Battle of The Titans: Harry Ainlay (Alberta) Comes Away With The Win Over Mulgrave

Harry Ainlay Titans Sr. Boys v. Mulgrave Titans

(photo credit: Carol Horn)

That’s right, ladies and gentlemen, this is a battle of the Titans. In Greek mythology, the Battle of the Titans was a 10-year bunch of battles. The one at hand today is more efficient: one battle, 40 minutes.

Harry Ainlay was a former mayor of Edmonton. The school, which bears his name, was built in the mid- sixties, and is famous for having no windows. It has a massive student population with over 2700 students in grades 10-12.

Mulgrave fields a smaller team than Ainlay. Many of both teams favour the mop-top or fringe do’s in what is clearly the dominant fashion of the day. Is it a Tik-Tok thing? The generally smaller Mulgrave players don’t seem to realize they are at a height disadvantage as they play a high tempo, courageous and persistent style. And now we turn to the game which ended Q1 with an 18-9 score favouring the Albertans.

Owing to the disadvantage Mulgrave had in the paint, they sharpened their perimeter passing setting up 3-pont attempts. Quick cuts and  tight passes helped them barely stay in reach but they slipped slowly further and further behind. Meanwhile Ainlay’s #5, Akhon Deng, who was a great leaper and productive rebounder, exhibited talent that will haunt future opposing teams in the tournament. At the half it was 38-23 in favour of the Edmontonians.

Mulgrave’s Robbie Akehurst and teammate #21 led their brothers-in -arms in an effort in Q3 to mount a comeback but missed a 3 and, although getting an early ‘and-1’, missed on the foul shot. Matthew Lian hit a 3 but Ainlay’s Gavin Mayik responded as did another of his teammates. Mulgrave’s Akehurst would not let go and his mate Lincoln Trantina hit an off-balance 3 which would inspire anyone. At the end of Q3 it was 58-33 for Ainlay.

Ainlay’s Deng opened the last stanza with a deft lefty lay-up while Mulgrave continued to bash against the wall of Albertans in the paint. It would be a losing battle but a fearless challenge by Mulgrave. Akehurst made a beautiful floater followed by Trintana’s trey.

Hats off to both teams who played spirited No Regrets basketball. Deng scored Ainlay’s last point from the foul line, cementing an 82-44 win.

All players in this game deserve to be Titans and not just in name.

Harry Ainlay 84 – 44 Mulgrave

POG: Harry Ainlay’s #5 Akhon Deng