High school

Kareem Malcolm Leads Guelph Gryphons Over York Lions

December 4, 2011

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NPH TOP PERFORMERS

Guelph Gryphons

Kareem Malcolm– 23 pts, 6 rbs, 1 stl

York Lions

Raheem Isaac- 17 pts, 3 rbs, 2 stl

TORONTO, ON– The Guelph Gryphons followed the winning ways of their women’s team and walked into York with a 77-62 win over the Lions.

It was a heated bout between the two teams providing entertaining play at both ends of the court. Guelph jumped out to an early lead with strong play from #11 Kareem Malcolm. However, it remained a defensive battle in the first quarter with a low scoring finish of 15-9, with Guelph on top.

The Gryphons picked up right where they left off, as they started the second quarter with more energy. Guelph was dominant on the boards and started the quarter on an 11-2 run. Malcolm did not stop delivering for his team as he was scoring and dishing the ball. Going into the half, the Gryphons were up 43-26 leaving the Lions tired and looking for an answer.

Unfortunately foul trouble was not the answer they were looking for, as the Lions started the third quarter watching the Gryphons shoot foul shots because of a second quarter technical from coach Oliveri. However, Oliveri must have got through to guard Raheem Isaac, as he exploded in the third quarter with solid play at both ends of the court, including a monster dunk on the fast break.

It was not enough to slow down the soaring Gryphons though, as Malcolm, along with #4 Daniel McCarthy were proving to be too much going into the final quarter up 60-45.

The fourth quarter was much like the rest of the game where the Gryphons were proving dominant. Although the Lions guards were stepping up in the absence of starter, David Tyndale, there was nothing they could do to slow down the Gryphons. Strong defensive play was provided by #33 Sheriff Wiredu who had two key blocks in the quarter. In the end Guelph finished up by 15 points with a 77-62 victory.

After the game NPH had a chance to talk with Guelph’s Kareem Malcolm about the win. Although the Gryphons got the win, Malcolm sees room for improvement for the team.

“We’ve got to play 40 minutes,” said Malcolm after the win. “We’ve had a lot of games that are up and down, and you have to play 40 minutes. We did a better job today though.”

Malcolm has confidence in his starters, and in his team. But he can see that the team needs a boost in consistency heading into the future.

Guelph climbs to 5-3 with the win, while consistency is something that is happening in an unfortunate way for York. The Lions remain winless this season, hoping for better things to come in the new year.