Basketball season opened with a flourish yesterday at Collingwood with a boys' triple-header. The Grade 9 Boys and Junior Boys tipped off with wins against Sutherland, while the Senior Boys overcame a terrible start to post a 20-point win over local rival Sentinel.
The Grade 9 boys' game had special significance as this was the first high school action for both teams as none of the players had a chance to play in Grade 8. The Cavs quickly established dominance and used their superior athleticism to score some terrific transition baskets throughout the game.
The Junior Boys followed suit and quickly shot ahead of the Sabres with a deadly combination of fast-break 'buckets' and steady outside shooting. The result was a very solid victory for the Cavs.
The excitement and tension inside the Senior Cavs dressing room before the game was palatable as all but one player got ready for their first game at the senior level. While star point-guard Nic Wrixon had been through this as a Grade 10, everyone else was stepping on the court for the first time as a senior.
This may have contributed to the nervous start by Collingwood. The team was not sharp and the Spartans raced to a 19-6 first quarter lead. The opening night crowd may have been dismayed, but Coaches Wong and Ross quietly settled the Cavs and the result was a devastating second quarter and a halftime lead for Collingwood. The Cavs continued to play well in the second half and finished 75-55 victors.
Nic Wrixon led the way with 20 points. Anderson Stewart knocked in 17 points and Isaac Puar poured in another 15 points.
The Collingwood Senior Girls' team was also in their first action of the season yesterday. Unfortunately, The Big Ticket tournament that the team was entered into had to be cancelled due to the gas shortages. This tournament would have provided the team with three games this week. Instead, the Cavs played Handsworth in scrimmage last night. The Cavs played very well before falling to the AAAA Royals.
Two years ago, Nic Wrixon was a sharp-shooting Grade 10 who had a veteran cast around him. This year, he will be the player all the opposing teams are trying to stop. Nic's 15 points in the second half led the Cavs to victory.