The wins keep on coming for the Charles Hays junior boys Rainmakers.
On the weekend, the team claimed two more victories in Kitimat to add to its perfect 12-0 season so far.
Playing at Mount Elizabeth Secondary School, the boys took on Smithers Secondary School (SSS) and Coast Tsimshian Academy (CTA). Against SSS, the Rupert squad dominated with a 71-29 victory. Daniel Cachero had a strong game, scoring 21 points. Kai Leighton added 14 and Tyler Jackson had 12.
In the second game, the Rainmakers beat CTA 76-39. This time, Leighton led the team with 29 points and Eric Lees had 10, while the rest of the team chipped in.
“Defence was a little bit better with some of the things we’ve been working on this week, just individual defence both on and off the ball,” coach Kevin Sawka said.
The team will be focusing on improving that aspect of the game, particularly rebounding, in advance of the playoffs. The Rainmakers defence isn’t bad now, the coach said, but he believes it can be a lot better with more time spent on key, specific things.
The big news of the weekend was the return of Brandon Burnett, who had been out all season with calf injuries. The centre got some minutes in and scored seven points in the second game.
“He would have been a starter this year, but now it’s about getting healthy, building up his conditioning and stamina and continuing to get his legs stronger,” Sawka said.
Brendan Eshom has been starting at centre instead this season. Once Burnett is totally healthy, it’ll be a shot in the arm for the Rainmakers to have both healthy centres ready to play.
Rupert will play some games against alumni to stay sharp next weekend and will host the Duchess Park Condors Feb. 3-5.