Article By: Susan GambleThe Assumption Lions took an early lead in the Brant County high school senior boys basketball one-game sudden death semifinal Thursday night. But they soon learned that no lead was a safe one with the North Park Trojans nipping at their heels.
Assumption won – but just by a single point, 53-52.
Assumption will go on to play St. John’s College in next week's Brant County final.
With just a one point lead of 8-7 after the first quarter, the Lions were able to increase the spread until it was a satisfying 36-27 after the third.
But as Assumption coach Mike Petrella said, “When you're playing against North Park, honestly a 10-point lead is not safe.”
Sure enough, the Trojans fought tenaciously through the last quarter, right to the last seconds when final basket gave the Lions the win.
“North Park plays great defences and all credit to them,” said Petrella.
“We played well and we had that lead but it only takes a couple of minutes for North Park to fight back.”
Petrella said he's been trying to preach intensity to the team but hasn't always seen the kind of aggressive, intensive game the Lions brought on Thursday.
He pointed out players such as Andre Toic who “sets the tone for us” as the team's main ball-handler, and players like Mike King and Austin Tlustos who “hit the big shots”.
“Also Tanner Baldin is our No. 1 defender and plays phenomenal defence.”
For the Trojans, it was a heartbreaker but coach Todd Andrew said his players ended their year valiantly.
“We knew going into the year the room for error was very small and unfortunately tonight we needed one more bounce and we didn't get it.”
Andrew said Jon Dulmage was critical to the play Thursday night.
“He's a fifth-year kid and he's likely going to go on to play at the next level. Matt Minutillo, our shooting guard also played an important role. He's the type of kid who can catch fire quickly and he did tonight.”
Andrew said the close game was basketball at its best – the “best bang for your buck – great for the kids, the coaches and the fans.”
Retrieved From: http://www.brantfordexpositor.ca/2014/02/06/high-school-boys-basketball-lions-green-eagles-to-play-for-senior-championship
