Cardinal Newman Crowned 2011 SOSI Champs

FOLLOW ELIAS SBIET @Esbiet NPH @NorthPoleHoops

NPH TOP PERFORMERS

CARDINAL NEWMAN

• Lucas Mancini- 23 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists

 

ACMT

• Levi Mukuna- 21 points, 8 rebounds

HAMILTON, ON–After an action packed weekend in southern Ontario, at the 2011 SOSI (Southern Ontario Shootout Invitational) tournament, the senior boys Cardinal Newman Cardinals had found themselves in the likely position of being in the championship game against ACMT (Académie catholique Mère-Teresa) Jaguars.

In a game that was looking to be a nail biter by the pace of the first half, quickly switched to domination mode for the Cardinals as they pulled off a 76-51 victory which was lead by Lucas Mancini who registered 23 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists and earned tournament MVP.

The first eight minutes of play suggested that the Jaguars would hold their own; even without their pack leader and highly recruited PG Hamid Nessek, who was not playing this weekend because of a minor groin injury.

After being down just two points coming into the second quarter, ACMT began to fall apart offensively, as they were forcing up tough shots and rushing possessions after an offensive rebound.

Mancini displayed his football derived power in a very controlled manner all game. ACMT didn’t have any players that were able to guard or withstand the force that Mancini drove the lane with. This 6’4 multi-sport athlete (basketball/football) showed great diversity in his game through his footwork, strength and mobility. 

Cardinal’s Head Coach, Andrew Sergi was thrilled with Mancini’s performance, mentioning after the game, “he was a beast on the boards, he brought the ball up to bring some pressure release from David and scored from outside, from inside… He did everything we needed from him to do today.”

David McCulloch who was also a stud for the Cardinals throughout the tournament, had a quiet game but was was the right guy to run the offense through in the finals.

McCulloch’s, as well as the teams unselfishness was the key to coming out with this win according to Coach Sergi.

“Ball movement, making the extra pass, being unselfish as a team; we made the extra pass to get the next guy open and that was key. In a huddle before every game we say “together”, and they did that on both ends of the floor, if we can keep doing that then we’ll be successful.”

Congratulations to the Cardinal Newman Cardinals on their Championship.

A special thanks goes out to St. Mary’s Head Coach, Manny Furtado for the organization of a entertaining tournament and hospitality.