Tritons eye national hoops title

Staff Writer 

—

The Esquimalt Tritons are practicing their ‘A’ game and packing their bags for the Canadian Armed Forces men’s basketball championships in Ontario.

Their qualification comes on the heels of their 76-44 victory over Cold Lake in the championship game of the Canada West Regional Championship at Moose Jaw, on Feb. 17. Point guard Lieutenant (Navy) Lt(N) Owen Murphy of HMCS Ottawa collected the tournament Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, helping the Tritons to the regional crown and an undefeated record over five games.

Esquimalt recorded its other wins over Wainwright in the tournament semi-finals, Cold Lake, Edmonton and Comox in Round Robin play.

Lt(N) Murphy says most of his scoring came from transition or dribble drive penetration but came up empty from behind the three-point line for the entire tournament. 

“Team defence was something we strongly emphasized throughout the tournament,” said Lt(N) Murphy. “We set points targets to hold our opposition to each game and I’m happy how our team shut them down.”

Esquimalt’s starting five also included shooting guard Lt(N) Connor Duke, HMCS Winnipeg, forwards Petty Officer 1st Class Jeff Snook, Personnel Coordination Centre, Acting Sub-Lieutenant Brent Martindale, HMCS Winnipeg and Centre, Petty Officer 2nd Class Simon Dakin, also of Ottawa. Players stepping up from the bench with strong performances included guards Sailor 3rd Class (S3) Jon Tenoso and S3 Jermaine Hendricks. 

In collecting his tournament MVP award, Lt(N) Murphy was sporting a noticeable gash and bandage over his left eye. The injury happened after a collision with Cold Lake’s center in the second half as the two jostled for a loose ball. Lt(N) Murphy did not return to the game. 

“The injury is fine now and probably a scar and nothing more,” he said. “Courtside PSP [Personnel Support Programs] staff did a fantastic job responding to my injury and of the player I ran into.”

Due to work commitments with HMCS Winnipeg, Acting Sub-Lieutenant Brent Martindale, Tritons forward and coach, will likely be unavailable for the road trip to CFB Borden for Canadian Armed Forces Nationals, Apr. 29 to May 3. Lt(N) Murphy says he still likes Esquimalt’s chances of putting in another strong performance, this time against the Canadian military’s basketball elite.

“I like our odds, even though it’s going to be hard without Brent; I still believe in our team and know we can compete at the top level,” he said. “We all have serious jobs to do but PSP offers a great opportunity through its sports programs to boost morale and meet other military members that you would never get a chance to meet during these competitions.”