“We did it for SOG” – St Patrick’s Shocks Jean Vanier, Advances to AAA Championships
WINDSOR,ON–When there is purpose to any goal or aspiration, the overall efforts increase drastically. For #3-ranked St Patrick’s secondary out of Ottawa, the motivating factor came in the form of a lost dear friend.
Last year, “SOG” as the team referred to him, lost his life as a victim of a stabbing, and the team has honoured him in their current OFSAA run.
“On our shirt it says SOG…we did it for him,” said St Pat’s guard Braeden Wilkinson.
“There was a lot of people doubting us. Marial watching us, that’s great support and everyone in Ottawa was watching,” continued Wilkinson, who posted 12 points in the victory.
Marial Shayok, NPH Top 5 2014 prospect was with this St Patrick’s team last year, and is currently attending Blair Academy.
“Marial is on the plane coming to Ottawa right now, we’re going to party with him on Thursday,” joked Sheldon Jean, who hit the game-winner for the Irish.
Jean was essential for the Ottawa contingent all game cleaning up the glass and scoring on the interior, posting 13 points respectively.
“We rise above…we rise above every time. Adversity…we kick its ass,” Jean emphatically told NPH.
Jean Vanier controlled virtually the entire game up until the final minute, where a sequence of winning plays lead the Irish to a thrilling victory.
Roydell Clarke lead the way for St Patrick’s with 16 points while displaying an impressive offensive package. In addition, Clarke showcased his toughness by repeatedly getting up off the floor, with no complaints.
“Our coach had one motto the whole year and that’s the one that stuck with us; do whatever it takes,” said Clarke.
While Jean and Clarke stood in the hallway outside of the team locker in absolute excitement, Jean interjected once more as a reminder of how they managed to pull out the victory.
“We did it for him [SOG] that was him on our side right there.”
NPH Top Performers
St Patricks
- Roydell Clarke – 16 points
- Sheldon Jean – 13 points
- Braeden Wilkinson – 12 points
Jean Vanier
- Simon Girmay – 13 points
- Ronnell Perry – 12 points
- Ravaughn Gayle – 11 points
