Cyclones Lose Close Junior Boy’s Final To PA’s St Mary

Bigger guys, tougher rebounding and propensity to hit field goals were three of the reasons Prince Albert’s St Mary Marauders were able to defeat the Central Cyclones 76 - 68 in the boy’s gold medal game of the Moose Jaw High School Athletic Association (MJHSAA) Junior Basketball Kickoff Tournament.

The game saw PA taking an eight lead after the first quarter.

The Cyclones’ second quarter saw them almost overtaking the Marauders at the half.

The Cyclone’s surge was interrupted as the Marauders responded with three fast three pointers to take a 41 - 33 lead at half time.

The Cyclones would battle back in the second half to at one time tied with the Marauders.

The Marauders would hold off the Cyclones to score two more three pointers in the fourth quarter to capture the junior boy’s tournament crown 76 - 68.

Fighting for the ball - MJ Independent photo

Cyclones coach Riley Seaborn said despite the loss he was happy with the team’s performance after only three practices.

“We were just short. It was a good game. The boys played well,” Seaborn said, adding “they came ready to play. There’s a few things to clean up.”

One area the Cyclones will have to work on is blocking out the long shots. St Mary used the three pointers to remain ahead of Cyclones.

Going after a loose ball - MJ Independent photo

“They shot really well from behind the arch. Even wide open or contested they were shooting well so it’s something we have to work on is closing out. Try to eliminate those percentages the best we can.”

Size was a deciding factor with St Mary being a big team. They were powerful in rebounding.

“All of them were similar height. Long legs and lanky. They rebounded well so it’s something we have to work on boxing them out. We’ve only had three practices so it’s tough when you only had three practices to work on stuff.”

Just stepping out of bounds - MJ Independent photo

Needs to be noticed that for grade 9 students they have not played high school basketball before an elementary school. Basketball is much much different than the high school version.

“There are a lot of things to build on. There are lots of things to work on,” he said.

He said the junior Cyclobes have a lot of potential it’s just going to take work.

“We have a lot of talent. We have a lot of athleticism so I’m looking forward to this year. I looking at this will be the worst we’ll be this year so I’m hoping we’ll be getting better, better and better until we get the best that we can,” Seaborn said.