Richard Iheadindu Comes Clutch, Lifts York Lions over Waterloo

Tournament All-stars
  • Tremaine Fraser (Waterloo)
  • Kyrie Coleman (Waterloo)
  • Raheem Isaac (York)
  • Alexandre Bernard (UQAM)
  • Joel Rybachuk (UNBC)
Tournament MVP
  • Jose Araujo (UNBC)
Richard Iheadindu hit the game winner to lift York over Waterloo
Richard Iheadindu hit the game winner to lift York over Waterloo

WATERLOO,ON–With the clock winding down and the game on the line, the York Lions needed a big shot to break the tie, and seal the deal. Richard Iheadindu (6’3 sophomore guard) answered the call.

With two previous chances to take the lead in the Lion’s final possession, the third time was the charm. The ball was tipped out to Iheadindu and he was ready for the big shot; release, arch, perfect rotation on the ball, it looked good as soon as he left his hands.

Raheem Isaac was name Tournament All-Star
Raheem Isaac was name Tournament All-Star

“We’re energized…we have a couple guys out but we think this group has a chance to grow, get better and be (we think) a dangerous playoff team.”

Richard Iheadindu and Aaron Rados (6’6 senior forward) lead the Lions with 16 apiece. Akeem and Raheem Issac chipped in with 13 and 11 respectively.

On the flip side, it was 6’0 senior guard Tremaine Fraser who was the high-man for Waterloo posting 14 points and six rebounds. 6’7 sophomore guard Srdjan Pejicic added 11 points.

York controlled the majority of this contest until the Warriors came to life with a run spearheaded by Fraser and inspired by Srjen Pejicic.

Pejicic picked up his play in comparison to his previous game, playing with a higher level of confidence and certainty. Waterloo’s run gave them a small lead, that didn’t last long as it was a back and fourth battle in the closing minutes.

In the end, it was Iheadindu’s big shot that lifted York to their first victory of the tournament. It was a good confidence booster for the team, especially considering the Lion’s were without star lead guard David Tyndale.

“David’s greatest strength is his leadership. He’s played in a playoff a game or two every year and given his pedigree, toughness, more importantly his heart, he brings us another guy that teams have to look out for,” explained Head Coach Tom Oliveri, speaking on his missing star guard.

For Waterloo, the building process continues as they continue to gel with one another, while figuring out how to close out games.

Both York and Waterloo ended with a 1-2 record over the weekend. The Lions will move on next weekend to compete in more pre-season action, this time in British Columbia in the Thompson Rivers Tournament.

The Warriors will move forward to the Laurentian tournament next weekend.

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