Mitch Ligertwood, British Columbia Take Care of Business over PEI

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TORONTO,ON–On day one of the U17 National Championships, the festivities opened up with a matchup that saw the west coast, face the East in a British Columbia – PEI showdown.

As the game developed, BC quickly took advantage of their size and depth, mounting an 18-7 lead by the end of the first quarter.

Despite being without one of their biggest assets in 6’11 Braxston Bunce, due to a foot injury, Coach Paul Eberhardt & British Columbia were able to break this one open, and quick.

By halftime, BC had a stranglehold on PEI, leading 49-21.

“We didn’t have to make too many adjustments for this game, with or without him, [Bunce] we’re still a good team,” said Eberhardt.

“The other bigs were going to have to get a few extra points and a few extra boards.”

And so, the duo of 7’0 Cameron Smythe, 6’5 Mitch Ligertwood went to work registering a combined 46 points and 16 rebounds.

While many thought the three-headed monster consisting of Braxston Bunce, Mitch Goodwin, and Smythe would carry the load. the unusual suspect in Mitch Ligertwood stepped up in a big way.

Ligertwood recorded a game-high 23 points and eight rebounds.

“He’s beginning to use his speed and size…he was a little soft in the beginning of the year but he’s really come along.”

In the end, there was too much size for BC against PEI, and they took their first game convincingly, 110-55.

A bright spot for PEI was St FX commit, Jacob Simmons, who had a team-high 17 points, while displaying his versatility, scoring inside in out in front of a packed crowd at Humber College.

British Columbia

Mitch Ligertwood: 23 points, 8 rebounds, 3 steals

Cam smythe : 23 points, 8 rebounds

 

Prince Edward Island

Jacob Simmmons: 17, 3 rebounds

 

Other Result

Nova Scotia / Terriroties : 99-37

Jayen Nordin: 16 points

AJ Simmonds: 12 Points

Lorenzo Parker: 12 points

Travis Adams: 10 Points

Davonte Provo: 11 Points

Territories

Gerrard New: 11 points

PHOTO COURTESY: BASKETBALL ONTARIO