MIDDLETON, N.S. — The Middleton Monarchs recently advanced to provincials on the heels of three big wins at regionals.
The team defeated King’s-Edgehill, Bridgetown and Forest Heights to claim the title of Western Region Division 2 Boys Champions.
The Monarchs arrived at Millwood High for provincials as the fourth-ranked team and started off strong with a 75-55 quarter-final win over Amherst.
Unrivaled as the leading scorer for the Monarchs in the tournament spanning Feb. 28 to March 2, Elyias French recorded 25 points in the game, while Tayler Baker added 21.
Next up, the Monarchs faced the top-ranked Dr. JH Gillis from Antigonish in semifinal play.
“It was a back and forth game that saw the Monarchs down 34-33 at half,” said Greg Bower, who coaches the team along with Paul Shaffner, John MacDonald and Quinn VandenHeuvel.
“The fourth quarter swung the Royals way, with the Monarchs suffering an 84-72 defeat to the eventual provincial champions.”
French, Middleton’s only Grade 12, tossed up 26 points in the Monarchs' favour, while Noah Bezanson scored 14.
It was a nail-biter battle between two Annapolis County teams for the bronze-medal placement game – Middleton versus Bridgetown. Bridgetown emerged victorious, edging out Middleton 66-63. French finished the game with 21 points for Middleton, and Dan Bower added 17.
“The team played as well as they could each and every game and were very pleased with their performance,” said Bower.
Bridgetown would go on to challenge Amherst for bronze, with Amherst winning the contest 78-49.
