Height won, but not without a lot of effort.
The Humboldt Collegiate Institute (HCI) junior boys' basketball team defeated the St. Brieux Crusaders in a semifinal league game on February 14.
The HCI team is composed of several tall Grade 9 players, with a smattering of smaller players, while the Crusaders have a young, small team.
Despite the difference in height, HCI didn't walk away with the game as the Crusaders showed off their ball-handling and shooting skills.
The first quarter saw HCI take control, running up a 17-8 lead after eight minutes of play.
The second quarter belonged to St. Brieux, as they settled down and took advantage of their better ball handling skills to sink baskets.
HCI kept control under the basket, but with few rebounds, it didn't matter.
HCI led 33-25 at the half.
The third quarter saw the Crusaders stage a comeback, using speed and turnovers to close the gap.
HCI had trouble sinking their shots, but their height allowed them to make some points after several shots for each.
The quarter ended with HCI only leading 40-36.
The Crusaders couldn't keep up the momentum in the fourth quarter. Play got very rough in the last eight minutes, with players bouncing around at times like it was roller derby and not basketball.
HCI's height saved them once again, as they were able to capitalize on missed shots.
HCI won the game 56-46.
"I'm very happy with the team. We played very well," said Gary Pachkowski, Crusader coach, after the game. ""Not having a big man to rebound hurt us."
Pachkowski is looking forward to next year already, as most of his team will be returning. As well, the Crusaders might have one more shot at HCI, as it is possible the teams could meet at Districts.
HCI coach Kevin Plemel had nothing but praise for St. Brieux.
"It was a tight game," he said. "It's always close when we play St. Brieux. They are going to continue to be good."
HCI put a good team effort into the game, Plemel said.
"I played all 12 (players) today," he said. "We have a well-rounded team and it let us conserve our energy."
Offence was also an important part of HCI's win, Plemel added.
"Rebounding was definitely our strength today," he explained. "We were being aggressive on the offensive end."
The Horizon Central Athletic Association Junior Pre-District basketball championships are scheduled for March 1 and 3 in various locations across the Horizon School Division. Junior Districts are set for March 5.
