Spartans win OBA tourney in Cambridge
The West Ferris Spartans OBA (Ontario Baketball Association) Juvenile basketball team captured the Cambridge basketball tournament over the weekend. In their 1st game they defeated the Niagara Falls Red Raiders 55-44.
The West Ferris Spartans OBA (Ontario Baketball Association) Juvenile basketball team captured the Cambridge basketball tournament over the weekend.
In their 1st game they defeated the Niagara Falls Red Raiders 55-44. The Spartans held a slim half time lead but pulled away late to earn the victory. Charlie Hancock led the way with 15 points. Other high scorers for the Spartans were Brady Facette 8, Sam Levac 8, Spencer Brear 7, and Detlev Himmelman with 6.
In their 2nd game they played Belleville Spirits coached by Jim Barbeau who has captured 3 straight OFSAA 'AA' Basketball titles from 2005-2007 with Nicholson Secondary School. The Spartans jumped all over the Spirits early taking 24-6 1st quarter lead and never looking back on route to 68-44 victory. The Spartan team defense held star recruit Sean Barbeau (brother Ryan plays CIS at the University of Western) to 2 points the entire game and frustrated him as he left the game early in the 4th with 5 fouls. Hancock and Levac led the way with 16 points each. Other high scorers were Jake Tougas with 10, Brear 9, Himmelman 5, Joey Puddister 4, Braeden Stevenson 3, and Phil Thesen 3.
In the Championship game the Spartans were up against top seed and host Cambridge Centaurs. The game didn't start well for the Spartans as they fell behind 16-4 to a very inspired team from Cambridge who wanted to avenge a loss to West Ferris in the semi finals of a tournament in Barrie last year. The Spartans clawed back with the help of their bench. Tyler Cameron hit a couple of key shots and Michael Cuncins played solid D to help regain some of the team's composure. A last second 3 pointer by Jake Tougas before the half gave the Spartans their 1st lead of the game 24-23.
The second half saw the Spartans hit two 3 pointers right away by Sam Levac and the Trojans build a comfortable 7 point lead. They build on it as the game went on only to see the Centaurs make an incredible recovery erasing a late 12 point lead. Two quick threes and and old fashioned 3 point play cut the lead to 52-49 with 43 seconds left. Clutch free throw shooting down the stretch enabled the Spartans to escape with a hard fought 55-49 victory.
Sam Levac was a monster on the boards with an impressive double double 16 points and 12 rebounds. Spencer Brear palyed great defense and contributed with 12 for the Green and White. Brady Facette played his best game of the tournament and added 11 points.
The Spartans continue their tournament schedule as they travel to Belleville next weekend. They also are in Newmarket April 17-19, Niagara Falls May 8-10 and the OBA All Ontario Champinships May 29-31 in Oshawa. The Spartans will also play a number of exhibtion game against other club teams in the province in the pursuit of a very elusive Ontario title.
The West Ferris Spartans are in the 7th year of affliation with Basketball Ontario. This program has assisted players like Dustin Anthony, Brandon Brown, Andrew MacIntosh and Morgan Brown to play at the OCAA and CIS levels.
Members of the team are Chris Kangur, Curtis Devlin, Braeden Stevenson, Jake Tougas, Michael Cuncins, Sam Levac, Tyler Cameron, Spencer Brear, Charlie Hancock, Detlev Himmelman, Brady Facette, Phil Thesen and Joey Puddister. Coaches include Doyle Anthony, Larry Tougas, and Peter Topolie.
Submitted to BayToday. Photo by David Himmelman
