Toilers Net Victory Against Vikings In Senior Boys Basketball Season Opener

By Robert Thomas

In a hotly contested and highly emotional game the Peacock Toilers defeated the visiting Vanier Vikings 72 - 65 in the opening game of the high school senior boys basketball season.

The game saw the Toilers hold the lead in all three quarters.

The score was 19 Peacock - 12 Vanier after the first quarter, 42 Peacock - 34 Vanier at the half and 60 Peacock - 47 Vanier at the end of the third quarter.

The Toilers victory was led by 14 points by Mac Simpson. Other high scorers for the Toilers were 13 points each for Kal Houghton and Makungu Mutabazi.

Vanier Vikings attempt to hem in Peacock Toilers Kal Houghton - MJ Independent photo

Peacock Toiler Luke Andrews (left) defends the key - MJ Independent photo

Brody Wasmann head coach of the Vanier Vikings said despite the loss he was happy what he saw in the Vikings.

“Yeah it was a good game. Obviously guys were playing hard and it is a physical game and sometime tempers flare a little bit but I was proud of how we came out. And Peacock obviously have a ton of size and they use it to their advantage and that was probably the biggest difference maker in tonight’s game I would say,” Wassman said.

Player size was a key factor in the Toilers favour and against the Vikings.

“They have got the size. We are speedy and quick but sometimes you just cannot make up for size,” he said.

Breaking through the Vanier Vikings defense - MJ Independent photo

Peacock Toilers guard Luke Andrews (right) attempts to get through the Vanier Vikings defense on a layup drive - MJ Independent photo

Asked about the play of Luke Andrews, one of the larger Toilers players and a key factor in numerous rebounds, Wasmann said he had a definite effect on the game.

“He was always in there causing havoc and that’s fine. For our first game it was fine. We have a few things to work on but I am happy with what I saw so far.”

Wassman said he was expecting the Vikings to have a good season.

“It will be good. We have a long way to go and obviously a lot of ruts and things to figure out as a team but so far I like what I see and we will just keep building from there.”

Wasmann said “hopefully all players make it to the end of the game” referring to a fourth quarter shoving match where one player from each side were ejected for their actions.

Peacock Toilers Lance Geddes (right) attempts to evade Vanier Vikings blocking the key - MJ Independent photo

Peacock Toilers Kal Houghton attempts to split through the Vanier Vikings defense - MJ Independent photo

Peacock Toilers head coach Troy Setter said despite the fourth quarter incident the game was what he was expecting.

“.It was a good battle. Both teams came out and played heard,” Setter said.

“I think the guys did a good job of cleaning stuff up. Vanier did a good job crashing the rebounds. They played hard and made us (work hard). It was good and I like to see it,” he said.

Asked about the intensity and the emotion in the game he said it was there but to be expected.

“Yeah emotions were high. But it is basketball and kids get excited i t is what it is,” he said.

Asked about the play of Luke Andrews Setter said Andrews used his size in playing a good game.

“Yeah Luke (Andrews) played a good game. He battled inside.”

Vanier Vikings try to get around coverage - MJ Independent photo

Jostling for position - MJ Independent photo

Setter said the Toilers are set to do well in a small league this year consisting of only three schools - Peacock, Vanier and Central.

“The boys battled hard. We got some good bigs and we got some good guards, We just need to play a little better together,” he said.

With only a three team league Setter said he expected the three team league to be competitive as the crosstown rivalries should have a major impact.

“We need to just go there and play the game…we are just looking forward to the season.”

Peacock Toilers Josh Johnson (right) blocks Vanier out of the key - MJ Independent photo

The next senior boys basketball game is Tuesday December 13th at 7:30 pm when Peacock tips off against Central. The game will be at Central Collegiate.