Nate Darling Explodes for 50, Leads Nova Scotia to National Gold
For the second year in a row the Canada Basketball Championships will be significantly historical.
Nova Scotia’s Nate Darling put on a shooting barrage and dropped 50 points to lead the Bluenosers to their second National championship ever (the other being in 1987) in front of a home crowd.
It was an exciting basketball game as the teams battled back and fourth throughout and just as it looked like one team took control the other made a big play to swing momentum.
Throughout the tournament consistent offensive production behind Darling was a struggle for Nova Scotia until the final. Andrew Milner (12) was huge for Nova Scotia as he came off the bench to knock in three triples, and the go ahead lay-up for the half time lead of 45-44.
Grant Audu (27pts) opened the second half with a three for Ontario and RJ Barrett (30 points) was more aggressive to the rim as Team O looked to seize control again.
However, Darling kept his foot on the peddle, along with secondary scoring threat Alex Carson, who chipped in with 28 points of his own.
This exciting championship game needed extra basketball to settle the score.
In the OT, Nate Darling cashed two three balls, Carson had one and Tristan Hyde hustled down a key rebound to give NS a decisive advantage outscoring OIntario 15-8 in the five minute span for the epic 116-109 victory.
BRONZE MEDALIST: Quebec 76-73 over British Columbia
MVP: Nate Darling, Nova Scotia
1st Team All Stars
Alex Carson-NS, Chase Tynes-NS, RJ Barrett-ON, James Karnick-BC, Christopher Lafrance-QC.2nd Team All Stars
2nd Team All Stars
Grant Audu-ON, Bahaide Haidara_BC, Keenana Dowell-BC, Shakwon Barrett-ON, Rowan Power-NS
The U15 game had the favorites Ontario playing National title rival Quebec. Noah Wharton (16 pts) lead the charge for Ontario as they jumped out to an early 13-2 lead and maintained control throughout.
Quebec put on a late serge behind Damion Squires 22pts but Ontario’s separation maintained and they held on for a 67-61 Gold Medal victory.
BRONZE MEDALIST: New Brunswick 71-59 over Sakatchewan
MVP: Eric Beckett, Ontario
1st Team All Star
Noah Wharton-ON, Callum Baker_ON, Damion Squire-QC, Alexander Dewar-SK, Adam Lambert-NB
2nd Team All Star
Emanuel Miller-ON, Adefolarian Adetogun-SK, Daemen Hemphill-NB, Harris Elezovic-QC, Bradley Braich-BC
