Gryphons enjoy solid run
Host team posts 2-1 record at tournament; Dartmouth comes away with title
NEW GLASGOW, N.S. — They didn’t quite get the on-court success they wanted at their annual girls’ basketball tournament, but the North Nova Gryphons still had solid results last weekend at their own gym.
The Gryphons went 2-1 at the tournament, their only loss a 79-56 setback against the deep and experienced Horton Griffins, who would later come up short in the championship game against the Dartmouth Spartans. Those two teams met in last year’s provincial final and with Dartmouth prevailing there, as well. Gryphons coach Andy MacKay said they are likely the top two teams in Nova Scotia again this season.
Against Horton, Isabella MacKay drained 27 points and Emily MacNeil had six as the Gryphons were out-rebounded and could not match Horton’s three-point shot success.
SOME CHRISTMAS CHEER
A tournament tradition that started a few years ago, fans and players brought in toys that will be distributed to some Pictou County elementary schools.
“We’ve been doing this for five years or so, we ask the teams or anyone coming to watch the games to bring a new or gently used toy,” MacKay, who added teams who keep coming back to the tournament are now used to contributing to the cause.
“It gets better and better every year.”
In other game results for the Gryphons:
NNEC Gryphons 74, Dr. J.H. Gillis Royals 42
NNEC built a 38-17 halftime lead and cruised past the Royals. Isabella MacKay had 19 points and seven assists, whole Emily Arbuckle and Jaden MacEachern both knocked down 15 points. Taylor Hazzard had nine.
NNEC Gryphons 63, Lockview Dragons 45
Isabella MacKay and Emily Arbuckle both had 13 points to lead NNEC over the Dragons, and Jaden MacEachern poured in nine, on the strength of a trio of three-point baskets.