West Ferris was Ready to Battle at Trojan Invitational

Trojans go up for a rebound in their Senior Semifinal loss to Peterborough. Photo by Kate Adams.

Story by Jazz Mathon

The West Ferris Trojans played host to their biggest basketball tournament of the year and fans saw its junior and midget team battle in the finals. The 24th Trojan Invitational saw 30 teams from across the province compete in three divisions.

In the midget championship, the Trojans edged the Widdifield Wildcats 26-25. Jake Tougas was clutch, scoring seven of his eleven points in the fourth quarter. Widdifield captain, Mike Cuncin, led the way with 9 points for the Wildcats.

The junior boys did not fare as well as they fell 51-46 to Sir James Dunn of Sault Ste. Marie in the championship game. The Trojans had their hands full with D.J. Tacker, who scored 23 points for the Soo. Detlev Himmelman of West Ferris had a terrific first quarter, scoring 10 points to get the Trojans in the ball game. Himmelman finished the game with 14.

West Ferris junior head coach Greg Barnes knew the game would be a test for his team, and despite the loss, he feels his players worked hard.

“We knew they were a good team," said Barnes.

"We played with them down the stretch and at least we know we can play with them and that was the key for us.”

In senior action, West Ferris advanced to the semi-finals, and in that game they were overpowered by Peterborough Collegiate. The Raiders advanced with 74-32 over the host Trojans. Trojans coach and tournament organizer Larry Tougas wasn’t surprised to see Peterborough advance.

“There was a big size factor that played in their favour, it was close early, first half we were down by nine,” said Tougas.

“They just pulled away in the second half.”

Peterborough Collegiate continued its dominance when it met Timmins High in the senior final. The Raiders downed the Blues by a final score of 69-38.