ANNAPOLIS ROYAL - Despite a slow start, the Annapolis West Education Centre Wolfpack overcame a big first-half deficit to beat Middleton 72-66 in senior boys high school hoops action Nov. 29.
“Middleton came out fast and caught us sleeping a bit in the first quarter,” said AWEC coach Ryan Scranton. “We never like to start by digging a hole for ourselves but it happens on occasion. The guys calmed things down and managed to cut the lead to five at half.”
While the Middleton Regional High School Monarchs seemed to control the first half, AWEC was chopping the lead point by point and at the half had narrowed the margin to 38-33. With 4:35 left in the third quarter the Wolfpack went ahead 46-45. Less than a minute later it was tied at 47 apiece. With 3:33 left in the quarter AWEC went up 49-47 and never looked back.
“Our guys came out with a lot of intensity that bodes well going forward,” said Middleton coach Paul Shaffner. “Later in the game we were challenged by defensive adjustments by the opponents and the loss of two starters who fouled out.”
Scranton said his crew came out a different team in the second half.
“They were much hungrier for the ball on the defensive end and settled things on offense,” he said. “Kerwyn Currie provided some leadership on the floor and Jarod Rogers came off the bench to give us some needed energy. A solid third quarter gave us a lead that the guys were able to hold.”
Currie had 22 point and 17 rebounds to lead AWEC. Tyler Baker sank the ball for 28 point to lead the Monarchs.
The Wednesday night game was AWEC’s home opener. So far they’ve defeated Central Kings and have lost to the Bridgetown Hawks.
“We’re still a fairly young team and there is a learning process as we develop a team personality,” said Scranton. “Learning to overcome the various swings in momentum during a basketball game is important.”
Despite the loss, Shaffner was pleased with his Monarchs team.
“We are encouraged by the promise shown in our less experienced kids, and that as a team we could compete against a deeper squad,” he said.
The AWEC club is hosting a fundraising dinner on Dec. 7 in the cafeteria. Funds raised at the dinner will go toward operating costs for the team.
“The dinner is an opportunity to earn some money toward our season,” said Scranton. “We have several tournaments which will bring us from Yarmouth to Pugwash so the dinner helps us to operate.”
Tickets are available for $10 by calling 532-8793.
Scorers
Middleton: Tyler Baker 28; Elyias French 23; Jordan Cloutier 8; Will Lutman 3; Alex Christ 2; Kris Hampton 2.
AWEC: Kerwyn Currie 22; Cameron Wiles 11; Nick Buckler 10; Joe Cooper 9; Erik Heubach 8; Jarod Rogers 7; Griffin Batt 5.
Next Games AWEC
Dec. 4 – SMBA at AWEC 6:30 p.m.
Dec. 5 – NKEC at AWEC 5 p.m.
Dec. 7 – Fundraising Dinner at AWEC
Next Games MRHS
Dec 4 MRHS at NKEC 7 p.m.
Dec 8 MRHS at Bridgetown 7 p.m.
