Juwan Miller, Athlete Institute Squeeze Past Bill Crothers Despite Hostile Environment
I walked into a sea of red when I entered the Bill Crothers home court. The gym was jam-packed with students for homecoming, where BC would take on Athlete Institute of Orangeville, Ontario.
There was no shortage of talent between the two programs, illustrated by highlights galore, in a fast-paced, up and down game. There was an electricity in the gym that indicated the high school season is about to go down!
The Bill Crothers home team controlled the first half, rallying behind a raucous crowd that didn’t hold back.
Jamal Thomas and Trae Bell-Haynes got off to a quick start, registering 11 and nine points in the first quarter, respectively.
Thomas shot the three-ball with great efficiency, while Bell-Haynes attacked the gaps with craft and patience.
Crothers would go on a late run in the second quarter, that would be stopped by a buzzer-beating three-point bucket by Alberta transfer Adonis Montfort-Palomino, cutting the BC lead to 48-45 at halftime.
The game would see-saw back and fourth in the third, until 2014 PG Juwan Miller took charge.
Miller put on a passing clinic, particularly in transition setting up teammates on the drive and dish, or slipping into the cracks and spoon-feeding his bigs.
In addition, the Kitchener, Ontario point guard created for himself, leading with a team-high 13 points.
The most impressive trait of Miller’s that shined bright was his leadership as he ignited Athlete Institute with energy, communicated effectively and picked up teammates off the floor.
NPH BC Showcase MVP Mason Loewen, a transfer from Victoria, British Columbia proved himself against high level competition in Ontario, as he once again did not back down from the competition, while continuing to showcase his aerial attack.
On every attempt of a Bill Crothers fourth quarter comeback, Dwight Richardson had the answer as he used his wide frame to operate in the low post and finish.
Gavin Pearce would show signs of production in the fourth quarter on back-to-back buckets for Crothers, however it would be too late.
Athlete Institute escaped with an 88-81 victory against a talented Bill Crothers team, supported by a live fan base.
NPH Top Performers
Athlete Institute
- Juwan Miller – 13 points
- Dwight Richardson – 13 points
Bill Crothers
- Trae Bell-Haynes – 24 points
- Rashawn Browne – 19 points
- Jamal Thomas – 19 points
