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Saint John's Kilmarnock Climbing the Charts, Capture 2014 Humber Classic!
By Tariq Sbiet
The score doesnt tell the entire story.
The final was 68-61 Saint John's Kilmarnock over Oakwood, however SJK controlled practically the entire game, on their way to the 2014 Humber Classic title.
Calvin Epistola did the heavy lifting for Oakwood, with 37 points, nine rebounds, four assists and five steals, however the team as whole shot only 32% (20/62 FG).
Epistola did everything in his power to keep Oakwood in the game, scoring from the perimter and attacking the rim.
"I wasn't happy in the fourth quarter where he (Epistola) was able to turn the corner and get to the paint, that's what we don't want," said Popic.
"But he's a kid that has talent, so he's going to adjust to what we're doing. Hats off to him."
Each time Oakwood would trim the lead within striking distance, an SJK player would answer. In addition to the offensive stuggles, Oakwood simply couldn't get stops against a team that has production from every angle–inside and out.
The big guys Ivan Bilanzic (16 pts, 9rbs), Liam Courtney (9rbs, 2 blks) and Michael Nlumel (13 points) were also key factors both in the rebounding department, as well as standing their ground on penetration.
However, it was Sajaan Arora that was able to spread the floor for SJK.
"I think Sajaan (Arora) really stepped up, he gave us the big shots when the game was breaking a little bit," explained SJK Head Coach Borko Popic.
Arora finished with a team-high 20 points, including 6/10 from deep. The 6'2 guard is what you call a designated sniper…leave him open, he'll make you pay, and he plays his role well.
"I'm a shooter and I also lead the team, I have to make sure everyone is going hard, playing with their heads up," said Arora, afer the game.
Michael Ganson, who earned himself tournament MVP, flirted with a triple-double of 8 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists.
Ganson has been a rock for SJK early in the season, as they continue to rack up wins.
"He (Ganson) has been constistent throughout, he doesn't really have to score to be effective," sad Popic.
"Everything else he does–leading, facilitatitng and his consistency is something we are relying on."
SJK has been racking up quality wins over several #NPHTop25 members, including Thornlea (86-85), Vaughan (75-69), MacNab (102-83), Campion (75-68) and now Oakwood.
You can expect this squad to continue climbing up the ladder.
Right around the corner is a meeting with #1-ranked St Mikes in their private league home opener November 25 @ SJK.
Sajaan Arora and SJK will stay the course.
"St Mike's is a really good team, really well coached, everytime we play them it's a close game. We just have to keep doing what we're doing."
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Tariq Sbiet
NPH National Scout, tracking Canada's TOP prospects from high school to the NBA. With a genuine passion for the game, you will find Sbiet in the bleachers of most major tournaments and events across Canada & the United States -- Discovering talent from coast-to-coast, while absorbing knowledge at every opportunity. Sbiet has covered the game at every level, combining a basketball and media background with a degree in Media & Journalism from the University of Guelph-Humber. *Inspiration is the spark plug to success*
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