WCSSAA Junior Semifinal #2: Rens Upset Gaels for CWOSSA berth

Filip Cvrkalj might want to be sick more often.

Battling an illness that kept him out of the Rens' starting lineup, their all-star guard poured in 28 points to lead them to a 54-48 overtime victory over the Cameron Heights Golden Gaels.

The loss ends CHCI's season, while Grand River will advance to AAAA CWOSSA.

This marked the third time in the last three years (including last year's championship game) that the Renegades were victorious over the Gaels at Cameron Heights ---- this time in thrilling fashion. The Rens overcame a 14-point fourth quarter deficit to send the game to overtime and earn a 54-48 OT victory.

The Gaels really have nobody but themselves to blame, as they had numerous opportunities to pull away, especially in the first half. However, they shot 0-for-7 from the FT line in the first half and took a slim 19-17 lead into the break.

In the third, it looked like the Gaels had finally put everything together. They outscored the Rens 18-6 to take what seemed like an insurmountable (given the pace of the game) 37-23 lead into the fourth quarter.

Then, the Rens caught fire.

Cvrkalj was virtually unconscious in the final frame, drilling some threes deep behind the arc. The Rens cranked up the defensive intensity and forced some turnovers with pressure. Grand River actually scored the first 16 points of the final frame (including a quick 12-0 run in 2:30 to start the quarter) to take a 39-37 lead.

With the score 44-41 GRCI and under 2:00 to go, CHCI's Vedran Dmitrovic drilled a step-back three to tie the game at 44. On the ensuing possession, Cvrkalj drilled his 6th (!) three pointer of the game to give the Rens a 47-44 lead. Dmitrovic tied the game again at 47 with his fourth three of the game --- and only about :35 remaining.

The Rens had a Cvrkalj off-balance jumper fall short at the buzzer, and we headed to the extra frame ---- a frame that was dominated by the Rens.

Chuder Teny had a field goal and several free throws and the Renegades outscored Cameron 7-1 in the extra frame to escape with a 54-48 victory and a CWOSSA berth.

Cvrkalj finished with 28 for Grand River, while Teny added 13 points. Dmitrovic did everything he could with 21 points and 17 rebounds for Cameron -- however, he finished just 1-for-6 from the free throw line.

GRCI 06-11-06-24-07 = 54
CHCI 09-10-18-10-01 = 48

GRCI (54)
C. Teny 3-9, 7-8 FT, 4 Reb, 4 Ast - 13 Pts.
N. Walker 2-8, 1-3 FT, 5 Reb, 2 Ast - 5 Pts.
T. Hasani 0-7, 0-2 FT, 4 Reb, 0 Ast - 0 Pts.
No. 34 2-9, 0-1 FT, 5 Reb, 1 Ast - 6 Pts.
N. Bevan 1-4, 0-0 FT, 4 Reb, 0 Ast - 2 Pts.
F. Cvrkalj 10-19, 2-2 FT, 5 Reb, 1 Ast - 28 Pts.

Field Goals: .321. Free Throws: .625. Three-Point Goals, 8-19, .421 (Cvrkalj 6-10, No. 34 2-7,
N. Bevan 0-1, C. Teny 0-2).

CHCI (48)
N. Simic 2-9, 1-2 FT, 2 Reb, 2 Ast - 5 Pts.
V. Dmitrovic 8-24, 1-6 FT, 17 Reb, 0 Ast - 21 Pts.
D. Malesevic 2-10, 3-4 FT, 4 Reb, 1 Ast - 7 Pts.
M. Kolovic 5-7, 1-2 FT, 7 Reb, 0 Ast - 11 Pts.
J. Thompson 2-8, 0-2 FT, 11 Reb, 1 Ast - 4 Pts.
V. Matovic 0-2, 0-0 FT, 1 Reb, 0 Ast - 0 Pts.

Field Goals: .316. Free Throws: .375. Three-Point Goals, 4-19, .211 (Dmitrovic 4-12, No. 23 0-1, N. Simic 0-2, D. Malesevic 0-4).