The Bermuda Under-19 basketball team just missed out on a place on the podium after finishing fourth at this week’s Heartlake Winter Classic in Brampton, Ontario, Canada.

Bermuda suffered a heavy 52-25 loss against St Thomas Aquinas in the third-place playoff at the Heart Lake High School on Wednesday.

“The third place game against St Thomas Aquinas would be a severe test due to the los Adam McDonald, their best ball handler, to injury in his last game,” Tim Trott, the Bermuda Basketball Association executive committee member, said. “Also unable to play due to injury would be Jermayne Dears.

“The opposing team was one that like to use their athleticism and length to pressure teams into turnovers.

“The coaching staff had seen their press manhandle the previous day and devised a way to beat that that strategy.

“The team Bermuda was successful in advancing the ball at times but were unable to score. Other times they reverted to holding the ball or forcing difficult passes.

“All in all, the effort was there, but we were unable to get over the hump.”

Bermuda were led at the eight-team tournament by head coach Kent Tacklyn.

Tacklyn’s charges started their campaign on the front foot with a comfortable 65-43 win over first round opponents Judith Nyman to advance to the Championship Draw where they lost to Bramalea 64-58 in an evenly fought contest.

Bermuda were making their second straight appearance at the tournament having also competed at last year’s event, winning one game and losing four.

Tournament hosts Heart Lake High School were crowned champions after brushing aside Bramalea 64-39 in the championship game.