‘The Big Show’ inspires junior Mariners

Special to the Digby Courier

Digby’s junior boys had a little taste of the big show this weekend.

The DRHS basketball team travelled to Wolfville to play Annapolis Royal Regional Academy in the Acadia university gym on Saturday, Feb. 3.

Acadia Axemen head coach Les Berry hosted the two teams and provided scorekeepers and announcers that contributed to the atmosphere of a big league game.

Digby’s starting line up jumped out to an early 20-point lead by forcing turnovers with the full court press. After this the whole team enjoyed playing time to soak up the "BIG SHOW" atmosphere.

Corey Daley going strong to the hoop each time down the floor was unstoppable scoring 33 points. Jody Robicheau had a great game with 12 and Joseph Robicheau 8.

Jeremiah Warrington led Annapolis Royal with 18 pointsand Kyle Brown had 9.

Thanks to complimentary tickets from the Axemen, the boys settled in to watch Acadia play the Cape Breton Capers, ranked sixth in Canadian Interuniversity Sport.

Acadia’s overtime win over the Capers the night before had moved the Axemen into a tie for first place with Cape Breton in the Atantic University Sport.

Saturday’s rematch was strong and physical. The Axemen again came out on top taking sole possession of first place in the AUS.

Annapolis coach Ern Dick said the trip to Wolfville was a highlight of his boys for their season and a great learning experience.

After watching the university game, a number of the Digby players asked their coach Mike Bartlett what marks they would need to get into university to play for Acadia. “Over the last couple seasons, our relationship with Acadia has perked an interest in these guys to look at playing university ball,” says Bartlett. “The exhibition games, camps and clinics that Acadia does here in Digby are great opportunities for players to improve their game and at the same time Acadia gets a look at the talent that’s coming up.”

The Axemen will be holding a three-day basketball camp in Digby over March Break for players in grades 7 through 12, male and female. Bartlett says the price is “very low” and more details will be announced over the next couple of weeks.

Acadia plays again next Saturday in Wolfville against the UPEI Panthers. The Digby junior boys visit the Islands on Friday, Feb. 9 for an important league game, then Lunenburg on Saturday, Feb. 10 for a tournament. Digby’s next home game is Monday, Feb. 12 against ARRA.

jriley@digbycourier.ca