Charles Hays Rainmakers (Prince Rupert) v. Carson Graham Eagles

Friday, December 9, 2022

The tip-off – time to find out if the loss of Charlie’s mullet will lift the Eagles to victory. This is not a game of giants. Even though the Rainmakers have Josh Leighton, a cousin of the legendary McChesney brothers (both Douglas Firs) the height genes may not have made their way to his doorstep. Nice early trey by Eagles #11 senior Kai Peterson. Basically 10 guards on the floor so a lot of quickness, guys who can wiggle in tight places. Mid Q1 and a T-up for an unknown transgression. The score is 9-8 when a time out is called so I correct my spelling mistakes. Carson is playing at home so there are some fans who can bnag the bleachers pretty well during opposition foul shots. From this 10 a shooter will emerge – patience. Great 2 by Theron Montecillo. as he shouldered his way to the hoop while protecting the ball. A regular Connor McDavid. The teams combine for 25 points in Q1 – this will be a tight one.

Q2 saw the score at 24-23 with 4 min to go in Q2. Rupert’s #12 to an unfortunate elbow in the face but it was unintended and the game, stopped briefly for face check, continued on. The game is either tied on someone is up by one. That’s it. I can’t wait to see how it closes out. Then a three by Carson’s Andrade blows the game up – a lead of three! With 2 min to go in Q2. That turned into back-to-back threes thanks to Eagles #4 Calinisan. Halftime 32-28 Eagles.

Carson’s hard won lead slipped back to 2 early in Q3 then to a tie on a smooth layup by Rainman #4. We are back to narrow and changing leads. Halfway through Q3 The rainmakers take the lead, by one of course. Carson’s back-to-back threes are a distant memory. Now tied at 41 a ball on the floor drew, yup, 5 guys. PR-12 Kole Leighton drained a three and the shooters start to emerge. Petersen pulls it even for the Eagles. Will he be the hero in the late going? But I blinked a couple of times and somehow the Northcoasters have a 5 point lead going into Q4

The first minute of Q4 is intense as both teams feel the urgency. The bank was open for #12 as the Rainmakers extend a lead to 7. Carson’s Lucero makes a three with 7 to go. There is something special about a made three other than just the count. Its where the shooters live. With an 8 point lead t.. With the son of the great Rainmakers coach Mel Bishop at the helm, the Rainmakers the Rainmakers try and slow things down and control the path to victory. This one won’t likely need an individual hero but good teamwork with 4 to go . Wait! A lefty three from Eagles’ Rideout followed by a deuce and the lead is 5 thanks to Carson’s Noah Calinasan. A time-out with a minute to go. Rupert ball out of the break and fast break for 2. Looks bleak for the Eagles.

Final Score: Rainmakers 69, Eagles 63

Great game. Congrats guys.

Player of the game: Kole Leighton

Carson Graham Eagles Put Up Fight, But Can't Top Charles Hays Rainmakers