Success all about teamwork for men's basketball

By Jeff Lloyd

lloy0059@algonquincollege.com

Effort goes a long way in determining one’s success.

The Algonquin men’s basketball team knows this all too well, as they beat Georgian College 81-59 in a hard-fought battle Nov.15, in front of what was one of the biggest crowds of the season.

Aside from some bad bounces and missed opportunities on both sides of the court, the game was closer than the scoreboard might have suggested, as an 8-0 drive at the end of the first half, and a 12-0 drive in the second half were the difference for Algonquin.

Thunder player Anthony Hinds put up an impressive 23 points that easily led all other players in the game, while his teammates Davidson Sanelus and Charly Spurr netted 16 points each.

Despite the loss, Grizzlies head coach Steve Porter had mixed emotions about the game.

“I think our effort was outstanding, but our execution was not,” said Porter.  “Every game, we seem to find new ways to lose.  We had good open looks but we couldn’t seem to capitalize.”

According to Porter, it was those little mistakes that cost them.  It certainly did not help that they played with a depleted bench.

“We made some dumb mental errors,” said Porter.  “You can’t dig yourself a hole every time and expect to get out of it.”

On the other side of the ball, the Thunder played a consistent offensive and defensive game.  However, Thunder head coach Trevor Costello thinks there is always room for improvement.

“We need to improve defensively and be more precise with the offense,” said Costello. “We are getting better, but we still had some letdowns.  But I guess you can’t be perfect all the time.”

Nonetheless, the Thunder continue to play solid at home with a 3-0 record so far this regular season and are now winners of three straight.