The KVHS varsity boys basketball capped off a demanding week, playing six games in seven days, by capturing 3rd place at the Rothesay Hoop Classic.
Heading into the weekend, the Rothesay Hoop Classic was shaping up to be one of the toughest challenges of the season to date. The teams on the boys side included Moncton (#1 ranked AAA team), Fredericton (#3), KVHS (#4), Rothesay (#5), Riverview (#7) and Woodstock (#2 ranked AA team). Given the strength of the field and the parity across the top of the AAA rankings this season, a team could go winless for the tournament and still feel like they played well.
In the third place game on Sunday, the Crusaders faced a shorthanded Moncton Purple Knights team that had beat them by 3 points two days earlier during pool play. Much like in the first meeting, the two teams play the first 20 minutes even with the Crusader holding a 2 point lead at the half 32-30. In the 2nd half, KVHS was able pull away as Moncton’s bench wasn’t able to find the scoring touch. The Crusaders won the 3rd quarter 26-14 and the 4th quarter 22-12 for the 80-56 victory.
The player of the game for KVHS was Jack Way.
Leaders for KVHS was:
- Cole Defazio with 20 points
- Kaden Burns with 10 rebounds
- Jack Way with 12 points
Leaders for Moncton were:
- Felly Njilayi with 15 points
- Kevin Lee with 13 points
Tournament All Star
Liam McKee was the KVHS representative on the tournament all star team. Liam had a tremendous weekend, especially on offensive at of the court. He started the weekend with a 31 point, 7 rebound performance against Woodstock, then backed that up with a 36 point, 11 rebound, 5 steal outing against Moncton. In the semi-final against Fredericton High Black Kats, Liam had 15 points, 6 rebounds, 2 blocks and 3 steals. Liam then finished his weekend with a “quiet” 10 point, 5 rebound, 3 steal game in less than 18 minutes against Moncton in the 3rd place game.
How The Got There
- Game #1: Woodstock Thunder – The Crusaders struggled shooting in the opener against the #2 ranked AA Woodstock Thunder so relied on their defense to grind out a 65-47 victory. Player of the game for KVHS was Liam McKee.
- Game #2: Moncton Purple Knights – In what was a very entertaining and well played high school basketball game, the Crusaders came up short loosing 82-79. Player of the game for KVHS was Cole DeFazio.
- Game #3: Fredericton Black Kats – Once again the Crusader held a lead in the 4th quarter against the Black Kats but costly turnovers cost them the victory. Blacks win 94-84 sending the Crusaders to the 3rd place game. Player of the game for KVHS was Gabe Richards.
What’s Next
The Crusaders have another busy week ahead. They start by hosting Harbour View on Monday night then travel to Sussex on Wednesday. On Thursday the team heads to Fredericton to face the Black Kats in opening night action for the Rick Cotter Classic.