(BOYS) Handsworth Royals maintain their pride, will head to finals with win over Brentwood

Brentwood @ Handsworth Royals

Boys Semifinals

Written by Devin Delany, Handsworth Grad ‘06

Both teams entered the court with a physical presence that made itself known to the crowd. It is clear to any fortunate on looker that both teams are here to win and are willing to go the distance to get there in this semi-final match. This game started with a dizzying north to south interaction that left the crowds head spinning. Brentwood’s Justin Watt set the pace with his determined defensive efforts and was able to force a couple early turnovers. The royals countered this effort by passing the ball in a crisp and clean manner that seemed to cover more ground than a cross-Canada road trip. The crowd was starting to wake up with every passing exchange. By the end of the quarter the home town heroes, Handsworth Royals, led 19-15.

In the second it appeared Brentwood’s Justin Watt spectacles were providing him with some extra vision as all of his cross-court passes were finding the perfect open seam. This look was very reminiscent of a young Phoenix Sun’s Amare Stoudemire.

Watt then followed this up with a spin-o-rama fadeaway jumper which seemed to tip the momentum in their favor. At the 6:56 mark and the score 21-21, Handsworth called a time out to re-asses their offensive strategy. Minutes later Brentwood called a time out to try and further their lead 31-28. With outstanding size and strength, the royals were beginning to transform into rebound machines. This opened offensive opportunities for them to begin a late quarter ascension to tie the game. Horn was the lucky one funding himself in multiple

‘mouse in the house’ opportunities and was able to dive down low for some easier paint points.  The Royals’ Waters then closed the quarter with a hard-pressed layup leaving the Royals up by 1, 32-31, in a tightly contested first half of quality ball.

Half time trivia:

Which individual is credited with inventing the sport of basketball?

The Royals came out with on fire in the second half forcing three turnovers in a row on Brentwood possessions and jumped out to an early 43-33 lead. Many of these points were from the Royal’s sharp shooting Zach Waters who seemed extremely confident with the ball in his hands. The Royals kept coming in waves and despite coach Gage’s efforts of multiple timeouts to slow this Royal momentum it didn’t appear to have any impact.

At the end of the 3rd the Royals had a commanding 55-43 lead leaving Brentwood feeling somewhat dazed from a fast paced 3rd quarter.

In the 4th quarter, Coach Gage shifted his team to a high press aggressive style of defense in hopes of forcing some quick turnovers however Handsworth’s quickness was able to play right around it. Once that first wave of defense was penetrated the Royals were able to convert on some easier fast break points. This now 20-point lead allowed Royal’s Coach Storey to mix in his deep bench and save some of his star players including Horn, Lutman and Waters for the upcoming championship game.

The game finished up 73-54 earning them a critical birth to tonight’s championship battle.

Congratulations to Handsworth’s Tristan Gau for winning the player of the game award.

Please come on out and watch Gau and the rest of his teammates this evening at Collingwood in the finals!

Fulltime answer:

You are correct, that is the one and only James Naismith!