Mulgrave Boys Fall Short in First Tourney Appearance Against Centennial

Written by Scott Leigh, Handsworth ‘06

Mulgrave v. Centennial

Mulgrave is playing host in their inaugural No Regrets tourney appearance to the visiting Centennial Centaurs. At the base of Cypress mountain there is an added cm of snow on the ground, ability to see your breath outside, but that will play no role in affecting this game in the toasty warm Titans sportsplex, which was only completed a year ago. If you haven’t been here, it’s impressive. 

Both teams are energized to kick-off their tournament, with a back and forth battle to start this game. Centennial has found themselves with a small lead after a number of well executed offensive sets. The Titans continue to push the pace of play and look for easy scoring opportunities in transition. They, for the moment, have brought themselves right back into this down by just 2. After the first quarter the Centaurs have increased their lead to 9, up 24-15.

The Centaurs have been physical on the inside, and that is proving difficult for the smaller Titans to deal with. Mulgrave is looking to continue to use their speed to their advantage by mixing in a three quarter court press, and finding areas to trap and force turnovers. The Titans have a style that they think will work for them, and it’s increasing the pace of play on both ends of the court. Interestingly, both teams have tested out their halfcourt zone D - which is impressive to have as part of your repertoire this early in the season. Let’s see if these teams have also had a chance to get their zone offensive reps in after just a couple weeks of practice. The energy in this gym has kept up with the pace of play of the Titans - the school has let the kids out early to come watch their squad play! No quit in Mulgrave even after digging themselves a hole early in this game, they have stayed well within reach down 36-31 at the half.

Halftime Fact: My annual reminder that I am pretty old and have no idea what fashionable trends are in style this year - rolled up short shorts and pastel coloured shoes for the athletes, and sweatpants for every student in the crowd not required to wear dress clothes. 

During half time, approximately 2341020 kids have stormed the court and are shooting basketballs, playing one-on-one and causing an absolute raucous - what a scene! Back to our regularly scheduled programming…

The Centaurs have started the second half looking to give Mulgrave a taste of their own medicine, setting up with a full court press and applying significant pressure. Thus far, the Titans have been able to sustain the pressure and turn the pressure into opportunities. Halfway through the third quarter the Titans have tied this game up, and are looking to take their first lead since the beginning of this game. Mulgrave has relied on #3 Abtin Zehtab to control the pace of play and direct traffic, while also knocking down the deep ball. Big man #24 Anthony Lopez of the Centaurs shows his soft touch with a nice looking swish from inside the free throw line.

The third quarter was a fast-paced, high energy, pressure filled quarter. I am physically tired watching this from my extra cushiony sideline seat. The referees have incredible vision, that has not only been on display with incredible management of this game, but they were even able to spot the small diamonds glistening in the ears of #12 Matthew Gollner in the middle of the game. Time will tell if the change in earlobe weight will affect his ability to contribute. Centennial is up 55-49 at the end of the third quarter.

The ol’ saying “it’s a game of runs” is ringing true this afternoon.  With 5 minutes to go, the Centaurs have increased their lead to 11 and are looking to put this comeback attempt from the Titans to rest. Mulgrave have not given up quite yet, as they have applied their now very well known pressure to get within 6 points with under 2 minutes remaining.  Although Centennial got away with the W, this was a great showing by both teams establishing their presence and playing style early in the season. If you aren’t ready for high intensity pressure, you aren’t ready to face either of these two teams.

Final Score: Centennial 76 - Mulgrave 67.

Appreciation shout-out to the behind the scene heroes, who have managed the scoreboard, shot clock and possession arrow with unprecedented class - Oscar, Lena and Eoin. Stay classy my friends.

No Regrets.