Stingrays coast to win over Clare Wolves

Published on December 13th, 2008

Published on January 31st, 2010

By Karla Kelly FOR THE DIGBY COURIER The St. Mary’s Bay Academy senior boys basketball team improved its record to 4-0 Wednesday with a 76-51 win over the Clare Wolves.

The Stingrays jumped out to a 21-9 first quarter lead and maintained the 12-point lead during the second quarter.

The home team doubled the Wolves 26-13 in third quarter action to extend the lead but the Wolves outscored the Stingrays 14-13 in the final frame. “The boys treated the game as an exhibition match,” said coach Craig Glavin. “They played well enough to win but not as well as they could have.”

Glavin complimented Clare for its efficient offence. “The team has some nice outside shooters and they ran a screen on the inbound pass on the weak side to set up some nice plays,” said Glavin. “Clare isn’t to be taken lightly”

Clare coach Victor Paskal said the team played well for their first game and was able to score well on fast breaks. “We did well given the fact there are only seven players on the team.” said Paskal. “We did have fast points and I think that Clare Wolves basketball is all about scoring on fast breaks.”

He said turnovers, lack of energy and some poor defense put the Clare players behind early.

Paskal added that the team needs to use its speed advantage and fast break opportunities and not let the opposition dictate the rhythm of the game.

The Stingrays’ Tyler Langford led all scorers with 19 points and Patrick Johns added 15 for the winning team.

Shane Dulong scored 15 points for the Wolves while Gavin Robichaud chipped in 13.

Both SMBA senior boys and girls are in Barrington for action against the Barons Monday.

Wednesday’s game was supposed to be a league game but was turned into exhibition play by the revised Division 3 Boys Regional format issued Dec. 8.

Only six teams have declared in the Western Region that includes schools from Bridgetown and Annapolis to Digby, SMBA and Clare down through to Shelburne. Three other eligible schools in the region did not declare, making it a small playing field.

Now, SMBA squad will play five league games during the season, with away games in Clare and Shelburne and home games when they host Annapolis, Bridgetown and Digby. “Each of the six schools has a different league play format,” said SMBA coach Craig Glavin. “All six teams will advance to Regionals that will be hosted by the top school on the Valley side.”