Handsworth Boys Move On To Semi-Finals with Win Against Belmont

Handsworth vs. Belmont

Written by Connor Lewis

On a gloomy day in North Van, the energy in the gym was electric as the host team Handsworth Royals took the court against Langford’s own Belmont Bulldogs. Although completely outsized by the Royals, these Bulldogs had some bark and bite in the first half.

The game got off to a slow start, with the first points not coming until the 8-minute mark. Maybe both teams were still getting used to the shiny new gym? Belmont’s zone defence seemed to disrupt Handsworth in the opening quarter as they were unable to get the ball into #12 Mullen, their 6’11 big man, in any sort of scoring position.

After 6 minutes of play Handsworth had jumped out to a 13-3 lead, thanks to a few hustle plays from #10 Mcmullen and a couple timely 3s by #8 Fiammenghi. However, these Bulldogs kept clawing back as they continued to drive the lane with force and draw fouls, with Belmont’s #5 Adakwah-Nti and #2 Chahal leading the way. Free throws kept the game close in the first quarter and there was much of the same in the second quarter. With a few flashes of brilliance from Mullen, Handsworth’s own version of Victor Wembanyama (If you know, you know), showing off some nice ball handling skills and finishing ability. But, did I mention these bulldogs were feisty? These guys were not going away in the first half, determined to grind the game out, get to the free throw line, and get to the rim. The score at Half was 38-26 for the Royals.

I am not sure what the Royals coach said at halftime, but it must’ve been reminiscent of Al Pacino in Any Given Sunday. The royals came out looking like a different team in the second half. Pressuring the ball and forcing turnover after turnover. Handsworth quickly jumped out to a 46-26 lead, and never looked back. The game continued in much the same fashion through the 4th, with the final score being 75-53 for Handsworth.