The Whitehorse Vanier Catholic Crusaders captured their fourth consecutive crown by thrashing the Whitehorse Porter Creek Rams 95-68. “I didn’t talk about it until halftime, reminding them, other than going undefeated and finishing a successful season, we were also going for our fourth senior title in a row,” Crusaders coach Sean McCarron told the Yukon News. “Three quarters (of the team) are graduating, so we did want to win for a number of reasons. Mainly because we put a lot of time and energy trying to be successful. To see it play out was pretty satisfying.” Vanier broke to a 7-0 lead and pulled away. They led 69-56 after three quarters. “It’s definitely a very humbling win,” said Crusaders co-captain and tournament MVP Chris Carino. “Throughout the season we were trying not to become complacent and keep our feet on the ground with big margin wins. And make the other team better and play to our standards. At the end it’s all about how we play as team.” The Crusaders capped an undefeated season. “The cohesiveness of the team, people knowing their roles, knowing they have to cheer, score, rebound,” was the reason for the success, said Carino. “People embracing their roles on the team.” Carino paced the Crusaders with 42, including 7 treys. R.J. Siosan added 25 and Josh Tobias 23. Chris Neyso, Brad Jacobson and Pierre Lafever each scored 13 for the Rams. “Most of our guys have been playing for Basketball Yukon the last few years and that helped develop our game together, and knowing each other on and off the court,” said Carino. “It’s definitely nice to finish off on good note.”
The bronze medalist Whitehorse F.H. Collins Warriors: Hughie Fordyce-Fortune; Ryan Hindson; Malcolm Muir; Keith Foote;
The silver medalist Whitehorse Porter Creek Rams: Chris Nerysoo; Brad Jacobson; Pierre Lafever; Cassel Scholz;
The gold medalist Whitehorse Vanier Catholic Crusaders: Christian Carino; Ian New; R.J. Siosan; Josh Tobias; Kieran Stacey; John Mark Maynes; Alex Bouvier; Nylan Duncan; David Cuenza; Mason Pritchett; Jeorge Pagon; Kyle Rubio; John Pagobo; Zach Giczi; Christian Cuenza; coach Sean McCarron