Team That Never Quits Wins First League Game In Three Years
Story and photos by Robert Thomas
For two seasons the Peacock JV Boys have had a program they’ve followed - practice hard, play hard, lose and repeat.
On Thursday evening the never ending cycle came to an end for the team that never quits as they defeated the visiting Gravelbourg Hawks JV Boys team 72 - 60.
It was a game that featured practice roster member Odin Graham - the smallest kid on the court - get an opportunity to play. And on his first possession and his first shot Graham was able to score a basket to the approval of a cheering crowd.
It’s was a swoosh that echoed throughout the Peacock Gym.
Peacock Toilers Odin Graham (foreground left) moves the ball in the dying moments of the game
For Peacock Toilers head coach Danny Mullens the feeling after the win was one of joy, pride, relief with an added stiff shot of humility.
“It’s amazing. It’s kind of like a monkey off of my back. For myself as a coach just to be part of this is just amazing to get the W (win) and see the guy’s excitement,” Mullens said when asked how it felt to finally win in his third season at the helm of the JV boys team.
The JV team almost broke the glass ceiling and winning earlier on Monday when they fell 46 - 44 versus the Briercrest Christian Academy Cougars.
So anticipation was high “this could be JVs’ year” in the gym.
Players congratulate Toilers coach Danny Mullens on his first ever Moose Jaw city league win
Hard work, hard work, hard work and not giving up are the keys to the team improving and ultimately winning. It’s something that likely not to stop, Mullens said.
“We’ve not stopped working. I remember saying last year to we have a mountain to climb and we are not done. We have some players that have some great potential and so we’ve worked really hard,” he said.
Asked about the ability to play the entire bench - due to the points differential - Mullens said it was something they were aiming to do.
Gravelbourg Hawks Aydan Jacobs (left) goes airborne to chase a rebound
The last 90 seconds of the game had the shortest player Odin Graham take to the floor where he ignited the crowd - especially after scoring a basket.
“It was a goal to get our young Odin in there, Odin Graham, just to see him out there and he wanted to play so we put him in there. We had the opportunity and it felt good just to see and have the opportunity to play everyone.”
The JV team is not just to give people the opportunity to play but it is also “to develop everyone.”
Gravelbourg Hawks Adama Zoundi (left) guards against Peacock Toilers Brandyn Blackett. Blackett’s presence was major in the game.
“It’s also about developing the team as a whole.”
Asked about the crowd - which uncharacteristically grew after the first half Mullens said it was great.
“It was good to hear the cheers. It really was. Peacock is a great school and they’re always supporting. It’s nice to see them come out in droves and help us along the way,” he said.
Gravelbourg Hawks Reyne Leclair (left) tries to cut past Peacock Toilers Allan Lu
Mullens said he wanted to congratulate Gravelbourg for re-joining the league and being competitive m.
“My hat goes off to Gravelbourg for being part of the league and pushing us at this pace,” he said.
Mullens - who is known to applaud good plays by both teams - applauded the Hawks on some good rebound work during the game.
The game was neck to neck through three quarters of play until part way into the fourth quarter where a succession of three field goals (three pointers) seemingly signified the collapse in Gravelbourg’s game.
Gravelbourg Hawks Adama Zoundi (left) guards against Peacock Toilers Anthon Avery
Asked about Gravelbourg’s collapse in the fourth quarter and the comments from Gravelbourg’s coach about Mullens said “we know what it’s like to try to put a team together. We’ve been there.”
Regarding the reasons for the victory Mullens pointed to the Toilers defence.
“It always starts with defence for us. It’s always been about defence because defence transfers over to offence. It’s starting to show where we are making baskets and three pointers. It was really surprising how confident the guys were,” he said.
Mullens said the Toilers have young players who are coming up who are extremely confident and “it’s exciting for our league.”
Rebounding - especially defensive - was key to the Toiler’s game
For Gravelbourg Hawks head coach Jeff Jacobs the loss could be attributed to not playing as a team but rather as individuals.
“The last time I call them over and said it’s not basketball that’s beating you. You are beating yourselves. That’s what I told them. You guys have got to work together and not blame each other,” Jacobs said.
Until the fourth quarter the Hawks had played a strong team game with good communication and markedly improved shot making over their game versus the South Hill Royal Falcons.
Gravelbourg Hawks Hebyn Chevrier (left) defends against Peacock Toilers tayden Mack heading for the basket
Asked about the very strong three quarters of play and how it contrasted with the last eight minutes of play
“That’s a thing too I just said we are getting down on ourselves and that is what got us in the end,”he said.
The three consecutive field goals in the final quarter by the Toilers had a major impact.
“The three pointers started taking the air out of their sails and so (it went from there).”
Peacock Toilers Anthon Avery (right) looks to set up the play
Pointing out the marked improvement of the Hawks Jacobs said “they’re coming along.”
Asked about the effort by the Hawks he said he was happy on how they played despite the loss.
“It was good effort. The result wasn’t so good but it’s getting better. It’s coming I will say that.”
Peacock Toilers Brandyn Blackett (far right) attempts to go around tge Gravelbourg hawks defence
For the Toilers Mullens he said the Hawks have some good athletes and just need some work playing together.
With the Hawks defeating the BCA Cougars in week one and the Toilers just beating the Hawks Mullens pointed out how the league is competitive and that it was good for all teams.
The Hawks have one more game before the Christmas break against the powerhouse Assiniboia Rockets.
After the break there are a number of home games they’re hopeful people in the community will check out.
The scoresheet
Top scorers Peacock:
Tayden Mack - 15 points
Brandyn Blackett- 14 points
Athon Avery- 14 points
Top scorers Gravelbourg
Aydin Jacobs 14 points
Manny Pagan 11 points