D5 Senior: Trojans Handle Eagles in Low-Scoring Affair

Trojans Win "Sloppy" In Opener
By: Darryl G. Smart

Brantford Expositor - Retrieved From: http://www.brantfordexpositor.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2451919

Despite an undefeated regular season record and breezing its way to the senior boys basketball final, Dave Eves said it's still a long road to the title for him and his North Park Collegiate Trojans teammates.

"We can't take this game for granted," Eves said after the Trojans beat the St. John's College Green Eagles 40-29 in Game 1 of the city final. "St. John's is always a tough team to beat. We have to come back Thursday and play a lot better."

Despite the win, Eves said he and his teammates weren't very satisfied after the game.

"It was a sloppy game," Eves said. "We didn't play to our potential at all. We need to do a much better job if we want to win this thing."

He did admit that because they were in a rematch of last year's final against the defending champs, there were some nerves despite being a veteran team.

"Last year was on our minds a bit, even though this year we're the team that's being chased," Eves said.

Eves, who led the Trojans with 11 points said they were playing as individuals and coach Todd Andrew in the dressing room hammered that home after the game.

"He told us we have to start playing as a team," Eves said. "That's how we win games."

Eves said the Trojans only highlight of the game came from the free-throw line, where they amassed 20 points.

Cale McDonald scored eight for the Trojans, while Mike Dulmage added six. Brandon Webster scored four and Mark Dickens had two.

While the Trojans went home wanting to improve on its subpar performance by their standards, Green Eagles coach Nick Esposito had only one message for his team after the game. "We just have to put the ball in the net," Esposito said. "You can't win games when you score 29 points."