Tritons net a loss at nationals
Stephanie Burr
Staff writer
March 10, 2008
Jessica Witoslawski
Contributor
Tritons player AB Michael Stainton breaks through the lane for a two-pointer in a game against the Ottawa Stingers. Tritons played hard during nationals but could not overcome the Petawawa Stags intense level of play during the semi-finals.
Even though CFB Esquimalt Tritons’ men’s basketball team built a one game lead at the nationals in CFB Borden two weeks ago, hopes of a tournament win slipped away in the semi-final match against CFB Petawawa’s Stags.
Strong defence helped the team surge ahead in game one of the round robin tournament against Winnipeg, settling the score 56-43 at the end of the fourth quarter.
“We played hard and fast, and really poured every ounce of our defence into making sure Winnipeg didn’t get ahead of us,” says MS Dave Fillion, who played a variety of positions during nationals. “We led the game from beginning to end in points and it paid off because we made it to the semi-finals.”
Robust defence and solid shots from Esquimalt were not enough to keep the numbers rising on the scoreboard for the defending champions, the Stags, during the semi final match.
“Petawawa is a strong team and they have one particularly challenging player, Capt Kevin Dulude,” says Tritons coach Joshua Buck.
To combat the offensive surge from Dulude, MS Fillion worked doggedly to keep him from scoring. The effort paid off and Dulude’s usual 40 points was reduced to 15.
The Tritons closed the gap in the third quarter, but the Esquimalt team couldn’t get within single digits in the fourth. The Stags pulled away with a 78-49 win.
“It was a very fast paced game and they outplayed us,” says MS Fillion. “We tried but the odds were against us. However, we saw a huge improvement in our play this year and we’re looking forward to doing even better next year.”
Like many military teams, Esquimalt came to Borden undermanned, as several players could not leave work. Add to that two injuries, and the line up was left at seven.
“Our team really pulled together and supported each other,” says Buck. “We may not have been the strongest team out there, but our defence was phenomenal, and we played with heart.”
Before next year’s championships, Buck says the team needs a few more players.
“We’re missing some size under the net. Our tallest guy is six foot three compared to some of the post players out there who stand at six foot nine,” says Buck.
Anyone interested in joining the team should call Joshua Buck at 363-8602.
