All cylinders were firing from the floor and the free-throw line, and getting significant playing time, when Niagara College's Men's basketball team "tuned up" for top opponents with a 80-65 win over the Redeemer University College Royals.
Steve Atkin, head coach of the men's team was pleased that he was able to "play everyone" in Saturday afternoon's game in Ancaster.
"Everybody got good quality time. It was a good win and a great test for us heading into games against Sheridan and Humber," Atkin said. With the win, the Knights improved their first-place record to 7-1 in the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association's West Region.
Third-year starter Alex Shah, who played his high school basketball in St. Catharines at St. Francis, led the men's team with 16 points and seven rebounds. Rookies Alex Campbell, with 13 points; Marako Lundy, 12; and Ashton Stephenson, nine; were the leading point-getters for the visitors.
While Atkin described the 3-3 Royals as a "middle-of-the-pack team," their reputation for plucky play required the Knights to bring their A game.
"They've been in every game this year. This was a great test for us."
With six first-year players in the 11-man lineup l, a young Niagara appears to be exceeding everyone's expectations except the team's coaching staff. Atkin said he isn't surprised that the Knights are 7-1 at this point in the season.
"We've beaten the teams we should beat. Now we have to beat the top teams in the country," he said, already looking ahead to the home against Sheridan and a Friday game in Toronto against the Humber Hawks.
"I think we're capable of doing some damage this year."
That Niagara was able to start so strong while missing the on-court leadership of the injured Jeremy Settimi, a fifth-year player regarded as the heart and soul of the Knights, is a tribute to the "leadership qualities" the remaining players are bringing to the court.
"The young kids are very competitive, they have a strong desire to be successful," Atkin said in praising the play of his team.
