In NDA boys basketball action, one championship series is complete while the other will go the distance.
The West Ferris juniors ran away from a fiery Algonquin Barons squad late in game one and did so again in game two as the Trojans clinched their second straight NDA crown on their home court by a 51-43 margin.
Rowan Waye led the Trojans with 20 points and Quincy Brown played a crucial role on defence while pitching in with 15 points.
The Trojans returned six players from last year's winning team and all played major parts in the repeat performance in their grade 10 seasons under head coach Sam Levac.
"This is a great group of guys that love to play basketball every single day," said Levac following the win. "Their work ethic for the sport is undeniable and they've come such a long way from the start of grade 9, and from the start of this season, they've really matured and worked hard at their game which showed in the finals. It's really nice to see it come together at the right time. It's not how you start a season. It's always how you finish it. Excited to compete at NOSSA next weekend in Sudbury. Also looking forward to seeing these guys play at the next level in senior basketball. Our coaching staff is so proud of the boys."
Owen Hamilton was good for 29 in defeat and Jacob Pitt added nine for the Barons, who will represent the district at NOSSA 'A' in North Shore next week. The Trojans will travel to Sudbury to compete in NOSAA 'AA/AAA.'
"I do want to give a shout-out to Algonquin coach Logan Roy for his excellent job of getting his boys prepared for the finals, he made it really tough on us and had a great game plan," added Levac.
On the senior boys' side, Chippewa and West Ferris have each won one game in their opponent's gym after the Trojans won in overtime in the opener and Chippewa prevailed in a must-win scenario in game two on Thursday.
The deciding third game in the entertaining senior series will see the NDA pennant awarded on Tuesday, Feb. 20. Game time is 5 p.m. at Chippewa.
