Cyclones win consolation at Harry Ainlay tournament
Impressive victory continues stellar season for Central boys basketball team
The Central Cyclones have put together one of the best high school boys basketball seasons in recent memory, and their success at the Harry Ainlay Tri-Province Basketball Tournament in Edmonton this past weekend was just the latest example of their winning ways.
The Cyclones lost their opening game but won their next two contests to claim the consolation side championship at the prestigious high-level event. The tournament features some of the best teams from Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and B.C. Central opened with a 98-66 loss to the host Harry Ainlay Titans, who would go on to win the tournament. It was clear sailing from there, though, as they downed Winnipeg Oak Park 90-79 and took an 88-72 win over Edmonton Christian Academy, the topranked 4A team in Alberta. Harry Ainlay 98, Central 66
Ethan Johnson led the Cyclones with 18 points as they took the court without two of their veterans in Kyle Boughen and Ewan Johnson, both of whom were battling injuries. Fharis Ebit and Hardil Khubber each added 12 points and Riley Seaborn had seven assists.
Central 90, Oak Park 79 The Cyclones’ season-long focus on solid team defence paid off in their first consolation-side game, as they racked up 13 steals and 32 defensive rebounds in their win over Winnipeg. Fharis Ebet led the Central with 19 points, Riley Seaborn added 16 and Dylan Boughen 15. Jaxson Brownell pulled down 12 rebounds.
Central 88, Edmonton Christian 72 Hardil Khubber continued his impressive senior season with 30 points in the consolation final, with his overall performance through the weekend landing him a spot on the tournament all-star team.
Brownell scored 16 points for the Cyclones, Quinton Ross added nine. Team defence was also once again on display as they racked up a stunning 20 steals, 17 deflections and 27 defensive rebounds.