Simcoe Reformer: Finding Rhythm

Article By:  Jeff Dertinger

WATERFORD -- One team is focused on improving their defence, the other their offence. Such is life less than two weeks into a new high school basketball season.
The Holy Trinity Titans senior boys were in Waterford Tuesday where they handed the defending champion Wolves a 49-32 loss. The Titans were scoring right from the get-go and pulled away in the second half after putting extra pressure on the Wolves offence.

"We did all right -- could've done better if we didn't miss those easy layups -- but yeah, overall it wasn't bad," Titans point guard Josh Johnson said.

Johnson and centre Kevin MacDonald led the scoring with 13 each. Both MacDonald and Johnson attacked the rim aggressively and the inside-outside combo was responsible for most of the 26 Holy Trinity points in the first half.

Waterford managed to stay within striking range though, putting up 19 in the first 16 minutes of play. They too missed numerous layups underneath the basket, yet offset that by draining outside shots. Aaron Hall hit a couple threes and finished with nine points, while Mark Sheridan was on target from the corner of the key, leading the team with 10.

In the second half, Holy Trinity switched to full-court pressure and dialed up the intensity. Andrew Mattan showed off his quick hands and feet with several steals and easy baskets, as the Titans pulled away for a 40-28 lead after three.

Waterford was struggling to put up points through the remainder of the game, something that has plagued this young team in all three games this season.

"We're a young team and a lot of these guys haven't even played league basketball before, but they're coming along pretty good," Wolves guard Jeffery Paul said. "Our offensive play needs to improve, but the defence is looking good. We just need to box out, create shots and keep working at it."

After dropping their season opener against the Simcoe Sabres, Holy Trinity has reeled off two straight, beating Port Dover by almost a wide margin last Thursday. The key for HT is protecting the rim and forcing bad shots.

"We have to keep working on our defence," Johnson said. "In this league, if you can play D, you're in pretty good shape. We already know we got guys who can score. It's coming."

Waterford has now lost three straight to open the year, but that isn't unexpected. In high school, being a two-time defending champion doesn't mean much when the majority of your players graduate.

The Wolves were right there with Holy Trinity though. They have good athletes on the roster and their defence was pretty solid for much of the game. As Johnson said, in the Norfolk loop, it all starts with that.

In the junior game it was Waterford coming out on top against the Holy Trinity Titans.

Elsewhere around the league: Donte Richardson led the Delhi Raiders in scoring as DDSS toppled Valley Heights 56-46.

In the junior game, Marshall Winsor nailed three shots from beyond the arc to help the Delhi juniors beat the Bears 57-43. Drew Murray also chipped in with close to 10 points and a handful of assists for the 3-0 Raiders.

Games between the Port Dover Lakers and Simcoe Sabres were cancelled.

Tuesday's games were the last of 2010, as the high school league goes on hiatus for the Christmas break. Play resumes Jan. 4.

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