DEER LAKE It was a rough start to the Elwood High invitational boys basketball tournament for the two host teams.
Rough, but not unexpected.
“The boys worked very hard, I’m pleased overall,” said Jim Feltham, coach of both the Lakers Blue senior team and Lakers Red junior team. “We’re starting at rock bottom.”
The opening game of the three-day event saw the Pasadena Academy Falcons tear apart the Elwood Red squad 72-17.
Josh Lake had 16 points to lead the Falcons, while Nick Pilgrim put up 13 points and Robbie Manual managed 11.
Lucas Hoyles and Tyler Simon paced the Elwood juniors with six points apiece.
In opening day’s other contest, the Corner Brook Regional High Titans 11s beat the Elwood senior team by a 60-32 count.
Jeff Randell drained a dozen in the win, with Adam Payne notching 11 and Josh Hughes mustering nine points.
Will Barnes and Tyler Bradley both had 11 to lead the Lakers Blue team.
“We weren’t bad defensively, the offence is the last to come,” Feltham said. “We were down 32-20 at the half, which is a fairly good defensive effort against a pressing team But we ended up panicking against the press.”
Back after a two-year absence, Feltham said he was happy to see the stands full for Thursday night’s double-header and he expects it to be standing room only when action resumes today.
“We’re going to have a full house with the kids out of school,” he said, noting former Lakers players and parents were also enthused to be in attendance.
He’s hoping for a better showing, especially from the Blue senior team, today.
“We’ve got a big game against St. James (at 1:45 p.m.), so we’ll be better,” Feltham said.
“Everything went great (on Thursday) except for the scores.”
Today’s action begins at 12 noon with a showdown between two travelling teams, St. Catherine’s of Mount Carmel against Exploits Valley High.
For a full schedule, see Scoreboard on page 12.
