The senior basketball team has run into a series of injuries to key players. To lose so many top-notch players would be an issue for most high school teams, but Coach Wong has enormous depth in his squad this year. Thus, he turned to his bench on Tuesday night against Seycove and his players responded. Although the team suffered a narrow loss to the Seahawks, it was terrific to see so many players rise to the occasion when they were given an increase in playing time. This turned out to be a big confidence boost for the players who then stepped it up even more on Thursday. Here is Coach Wong's report on the big win over STA:
What do Kevin Love, DeMarcus Cousins, and John Wall all have in common with Collingwood's Senior Varsity Team? They are three basketball players who, like the Cavs, are banged up and currently out of the line-up.
The Cavs, who sit 6th in AA had a tough league loss to the Seycove Seahawks (#5 AA) 74-67 on Tuesday. Lochlan Collins returned to the line-up, and battled through an ankle injury. He finished with 16 pts. Aleem Karmali made his debut as a starter with the team. In 38 minutes of play, the sharp-shooting grade 11 went 7 for 13 from downtown. The crowd was wowed by the range he showcased. Denis Tuck finished with 12 pts and 22 rbds, as he continues to lead the league in rebounds per game.
On Thursday, the Cavs defeated St. Thomas Aquinas 73-58 in league play. The much needed win, was in front of a raucous crowd. The team had to create hand signals for their plays to fight over the noisy and unrelenting fans. Collingwood was without the services of Brodie Jacobs, Imraan Karmali, Ben Wrixon, and Riley Arbogast. Aleem Karmali continued his torrid scoring pace from beyond the arc, going 6 for 11. He finished the night with 24 pts 6rbds and 4 asts. The statskeepers had to create who new category for Denis Tuck's rebounds, as he finished with 25 rbds. Tariq Alibhai had 15pts and 7rbds.
The team will take the weekend off to rest and recover before resuming league play vs. Elphinstone next week on Tuesday at home. It will be the only time the Cavs see the Cougars in league play, and the game will be worth 4pts.
Lochlan Collins' return from injury made a huge difference in games this week against Seycove and STA.
Kane Vidalin came in yesterday and was outstanding at the top of the Cavs' zone defence where he forced STA in multiple turnovers.
The 'human rebounding machine' Denis Tuck ripped down a ridiculous 25 boards in yesterday's win over STA.