Trojans win gold at Queen's Basketball Tournament

The West Ferris Senior Basketball team travelled to Kingston over the weekend (Saturday and Sunday) to play in the Queen's Invitational. In this 16 team tournament 5 teams were at AAA OFSAA last year so the competition was strong. North Park (Brantford), St Joseph's (Cornwall), Centennial (Guelph), West Ferris (North Bay) and Frontenac (Kingston) all appeared at OFSAA AAA last year. Other teams included Nicholson from Belleville who won OFSAA gold three years in a row from 2005-2008.

In their first game the Trojans played on the main court at the new ARC gymnasium at Queen's University. West Ferris defeated Kingston Collegiate 52-43. Charlie Hancock was outstanding scoring a game high 31 points. Brady Facette added 9 points all from beyond the arc.

In game 2, the Trojans played Nicholson from Belleville and escaped with a hard fought 50-43 victory. Sam Levac led the way with 20 points and Hancock added 18 points.

In the semi-finals on Sunday the Trojans played a very talented team from Cornwall St Joseph's High School. St Joe's features two outstanding players Kristain and Kohlin Rassenberg. These two combined for 35 out of the Falcons 41 points but it wasn't enough as the Trojans won 52-41. Hancock hit for 25 and Levac chipped in with 17 to lead the attack.

In the finals the Trojans played a team out Smith Falls that edged Centennial 43-42 in their semi. Smith Falls squad is supposed to be the team that will represent EOSSA at the AA provincial championships in March held in North Bay. They feature highly touted Vince Dufort who appears to be heading to play at Queen's University next year.

The Trojans did not respond early as the 6'4" Dufort handed out dimes like they were Christmas candy and staked his team to a 12-0 lead forcing the Trojans to use an early timeout. Changing defenses enabled the Trojans to hold off Dufort and allowed them to crawl back in the game trailing 22-21 at the half. Dale Valade and Brady Facette did a great job holding Dufort the rest of the way. In the 2nd half both teams exchanged leads throughout and the game was tied 41-41 with a minute left. The Trojans utilized a strategic time out to run a set play designed to get Levac or Hancock a shot. When the play broke down Puddister with time running out drove to the basket as he saw everyone on the other team overplaying the other players and hit the game winning shot for the Trojans.

The Trojans who have been battling injuries and losing in semi and final games of tournaments finally had their tournament championship. Balanced scoring was the key in this game as Hancock had 10, Levac 9. Facette 8, Puddister 7, Tougas 5 and Valade chipped in with 3.

Charlie Hancock and Sam Levac were selected Tournament All-Stars.

Submitted to BayToday.ca