WECSSAA Sr. Boys basketball opening game

By Tate Harris

Catholic Central High School defeated E.J Lajeunesse Secondary School 50- 31 in the opening game of the WECSSAA senior boys basketball season.

Lajeunesse lead by two points going into the second half after Catholic Central struggled to capitalize on opportunities in the first half. Catholic Central coach, Paul Gebrael, said the team’s composure allowed them to keep the game close.

“We are really working on this whole idea of ‘one more’ and passing it to a great shot. So we’re not getting frustrated and forcing stuff up (towards the basket) which then leads to transition break out layups for the other team,” said Gebrael.

Scoring 13 of Lajeunesse’s first 20 points, Andreas McBounds was scoreless in the fourth quarter. Catholic Central tried to limit McBounds all night, as he was a standout for Lajeunesse.

“We were trying to deny him the whole game, but he was still getting loose and getting to the basket, so he was really working hard for his points,” said Gebrael. “I think we just wore him down towards the end.”

Catholic Central took control of the game in the third quarter with a 13-4 run. Adrian Guenther, point guard, and Marcel Sharma, shooting guard, pushed their team to victory scoring a combined 25 points in the second half of the game.

“We played really well defensively throughout the whole entire game. We had a slow start on offense in the first half. When the second half started we had really good offensive play and defensive play as well,” said Guenther.

It may only be the first game of the season but Guenther has high hopes for his team.

“I truly believe that we could win WECSSAA and go all the way in the finals,” said Guenther.

Both teams play Tuesday, Dec. 12. Catholic Central looks to continue their winning ways when hosting Holy Names High School at 5:30 p.m. Lajeunesse plans to redeem themselves while visiting assumption at 5:30 p.m.