BY JOHN DECOSTE
Kings County Register
The Horton Griffins should once again be a team to be reckoned with in NSSAF Division 1 boys’ play this season.
The Griffins, defending provincial D-1 champions, kicked off their 2007/ 2008 season last weekend by hosting Sydney Academy, Lockview and Prince Andrew at their own Smitty’s Horton Tip-Off.
Horton ended up averaging 98 points per game in three impressive wins: 94-50 over Sydney Academy, 100-71 over Lockview and 100-67 over Prince Andrew.
November 9, Jeremy Dunn had 27 points and Ellis Ffrench 25 in the win over Sydney Academy. In a game where head coach Tim Kendrick substituted freely, 10 of 11 Horton players scored at least two points. The Griffins led 50-22 at halftime.
Against Lockview, Ffrench ended up with 26 points, Dunn, who injured his ankle in the first quarter, added 17; and Pat Riley, Sage Tanner and Neil McGill 12 each. Leading 46-39 at the half, the Griffins outscored Lockview 29-20 in the third quarter and 23-12 in the fourth as both teams emptied their benches.
Against Prince Andrew, which Coach Kendrick had anticipated might be the toughest opponent, Ffrench led the way with 34 points. Dunn added 13, all but two in the first half, McGill also finished with 13 and Stephen Traynor added 10. The difference in the game was the second quarter: the Griffins outscored the Panthers 23-8 for a 54-30 halftime lead.
In other tournament action, Lockview defeated Prince Andrew 77-55, Prince Andrew topped Sydney Academy 67-45 and Lockview defeated Sydney Academy 80-51.
“We played hard, and took control of our games early, which is what I like to see,” Kendrick said. “I feel we’re fairly strong again this year, and this past weekend was a good indication.
“Everybody played well, everybody got good minutes and we were able to get a good look at our younger players.”
Kendrick was a bit concerned with Dunn’s injury against Lockview, but the 6’5” forward was able to return later in the game (and scored 14 points in the third quarter).
The Griffins travel to New Glasgow this weekend to open the MAC (Mainland Athletic Conference) schedule with games against Northumberland and Dr. J.H. Gillis.
