Two Rookies Steal the Show

TORONTO,ON – In their final preseason game before the start of the 2010-2011 season, the Ryerson Rams dominated the visiting Bishop’s Raiders by a final count of 92-55.

The Rams controlled the game from the first whistle, opening the game on a 15-2 run. Behind the stellar play of rookies Jahmal Jones and Jordon Gauthier, the team was in front 23-11 after the first quarter.

Jones, a 6’0” point guard from Mississauga, Ont. in his first year with the Rams, impressed with the poise to breakdown the Raiders’ full-court press defence, which led to easy baskets in transition for his teammates. The Business Technology Management student tallied 18 points by the time the first half was over. At that point, the Rams had doubled up Bishop’s, 53-26, and left little doubt as for the outcome of the game.

Jordon Gauthier, a 6’3” guard from Windsor, Ont., was dominant as well, punishing the Raiders when they doubled up on another player by knocking down open jump shots. He would finish with 20 points in the win and, if not for the play of Jones, would have been selected as player of the game.

The Rams, relentless on defence, forced turnovers all game, which contributed to easy baskets in transition for the likes of third-year guard Ola Adegboruwa, who also shined in the win with 18 points. The team held the visiting Raiders to 33% shooting and displayed a constant effort, which is sure to please head coach Roy Rana.

Perhaps the only blemish on an otherwise stellar evening at Kerr Hall Gym was when fifth-year guard Ryan McNeilly suffered an injury near the end of the first half; McNeilly appeared to be hit by an elbow from an opposing player. The injury appeared serious, but McNeilly was back on the court for the start of the second half.

In their final tune-up, the Rams looked in sync and in mid-season form. The play of two rookies and a swarming defence create the potential for an exciting season.

Defence wins championships? For now, the Rams players would happily settle on a win against the visiting McMaster Marauders in their first regular season game; the contest is set for Friday, November 5, at 8h p.m.