St Mikes (#6) Takes Down Father Henry Carr (#1), Capture 53rd SMC Invitational…instant Classic!
TORONTO,ON–Entering the 53rd Nike St Mikes Invitational, the question was, could anyone knock off the #1-Ranked and undefeated Father Henry Carr Crusaders?
All of our questions were answered in this tournament, and more. The St Mike’s VS Father Henry Carr game goes down as an instant classic, and certainly the best high school game of the season up until now.
Father Henry Carr controlled the majority of the game up until the fourth quarter where multiple Blue Raiders stepped up, making a run to secure the victory 60-55.
The unusual suspect, Simon Polan-Couillard was a major factor throughout the course of the game as he had his best game scoring a game-high 18 points. Polan-Couillard was strong on the glass, turning offensive rebounds into points while also displaying an effective jumper for the first time…impressive.
Rayshane Case captured tournament MVP and was instrumental to the team’s success on both ends of the floor. Case efficiently ran the point, while defending with great intensity.
The young guns composed of Nelson Kaputo and Godwin Boahen were quiet throughout the first three quarters but came out in a major way in the fourth! Kaputo nailed a big time three ball to sustain momentum while Boahen had his fingerprints all over this victory. Boahen came with energy, poise and was creating for himself and teammates.
It wasn’t the first time that these underclassmen guards came clutch as Boahen and Kaputo were sensational at the Freeds tournament where St Mike’s defeated NPH #5-Ranked team in the nation, Catholic Central.
For the Crusaders, it was Dillon Brooks who lead with 18 points. Throughout the tournament, Tanveer Bhullar and Kenrick Lewis were very effective, the best we have seen them this season. Both players’ confidence higher than ever, but must keep working.
Christian Hewitt continues to bring consistency and showing added scoring off the dribble. Brendon Chevannes is back in action, coming off a wrist injury; he will be big for the Crusaders down the road giving coach Melnik another primary ball handler at the PG spot.
The Blue Raiders now knock off the #1-ranked team in the country and hand FHC their first loss of the season on Canadian soil. Henry Carr is now 24-1.But what does this mean?
Has this victory given St Mike’s the right to be called the #1 high school team in Canada? The Blue Raiders move to 21-1, with their only loss coming at the hands of Eastern Commerce, the #2-Ranked team in the nation.
Who is #1…St Mikes or Henry Carr?
This is to be determined following a major weekend of high school basketball around Canada. The updated NPH Top 25 is guaranteed to have a tonne of movement and new teams in the mix.
Stay tuned for updated NPH National rankings dropping this month!
Tournament Awards
Rashayne Case (St. Michael’s) – MVP
Simon Polan-Couillard (St. Michael’s)
Tanveer Bhullar (Henry Carr)
Kenrick Lewis (Henry Carr)
Trevon McNeil (Holy Trinity)
Kemar Alleyne (Pope John Paul II)
