Gerry Boehm, Bob Baber, Ted Konyk, Bob Hazel, and Gene Haag. After the series the Buffaloes complained that major city teams were at a disadvantage in the national playoffs and had no chance to win the national tourney because the local talent was diluted in four or five teams rather than concentrated in one like at Lethbridge or Tilsonburg. Winnipeg proposed that its league champion be allowed to pick three players from other teams in the local league.
In the national finals, Lethbridge Broders d’d London Fredericks 90-102; 82-94; 87-77; 90-79; 92-90 (3g-2). Lethbridge entered the finals with a (33-15) record, including (11-2) against Canadian competition. Their leader was 5-9 point guard Jack Lilja, who went on to coach university ball at Lethbridge.
In game one, London prevailed 102-90 with 5-8 guard and high school teacher Gene Rizak tossing in 30 points included 8-8 from the line. Barry Howson added 22, Ambi Gardner 16, Bob Gardner 16, John McKibbon 14 and Marshall 6, while Oliver, Thomson and DeArmond were scoreless. The game was tied at 34 at the half. The Broders looked slow and couldn’t keep up with London’s pace. Lloyd Harris led Lethbridge with 33. Gord Fester added 13, Ken Larsen 13, Harry Blacker 13, Jack Lilja 11, West 5 and Tait 2, while Frank was scoreless. Lethbridge shot 35-85 from the field, while London shot 38-97.
In game two, London prevailed 94-82 before a sparse crowd of 100. London took a 41-31 lead, Broders rallied to within one at 66-65 but London’s quickness took over. Broder’s couldn’t control London’s fast break. Lethbridge was led by Lloyd Harris 31, Jack Lilja 15, Harry Blacker 11, The Broders shot 34-87. London was led by Ambrose Gardner 24, Gene Rizak 22 and John McKibbon 18. The Fredericks shot 43-94.
In game 3, Lethbridge took its first win of the series by an 87-77 count before a crowd of 600. The game was decided on 29 fouls called against London, 21 in the second half. Fifteen fouls were called against Lethbridge, which shot 28-68 from the floor and 31-44 from the line. London shot 34-89 from the floor and 9-14 from line. Broders switched to a zone for game three and slowed the ball down to contain London’s fastbreak. Lethbridge led 44-39 at the half and the second frame was a free throw shooting contest. Lethbridge was in the bonus for the last 20 minutes. London was in the bonus for last six minutes. Lloyd Harris led Lethbridge with 24. Al West added 22, Gord Fester 20, Larsen 6, Harry Blacher 6, Jack Lilja 5, Tait 3 and Frank 1, while Sindlinger was scoreless. John McKibbon paced Londson with 24. Barry Howson added 17, Gene Rizak 11, Bob Gardner 10, Marshall 8 and Ambi Gardner 4, while DeArmond and Thomson were scoreless.
In game four, Lethbridge prevailed 90-79. The Broders height and experience were the difference. They played zone, controlled the boards and slowed the tempo to a crawl while holding Londson star John McKibbon scoreless. London up 11-2 after 3 minutes, but Lethbridge cut that to 23-22. London was ahead 43-41 at half, but Lethbridge took control early in second half with a Ken Larson bucket and two field goals by Gord Fester. They never looked back. The 6-6 Ken Larsen scored 25 points, while 6-6 Gord Fester added 22, Lloyd Harris 20 and reserve Harry Blacker 13. Barry Howson paced London with 24. Gene Rizak added 18, Bob Gardner 15 and Ambi Gardner 12.
Game five was a thriller as Lethbridge took the series with a 92-90 triple overtime win. The Broders tied the game on an often-seen but rarely accomplished play in basketball, the deliberately missed free throw. In a nailbiter before 700 fans, Barry Howson hit 2 free throws with 13 seconds to go to put London up 73-70. With seven seconds to go, Al West was fouled by John McKibbon (who fouled out on the play). West sunk his first and deliberately missed the second, bouncing it off the rim to Gord Fester, who passed it back to West who passed it to Gord Fester, who hit a field with three seconds to play in regulation time. In the first overtime, London was up 79-75 but West and then Harry Blacker with 15 seconds to go, hit buckets to even the score. In overtime two, Lethbridge was up 86-85 but Gene Rizak hit a technical and London’s Doug Marshall bounced what would have been the winning shot off the rim at the buzzer. In the third overtime, Lloyd Harris, a native of Rexburg, Idaho, drilled a jumper. It was matched by London’s Dave Thomson but the Broders held on. Lethbridge coach Bob Hamilton later said that his team practiced the three-point play “at least 100 times” during the season. With 6-7 McKibbon on the bench, London had no inside rebounders through overtime. London had been up as much as 15 in first half. Lloyd Harris paced Broders with 31. Jack Lilja added 8 before fouling out in regulation. Gord Fester scored 7 before fouling out in the first overtime. Al West notched 14 before fouling out in the second overtime. Ken Larsen added 15 and Logan Tait 10, Harry Blacker 4 and Glen Ennis 3. Gene Rizak paced the Fredericks with 30. John McKibbon added 15, Doug Marshall 14, Ambrose Gardner 13, Barry Howson 12, Bob Gardner 4 and Dave Thomson2, while Oliver and DeArmon were scoreless.
The runner-up London Fredericks: John McKibbon; Gene Rizak; Barry Howson; Ambrose Gardner; John McKibbon; Doug Marshall; Bob Gardner; De Armon, Oliver, Dave Thompson; DeArmon; Martin; coach Roger MacAulay
The champion Lethbridge Broders: Jack Lilja; Logan Tait; Ken Larsen; Gord Fester; Harry Blacker; Lloyd Harris; Al West; Glen Ennis; Arnie Frank; Tom Sindlinger; Doug Terry; Bob Bradley; coach Bob Hamilton; manager Hal Brown; trainer Peter Vanderhilt