Boys: South Kamloops vs. Carson Graham
Written by Devin Delany
"Fly high eagles'…. That’s exactly how the Carson Graham Eagles came out to start the game vs the high powered South Kam Titans. It seemed as though they couldn’t miss as they had strength in the low paint and consistent smooth shots from beyond the arc.
“Discipline”, was the key message that the Titans coach intoned from the sideline. The Titans had begun to get frustrated with some controversial calls in the first quarter and they needed to settle down and into their own structure. A couple of Eagle turnovers would allow the Titans back into the game and keep it back and forth contest.
As the half started to wind down it turned into a defensive battle as each team had settled into their defensive postures and slowed one another down. At half time it looked like we were headed for an entertaining Friday evening of basketball as the score showed 25-24 in favour of Carson.
After a defensive battle in the first half, the Titans came out of the locker room ready to light the lamp. A quick two buckets gave the Titans a 28-25 lead, their first lead since the early part of the game. #10 on Carson appeared to have been given the green light from head coach Larry Donohoe as he was taking shots from the land where only Steph Curry can make threes.
Coach Donohoe must have also preached defensive intensity at the intermission as the Eagles were flying around the court hunting down the ball. This tactic proved to be effective for the team as the Titans were searching for answers on the offensive end.
Despite the all-out Eagle attack it continued to be a back and forth contest with lead changes on nearly every possession. A couple of clutch threes by the Eagles in the third quarter gave them a 4 point lead at the 3/4 mark.
The tight 4th quarter set the Friday night crowd into frenzy as the spectating Carson junior boys team provided some additional motivation and support for the home team. “Car-son--- Ea-gles” continued to spread through the gym, but somehow the visiting Titans found a way to hang around, waiting for some opportunity to pull ahead. The opportunity arose with 3 minutes left in the game and the Titans took advantage of their chances, pulling ahead by 5 points thanks to clutch low post play by their big man.
In the last minute of play the Eagles had put it all out on the court with desperation 3’s but couldn’t quite find a way to gain back their lead. So despite the Eagles hot start it was they who ended up with their wings clipped at the expense of the tenacious Titans.
Both teams will be back on the court on Saturday with the Titans looking to advance to the much anticipated Saturday night lights final.