WCSSAA: Gaels Knock Knights From Ranks of Unbeaten

It was the play of #3 that was key to victory during Tuesday's game between the Bluevale Knights and Cameron Heights Golden Gaels.

This time, however, we aren't talking about Bluevale guard Stefan Cvrkalj.

In fact, it was Cameron Heights #3, Amjed Osman, who led his club to the victory and put an end to Bluevale's WCSSAA league and playoff winning streak.  The Knights went undefeated during league play last year, and were 4-0 to start the 2010-11 campaign.

Cameron got off to a quick start, leading 18-8 after one (and extending to a 20-8 lead early in the second quarter).  The Knights battled back towards the end of the quarter, and got within 5 before Vedran Dmitrovic hit a big three-pointer with under one minute to play in the half; Cameron took a 31-25 lead heading into halftime.

The Knights could not muster a push in the second half to get any closer than 5; the second half was mostly a "6 to 8" point advantage for Cameron Heights.  Perhaps the key turning point occurred late in the third quarter, when Bluevale had two consecutive possessions with a 6 point deficit.  However, both ended in unforced turnovers.

Back to Osman --- his penetration was a key factor for the Gaels in this one.  He's got great quickness and was able to get past Bluevale's guards with regularity, resulting in lay-up attempts or dishes to teammates.  Cameron Heights held a decisive advantage in "points in the paint".

The Gaels also did a nice job on defense, and limited the damage caused by Cvrkalj, whose future college coach, Brett Reed from Lehigh, was in attendance.  Cvrkalj had just 12 points before draining a three at the buzzer to cut the final margin to 57-49 and finish with 15.

Nebojsa Djeric led Cameron with 15, while Osman finished with 14.  Alongside Cvrkalj's 15, Adam Zack was the only other Knight in double figures with 10.

The Gaels won't have much time to celebrate their win as they have another tough test on Thursday --- the SJAM Highlanders (5-0).  Bluevale will improve to 5-1 before the Christmas break with a "bye win" over Elmira.