Bobby Braich knows that it can be tough to play in the shadow of another team.
Braich is the head coach of the boys Fraser Valley Gold basketball team, which was put together as a second team for the region, after the Kootenays (Zone 1) didn't enter a squad in the competition at the 2012 BC Summer Games in Surrey, B.C.
However, Braich and his squad proved that they are no pushovers when it comes down to the wire.
Fraser Valley Gold defeated the first Fraser Valley team, 41-39, in the bronze medal game, with Braich's team scoring five points in the final 30 seconds.
"It feels great," Braich said. "As a coach, you want to win and we did it the old fashioned way. We didn't get anything given to us and I'm really happy for these guys."
For most of the game, Braich's tactics were to play strong defensively, while keeping close to their local rivals on the scoreboard.
"This felt really good because we were the 'B' team and all the players knew each other and play on teams together," Braich said. "Everyone on our team thought we were going to lose today," Braich admitted.
The coach said that the support from the fans for Fraser Valley Gold has been immense.
"We had an Indian drum, guys with signs, loud fans and nervous moms. And, because we were underdogs, I guess they cheered even harder," Briach said.
Victory has never tasted so sweet for Braich and his squad. "For them it's a bronze medal, but it feels like gold."
