By John DeCoste
The Central Kings D-2 boys’ basketball team continued a solid start to the 2012-2013 season by capturing a tournament Nov. 30- Dec. 2 at Kings-Edgehill.
The Gators topped West Kings 70-47, edged East Antigonish 81-78, and then outlasted the host Kings-Edgehill squad 68-60 in the final.
In the opener, the Gators and West Kings completed a back-and-forth first half with the Wolverines up by three points. CK then came on strong in the third quarter to take control of the game.
First-year player Brian Sawler had a strong game for the Gators with 10 points and four steals. Nigel Simmons had 18 points and 15 rebounds, Kurt Getson added 16 points and Trent Oickle also reached double figures with 14.
In the East Antigonish game, both teams battled hard. The Gators at one point held an 18-point lead, but East Antigonish fought back and actually had a shot in the final seconds to tie the score at 81, only to come up short.
Simmons, who has been enjoying a fine season so far, finished with 32 points and
15 rebounds. Oickle added 20 points and Jonah Leschied 10 points and 11 rebounds.
Their 2-0 record propelled the Gators into the tournament final against Kings-Edgehill. Both teams started out shooting well, with CK leading 27-20 after one quarter and holding a 12-point lead at halftime.
Kings-Edgehill came out strong after the intermission and, by the end of the third quarter, the score was tied at 49. The Gators settled down and showed some composure, winning the fourth quarter, the game and the tournament.
Simmons had another huge game with 27 points and 22 rebounds. Oickle chipped in 14, Getson 11 and Leschied 10.
Central Kings and Kings-Edgehill met up again on Tuesday, Dec. 4 in Windsor. In another competitive contest, the Gators prevailed by a 63-54 score.
On this occasion, Oickle led the way with 20 points, Simmons had 13 (and 13 rebounds) and Getson 11. Leschied led the team at the defensive end of the floor.
The win improved Central Kings to 3-0 in league play, and the four-victory week left the Gators with an 11-1 record overall. CK travelled to PEI this past weekend for a 16-team tournament hosted by Colonel Grey High School in Charlottetown.
