Rebels heading into finals
Posted on February 21, 2017 by Maple Creek
Arthur Fritzke leaps toward the net to score early in the second quarter of the semi-final game. SPORTS PHOTOS MEGAN ROTHMegan Roth
Twitter: @MeganMCNews
mroth@maplecreeknews.com
After what looked like an easy win for the senior Rebels, the team will be moving on to play Shaunavon in the finals.
The Rebels played the Swift Current Colts in the semi-finals on Feb. 14 and won 83-37.
The Rebels had a very strong game in their half of the court.
In the first half they kept the Colts to only nine points – six points given up in the first quarter and three in the second.
“Defensively they played really strong,” said coach Shawn Buss. “We also executed really well offensively in the first quarter as well.”
The Rebels racked up a total of 28 points in the first quarter alone.
Maple Creek pulled so far ahead, 52-9 at half, Buss pulled the first string players and instead played his bench.
The bench, or second string, players played just as impressive a game as the starters.
The players – consisting of students in Grades 10-12, only game up seven point in the third quarter.
“I played my bench the whole second half … They have a lot to learn but by the end of the game they were moving the ball,” Buss said.
The Rebels stayed well ahead in the third with a 47-point lead, ending the quarter 63-16.
In the last four minutes of the game, Buss brought in his starters again – not to wrack up the points, as the team was still up on the Colts. The starters came off the bench to finish out their last ever home game.
“We have Conferences which is away, and Regionals which is away … so this will be the last home game they will ever play,” Buss explained, adding he had coached the starting line since they were in the sixth grade.
The Rebels slowed down a bit in the fourth quarter and were actually out shot by the Colts who put up 21 points to the Rebels’ 20.
The Rebels did come out well ahead of the Colts despite a slightly rocky final quarter, ending the semi-final game 83-37.
“I was proud of the way they played. They played disciplined, they played hard,” Buss said.
The Rebels will go into the final against the Shaunavon Shadows after one week off school.
Buss says the week off won’t change much as the team will still have some time on the court over the holiday.
“I have two boys who used to play basketball here … they are going to run a clinic for these boys.”
Buss hopes to also hold practice with the boys on Feb. 26 and 27 before the final game on Feb. 28 in Shaunavon.
“Hopefully we’ll get a little time in before facing Shaunavon, because they are a good team,” said Buss.
Buss is looking to “shut down” Shaunavon player Nixon Voll, to give the Rebels a chance at the win. In their last two games against Shaunavon, the Rebels lost by four and six points.
“In all honesty, I think we should beat them, but that kid is good.”
Buss expects the final to be a close game, similar to games past. Though he cannot say who will come out on top.
“I would hope it’ll be us, I’m thinking it will be us, but Shaunavon has had our number. It is due time they lose.”
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