Cyclones Utilize Bench To Defeat Chargers
To the roaring applause of a student filled gym the first seeded Central Cyclones easily defeated the sixteenth seeded La Ronge Chargers in their first game of regional playdowns 109 - 36.
The game saw the Cyclones build a commanding lead and then pull their starters in favour of playing the bench.
Central Cyclones player Nash Temple goes for a layup - MJ Independent photo
The Cyclones are relatively healthy and report only one player injured and out for the season with a lower leg injury. The team picked up four players from the junior ranks to help out and gain experience on the Hoopla run.
With the win the Cyclones play winner of the matchup between eighth seeded Melville and ninth seeded Kindersley tomorrow (March 21st) at 1:30 pm at Central Collegiate.
The winner advances to the Hoopla provincial high school basketball championships next weekend in Moose Jaw.
La Ronge Chargers Owen Graham comes up with a defensive rebound - MJ Independent photo
Central Cyclones head coach Cris Temple said it was hard to comment on the game given the point spread between the Cyclones and the Chargers. He said it was a point of remaining humble and not trying to embarrass the other team - sportsmanship.
His only comment on the game was to agree with MJ Independent’s question with a simple “yes” if the Cyclones were dominant in the game.
The questions quickly moved to the entire regionals weekend.
The Cyclones strategy for the weekend is to “play our type of basketball and execute the things we work on in practice,” he said, adding “show up with intensity like we always do on defence. That’s what we’re looking for.”
Utilizing the bench extensively in the game has two benefits.
“It’s always important to get the bench out there in games like that. It gets guys some experience and playing,” Temple said.
Playing the bench also helps rest the starters for tougher opponents.
“We rested our starters for most of that game. It was good to give them rest.”
About the weekend he said “we’re always excited to be playing basketball. We’re happy we get to host. Hopefully we get to win this next game and advance to the Hoopla provincial championships.”
Temple said despite being seeded first and strong favourites to advance to Hoopla and defend their provincial crown they are not taking any team lightly.
“It’s always one game at a time you can never take any team lightly. Anything can happen. You’ve always got to show up and give your best.”
With the win the Cyclones play the winner of the matchup between eighth seeded Melville and ninth seeded Kindersley tomorrow (March 21st) at 1:30 pm at Central Collegiate.
The Scoresheet