This past weekend the KVHS Blue Knights, currently rank #4 in AAA, traveled to Fredericton’s north side to compete in the annual Lion’s Den Tournament hosted by Leo Hayes High School. They were joined by Fredericton High Black Kats (#2 AAA), Sussex Sonics (#3 AAA), Leo Hayes (#5 AAA), Carleton North (#1 AA), Miramichi Valley (#2 AA), and Woodstock (#3 AAA).
KVHS Blue Knights finish the Lion’s Den tournament with a 2-1 record.
Game #1: Carleton North
KVHS kicked off the tournament taking on the top AA in the province. At the beginning it looked as if the blue Knight’s offensive struggles from their previous game would continue. This time around, however, KVHS used their pressure defense to turnover the North Stars and convert those steals into points. KVHS was able to grind out a tough 13-6 first quarter lead and then extend that lead to 30-17 at the half.
The second half was much the same. KVHS struggled to hit perimeter shots but were able to score enough in transition and from offensive rebounds to win the 3rd quarter by 12. In the 4th, the North Stars were able to give the Blue Knight a taste of their own medicine, forcing KVHS into several turnovers of their own. CNHS was able to cut the lead to 15, but after a couple of timeouts KVHS was able to right the ship to come away with the hard fought victory 69-45.
POG for KVHS was Nick Hersey who finished with 8 points, 7 rebounds, 5 steals, 3 assists and 2 blocks.
Game #2: Fredericton High School
In the semi-finals, the Blue Knight faced off against long time rival Fredericton High School. As has been the case the last few seasons, the two teams battled back-and-forth the entire 40 minutes with neither team able to get a comfortable lead. Once again, the games was also a contrast in styles. The Blue Knights depend on an aggressive man-to-man defense to generate offense, while the Black Kats have several shooters who can spread the floor to create driving lanes and offensive rebounding opportunities.
The Black Kats won the 1st quarter 19-15 and the 2nd quarter 14-11 for a low scoring 33-26 first half. In the 3rd quarter KVHS was able to turn things around, winning the quarter 20-15 and cutting the FHS lead to 48-46.
The 4th quarter continued to be a tough, well fought contest until the final five minutes which belong to the boys from the South Side who scored second chance points by crashing the offensive boards to come away with the 66-56 win.
POG for KVHS was Liam McKee with 24 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 steals while playing the entire game.
Game #3: Leo Hayes
In the 3rd place game, KVHS faced off against tournament hosts Leo Hayes Lions. Much like the previous two games, KVHS used their pressure defense to generate offense, however, this time the Blue Knights did show a much improved zone offense, knocking down several 3-pointers and getting some timely interior play.
KVHS jumped out to an early 19-5 1st quarter lead then followed that up with a 19-10 2nd quarter for a 38-15 half time advantage. The Lions responded in the 3rd quarter, matching the Blue Knights at 19 points. The two teams then traded possessions in a low scoring 4th quarter which KVHS won 11-6 for the 68-40 victory.
KVHS had a well balanced attack that saw 11 of the 12 players hit the score sheet, including KVHS Player of the Game, Jack Way, who had with 7 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists.
What’s Next
KVHS does not get much time to enough their success from the weekend as they host Simonds Sea Bees on Monday February 28 at 7:15 pm then travel down the hill on Tuesday November 29 to take on Rothesay High School.