Freeds Tourny: Catholic Central Dominates Day 1

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WINDSOR, ON–When a team is the host for championship action, a lot of expectation is placed on them to compete deep within the tournament. Catholic Central of Windsor, Ontario, pleased their spectators and showed that they did not feel any pressure on day 1, as they started off 2-0, defeating Christ the King 71-45 (Georgetown) and St. Basil 78-48. 

Championship day, however, will by no means be a walk in the park as Catholic Central will have to battle with Pine Ridge to advance to the championship game. NPH #21-ranked 2013, Jamal Reynolds will be a problem for any team since he is a scoring machine that can get buckets in a variety of ways. It will be very difficult to stop this guard once he gets hot.

This matchup will display a lot of fast break basketball from the Windsor contingent, led by their 6’5 Senior guard, Mychal Mulder who has been flying high and scoring from all angles in the first two contests. Marcus Calloo, Shavon Gayle and Tyler Woodard also came up huge yesterday by pitching in with over 15 steals cumulatively and all scoring in double figures. 

The depth of Catholic Central’s bench will be a big factor in the way the team performs overall. Coach Cusamano has strategically balanced the talent on his team into two really strong lines that he has been interchanging; it’s as if you’re watching a hockey game.

There is no change in the pace of the game when these substitutions are made because of the discipline of the team and their belief in the system. 

The winners of pool B and pool C, St. Michael’s and H. B Beal (London, ON) respectively, will go head to head to compete for a spot against one of the teams mentioned above in the finals.

The H. B Beal Raiders are lead by a #20-ranked 2015 point guard in Michael Provenzano, who ran the offense for the Raiders as a grade 10 playing as a senior in last year’s OFSAA in London, Ontario.

Provenzano’s game has shown great maturity since last year; becoming stronger, more agile and is showing signs of being a floor leader. 

The defending Freed’s champion, St. Michael’s Blue Raiders have a bone to pick with anyone that gets in their way.

After not being able to finish the game in the finals of the Humber Classic because of lactic acid build up; Duane Notice will be hungrier than ever to dominate and help his St. Michael’s team reach the finals again.