The Muskie senior boys’ basketball team finally put it all together–using a strong defensive effort and some hot shooting last weekend to upend the Hillcrest Colts 88-83 in overtime in the consolation final of the Blue Bear Invitational at Fort William Collegiate in Thunder Bay.
Bryce Coyle led the Muskies with a game-high 30 points, including six shots from three-point land. The black-and-gold also got big offensive games from Brian Kosowick, Terry LaBelle, and Chris Wiedenhoeft.
Kosowick scored 17 points, including six of seven shots from the free throw line. LaBelle added 13 points and Wiedenhoeft netted 10 more.
As a team, the Muskies had their best game of the season from the free throw line, outscoring the Colts 25-10.
“It was one of those game that we did everything that we wanted to do,” said co-coach Al McManaman. “When we wanted to go inside, we went inside and we made our shots from the line.
“We’ve been waiting for this type of game,” he added. “The potential has always been there and it was nice to come back and beat Hillcrest.”
The Colts got the better of the Muskies just seven days ago, beating the Muskies 66-63 (also in overtime) in the third-place game at a Kenora tournament.
McManaman said the Muskies will try to use this game as a confidence boost as they prepare for the stretch drive.
“It was such a great win, especially to win it in overtime. It was something we needed to help spur us for the playoffs,” he stressed.
The black-and-gold opened the tournament Friday in less-than-spectacular fashion, dropping a 78-44 decision to Hammarskjold (Thunder Bay).
McManaman said Hammarskjold led by 12 at the half and by as many as 25 points during the third quarter in a game that everyone had a chance to see court time because of the lopsided score.
The Muskies then rebounded from the slow start with a 62-54 win over Manitouwadge on Saturday morning to reach the consolation final.
St. Ignatius (Thunder Bay) captured the tournament title with a 50-48 decision over Hammarskjold.
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