Friday 16 October 2009

Carleton, Saskatchewan win at House-Laughton Tourney

The Ravens shot a sizzling 70% from the field in the first half including 6-7 from downtown and outrebounded Bishop's 18-6 (40-14 for the game) to lead by 35 at halftime and cruised to an easy 104-51 win over the Gaiters in the first round of the House-Laughton Classic. With the score tied 14-14 late in the first quarter, the Ravens finished the first quarter on a 13-1 run, highlighted by six consecutive points by 6'8" Kevin McCleery, who had his way in the post as Bishop's did not double down. McCleery later showed his refined post game and good instincts by making Bishop's pay the one time they did double down as he found a wide open 6'0" Willy Manigat for an open 3. While McCleery and the injured Mike Kenny (who again did not play this evening) are the recognized leaders of this year's Ravens, make no mistake: Manigat's presence in the Carleton lineup is a different maker. The diminutive guard from Ottawa continually drove past Bishop's ball defenders including 6'1" Orien Green who can defend and made great decisions, finishing the first half with 5 points, 7 assists, 2 steals and no turnovers. 6'6" freshman Tyson Hinz continues to impress with his Dell Curry-like release on the catch-and-shoot and his uncanny knack at finishing around the rim. Hinz led all scorers with 26 points and added 14 rebounds, showing again he already should be regarded as one of Canada's top freshman. Once Carleton gapped Bishop's late in the first quarter, the Ravens staples of defending and rebounding was on display as Carleton took several charges and limited Bishop's to one offensive rebound. Second year forward Anthony Ashe was also impressive knocking shots down and showing good defensive instincts. Elliot Thompson added 16-points while McCleery finished with 14 points in the victory. Athletic wing Onnex Blackwood had a very solid debut with the injury-riddled Gaiters with 14 points. Another newcomer, point guard Green had a nice start and showed he can create off the dribble, knock down shots and deal. Head Coach Rod Gilpin is witout usual rotation players 6'2" D'arcy Nash, 6'6" Chris East, 6'9" Jesse Feith and 6'4" Kevin Selman, all injured. As well, 5'9" Jelani Matthew, a transfer from Sheridan College expected to log big minutes at the point this season was dismissed from the team earlier this week. Bishop's struggled with their inside game as veteran posts 6'4" Damon Thomas-Anderson and 6'8" Hermon Tesfaghebriel both had difficulties establishing any offensive presence in the low post, forcing long possessions and numerous perimeter shots under duress with the shot clock winding down when it was still a game in the first half. Bishop's meets Saskatchewan, which defeated UPEI on Friday, while the Ravens meet the Panthers on Day two of this three-day, three-game affair. Carleton and Saskatchewan appear headed for a clash for the tournament championship on Sunday afternoon. As per below, Showron Glover's 38 points lifted the Huskies to a comfortable win in the first game in which 68 free throws were taken as the whistle-happy officials were in fine early season form. There were another 28 fouls called in the first half of the Carleton/Bishop's game.

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