Saskatchewan’s Atlee Simon Shines Bright, Quebec Advances to Medal Contention!
TORONTO,ON–A matchup between Quebec and Saskatchewan that received medicore attention, shaped up to be the most exciting game of the National championships, regardless of age group!
Both teams entered this game battling to advance for a chance at a medal, and both served up an exciting finish that ended with Quebec grabbing the victory over Saskatchewan in double-overtime, 91-90.
“One of our players said it in the locker room, it was the biggest game we’ve played together, biggest game of their lives,” said Quebec Head Coach, Mehdi Stambouli.
Quebec had a chance to seal the deal on two seperate occasions, in regulation, then again in overtime but missed key free throws to send it to double OT.
Saskatchewan had an answer in the form of 6’0 star guard Atlee Simon, who was virtually unstoppable particularly in clutch moments. Simon finished with 30 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 5 steals on his way to earning player of the game honours in a losing cause.
“That guy Atlee Simon, hell of a player, he made it possible for Saskatchewan to get it to double overtime,” admitted Stambouli.
For Quebec, the three-headed monster composed of James Tyrell, Abdulaziz Atta and Lens-Harley Louis each recorded big double-doubles to push QC over the hump.
“Our game plan was to dump it inside and work the offense from the post,” Stambouli told NPH.
The plan worked to perfection as Quebec conquered Sask. on the boards 70-53 including 29 offensive rebounds.
Quebec will now advance to play the winner of Ontario and Nova Scotia on Friday.
Top Performers
Quebec
- James Tyrell: 19 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals
- Abdulaziz Atta: 16 points, 18 rebounds
- Lens-Harly Louis: 15 points, 13 rebounds
Saskatchewan
- Atlee Simon: 30 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 5 steals
- Jauqin Bennett-Boire: 19 points, 13 rebounds
- Mitchell Jackson: 17 points, 11 rebounds
