With Northumberland title conquered, Cougars eye provincial hoops success

TRURO - As provincial hosts, the CEC Cougars didn’t have their season on the line as they tipped off versus North Nova Education Centre Thursday evening for the Northumberland Region banner - they just played as if they did.

The varsity boys’ basketball team roared out of the gate and maintained steady pressure, both offensively and defensively, to overwhelm the visiting Gryphons and claim a comfortable 94-53 win.

Cougars’ head coach Marc Roberts said he started his pre-game talk with the team by asking them how long their school day was as they anticipated a chance to claim a regional title on their home court.

“They all said it was a long school day,” Roberts said, which was the answer he wanted to hear because it meant his players couldn’t wait to get on the court to compete. “Once we got to tipoff, I thought the guys were focused.”

Markus Hayden’s 25 points led CEC, followed by Mekhi Paris’ 14. Keegan Skinner also hit double-digits with 10 for a Cougars’ offence that was well balanced.

Coach Roberts said that will be one of the keys for the team in the provincials.

“The depth of our bench … we’re going to need support. It can’t be just the five guys; sort of the Villanova Wildcats’ way with only playing six players,” he said of the noted NCAA squad playing a short bench but still having success. “We’re going to need a lot more than that.”

He said defence is another critical area for success.

“We’re going to need to get stops in the half-court, there are a lot of good teams coming our way,” he said. “It’s going to be a challenge, no question.”

Roberts said it was important to the team to officially earn its way into the provincials, which will take place April 8 to 10. He said the Northumberland regional title was a goal from the start of the year, and seniors Russell Malally, Erik Hayden, and Tino Talbot never let their teammates forget that.

“It wasn’t going to happen on their watch,” he said about the trio’s focus. “They did an awesome job; I’m extremely proud of Russell,

Erik, and Tino.” Seniors’ response Malally said he thought the team played hard versus NNEC to win the title.

“We know what we can do and went out there and did it, and we’re going to keep doing it,” he said. “Everyone put in a great effort and contributed to winning.”

Erik said the team’s improved defence was a key for the game and going into the provincials.

“Our defence is definitely a lot better and that is the best way to win basketball games,” he said.

Talbot talked about everyone knowing their role.

“Where we’re supposed to be at the right time,” he said. “It’s about playing as a team, staying together, and being positive.”

All three think they can use home court to an advantage with the best teams in Nova Scotia ready to converge in Truro.

“I find we play a lot better in our home gym,” Erik said. “Everyone is a little bit more comfortable; we shoot a lot better, and just being more familiar (with the surroundings) helps.”

“And with all our family and fans around,” Talbot added about the support of being at home.

Malally noted the three played in the provincials during their Grade 10 year and will draw upon that experience.

“We know what happens at provincials, we’ve been there before, so we have the experience,” he said. “Hopefully, we can lead our team to a provincial gold.”