Senior Boys basketball on a mission for championship

Alex Arsenault doing his best superman impression while attempting a layup in traffic. -Alexia Cochrane photo

The PECI SR Boys Basketball team made a statement to the rest of the league this week that players are on a mission for the Bay of Quinte Championship.

The boys matched up with rival NCC Crusaders Thursday evening in front of a packed gym at PECI. The boys were coming off a big 64 – 35 win over St. Pauls at Trenton earlier in the week, and they got off to another great start leading 8 – 3 after the first quarter.

“Since the start of the new year, we’ve really been stressing the importance of our defence,” said coach Rob Garden. “To hold NCC to three first quarter points is a great sign that the boys are buying in. We have some real defensive standouts like Logan Stark, Thomas Davies, Ross Maycock, Cameron Pero and Cooper Rogers who can shut down the oppositions best players.”

The boys had a balanced attack in the first half with six players scoring, including three pointers from Devon Wilton and Thomas Davies and led 26 – 17 at the half.

“We were happy with our performance in the first half, but the boys knew that we had too many turnovers and took some unnecessary fouls. They are an experienced bunch so coach Ernie MacMillan and I don’t have to say much and we’re letting the boys take the lead,” said Garden.

The boys made the adjustments and jumped all over NCC and won the quarter 11 – 3. Ryan Doolan started the quarter and was effective on the boards and Dylan Morrow came off the bench and made an immediate impact by taking a charge foul that gave the team energy.

Ghaffar Mehmood hitting a three pointer, 3 of his season high 10 points. – Alexia Cochrane photo

Ghaffar Mehmood had his best game of the season, scoring a season high 10 points. “Ghaffar suffered a knee injury and has not been able to play for over a year. He stuck with it, rehabbed and it’s great to see him getting his timing and confidence back.”

Despite some early foul trouble, Alex Arsenault took over in the 4th quarter, scoring 9 of his 14 points. “Alex is a tremendous athlete and the strongest player I’ve ever coached. He’s learning how to control his emotions and stay out of foul trouble, but he dominated the quarter and the rest of our guys get energy and confidence when he plays like that,” said Garden.

With the 45-33 win, the team improves their league record to 5 – 0 and moves into a tie for first place in the Bay of Quinte League. Up next for the team is a trip to Port Hope this weekend to compete in the prestigious Trinity College Invitational Tournament.

Logan Stark attacking the basket and scoring 2 of his 8 points. – Alexia Cochrane photo