A return to the top of the podium came with a crosstown twist for the Knights.
Holy Trinity Academy took home its Knights Classic senior boys basketball tournament title in an 86-74 victory Saturday night over the Foothills Falcons with the Okotoks rivals meeting in the gold medal game for the first time in the 27-year history of the event.
“This one was just a grind out, a lot of defence and just not a lot of easy baskets,” said Knights head coach Sam Aiello. “It loosened up a bit in that second half where shots started going in.
“We just had to limit them to one shot and out and, on the offensive end, take care of the ball because every possession mattered.”
The Knights carried a 43-39 advantage into the half and had a small lead for most of the game.
In the third quarter, HTA got on the glass and got the lead into double digits, ending the contest with a 21-2 edge in offensive rebounds.
“They physically dominated the game, we fought hard but at the end of the day it was the rebounds,” said Falcons assistant coach Brady Byam. “We had a little bit tougher game the game before so were a little more fatigued, it’s not an excuse, but that didn’t help us for sure.
“And they’ve got lots of big, strong bodies and they battle and you have to take care of the boards against this team for sure.”
Mac Purinton led the Falcons with 15 points, Nash Byam had 12 with Van Kerrison posting 10.
“I liked the team’s compete all game,” Byam added. “Even though we were dragging and we weren’t quite playing quite as well as we can play, they stuck with it, they worked hard, were there for each other and supported each other really well.
“That’s the takeaway we’ll take from it.”
Xavier Krueger posted another double-double with a game-high 25 points and 15 boards, Lucas Barlow scored 21, including four three-pointers, along with seven assists and six boards.
Twin brothers Elijah and Noah Barlow had 16 and seven points, respectively.
“They’re Grade 10 boys and just getting more experienced,” Aiello said. “The more game time they get, the more experience they get and their future is bright here. Tonight was their night.
“And Lucas is our steady-Eddie, he works hard, makes big shots when we need them and plays great defence.”
Lucas Barlow, who was named HTA’s tournament MVP, cited the implementation of the team’s 2-3 zone as a big factor in the win.
“It feels a lot better (to beat them) because there was a lot of people watching, a lot of spectators from the Comp,” he said. “It was definitely nerve-racking, but I thought we controlled the pace really well all the way to the end.”
The tournament saw the three Barlow brothers share the court for extended periods with the twins making a big imprint in the Classic.
“I think it’s really cool,” Lucas said. “I’m very proud of them, they’ve stepped up their game immensely especially being in Grade 10 and it’s really fun to play with them.”
The tournament draw gave the Knights a preview of their competition at the 4A zones with matchups against the Bert Church Chargers in the opening round and the W.H. Croxford Cavaliers in the semifinal.
The Knights have three tournament wins this season.
“We were solid all weekend, not a lot to complain about,” Aiello said.
“I just find our guys are just responding to every challenge we throw at them, it’s just a really good group of kids.”
Byam said the Falcons were competitive on defence and composed on offence in their first two wins, adding the 68-57 victory over a strong L.C.I. Rams squad in the semifinal was a highlight.
Foothills got past St. Joe’s 77-56 in its opener.
Kerrison was the Falcons’ tournament all-star.
“He’s our Grade 12, he’s very steady and he does a great job seeing the court, he takes advantage of his one-on-one’s when they’re there and he kicks out when they’re not there," Byam said.
“He keeps the paint locked up for us, rebounds, blocked shots and he’s a good leader.”
