This afternoon, Robert Land Academy hosted DSBN Academy in the Niagara Region High School Athletic Association Tier Two basketball championship.  Having previously played two tight games against the Argonauts this year, a close battle was expected in Ivey Hall.
The Loyalists looked the more nervous and apprehensive of the two teams to start the game, as DSBN established an early 8-2 lead.  The Argonaut defence keyed in on our leading scorer Qi, providing double and triple teams in his direction every time he touched the ball.  A timeout midway through the quarter was used to settle the team and provide a short-term goal – get a couple of defensive stops and win the rest of the quarter.  Two quick baskets by Malabre and a nice pull-up jumper by Maharajh allowed RLA to climb back into the game and end the quarter down one point, 9-8.  
DSBN Academy went on an early second-quarter run to re-establish their advantage, holding a six-point lead at one stage.  Kaba’s smooth three-pointer and a nice post move by Qi helped the Loyalists regain their confidence.  The final moments of the half were dominated by RLA.  Hansen, in particular, was a force on the offensive boards.  Hansen’s six points in the quarter allowed the Loyalists to take a slender 22-20 lead into half-time.
The third quarter allowed the Loyalists to emphasize its well-rounded roster.  The team would score twelve points from six different players by sharing the ball.  Wang, Quinn, Maharajh, Qi, Steele, and Hansen would all score in the frame.  Anchoring the team’s performance was its 2-3 “Syracuse” zone defence.  RLA protected their paint, not allowing many points inside.  Quinn, Kaba, and Hansen were tireless in the quarter, using their athleticism to close out on perimeter players and force the Argonauts into taking contested long-range jump-shots.  Heading into the fourth, RLA maintained their two-point edge, 34-32.
An early basket by Malabre, followed by an impressive and-one by Hansen, set the tone for the final frame.  Up six and with only two minutes remaining, the Loyalists’ hopes hinged on their free-throw shooting.  With ice in their veins, Quinn, Qi, Hansen, and Wang would all make clutch free throws down the stretch and deny the Argonauts a comeback opportunity.  At the buzzer, the final score read RLA 58 DSBN Academy 46.  
Scoring for RLA was Hansen (16), Qi (13), Malabre (8), Maharajh (6), Wang (6), Quinn (4), Kaba (3), and Steele (2).
The coaching staff would like to take this opportunity to thank all the staff and students who supported the team throughout the year.  I noticed staff from every department at RLA in Ivey Hall this afternoon.  With so many familiar, supportive faces on the sidelines, it gave the team a true home-court advantage.  Thank you.  The boys’ success on the court would not have been possible without all the amazing support we received throughout the year from all of you.  
Once again, thank you for your time and continued support,
T. (Troy) Krywulak, BA, MA
Captain

Athletic Director

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