Bears 69 Kings 44
The RDC Kings may have lost their opening game of the Ramada Inn and Suites Fall Classic, but the result was almost secondary to what they got out of the game against the University of Alberta Golden Bears.
The Kings played right with one of the premier CIS teams in the country for the first half before tiring and dropping a 69-44 decision at RDC Thursday.
“They wore us down physically, especially on the boards,” said Kings head coach Clayton Pottinger. “Our guys saw what the next level is and we hung in there pretty good for a while.”
The Kings gave up a significant amount of size which eventually took a toll on the Kings midway through the third quarter.
“They’re deeper than we are and we got into foul trouble,” said Pottinger. “But it was a positive learning experience. We showed we can score when we execute, even against a CIS calibre team and one of the best CIS teams around. We need some work on defence although we did a decent job.”
The Kings also saw they need to work a bit more on their stamina.
“We need to get our conditioning up to where we can go four quarters.”
Still the Kings have the talent to play at the college level.
“I believe out starting five are as good as any in the nation,” added Pottinger. “Our bench is decent, but they need to up their level of play a bit because we cant just rely on the starters.”
The Kings used Kek Biel off the bench Thursday as he’s just returning from an ankle injury.
“He was injured during a scrimmage against the Bears and missed the SAIT tournament, so tonight was his first game back,” explained Pottinger. “Plus he was a little sick and you could see a bit rusty. But he’ll be our physical leader. When he gets going watch out.”
Rob Pearce led the Kings with 16 points while Biel added nine and Lloyd Strickland and RJ Wells eight each. Daniel Ferguson, who was second in scoring in the Canada West last season, averaging 23 points per game, had 21 for the Bears. Rob Dewar had 13 and Lyndon Taylor 10.
Former King Adam Weir is with the Bears this season.
In other men’s play SAIT downed Olds 78-58
RDC takes on Olds today at 6 p.m. and SAIT Saturday at 2 p.m. The U of A and SAIT will meet Saturday at the U of A.
Queens 82 Broncos 71
The RDC Queens took a step forward in their development, but still have some work ahead, according to head coach Dawn Smyth.
“We battled, but it definitely wasn’t pretty,” she said following an 82-71 victory over the Olds Broncos, who beat the Queens earlier in the exhibition season.
“There were a lot of exchanging of points, which was good for the fans, but frustrating for the coaches. But we definitely showed some improvement from the last time we faced them. We dealt with their junk defences better and adjusted quicker.
“But then we seemed to use all our brain power on that and then let some easy stuff go.”
One of the positives for the Queens was the play of second-year guard Karlen Majcher and several of the rookies.
“Some of the rookies played real well and Karlen really only played three games last year because of injury, so this was a breakout game for her,” said Smyth.
“Michelle (Steeves) had her best game so far. In the end we did some good things and have others to work on.”
On the other side, Olds showed they’re ready to come into the ACAC.
“They play well and have some good players,” said Smyth.
Majcher led RDC with 23 points while Ashlynne Gentles dropped in 12 points while Steeves had 11 points, Erin Wiersma 10 points and eight rebounds and Lauren Loyek nine rebounds.
Tina Lockhart led the Broncos with 17 points while Mackenzie Taylor and Mackenzie Srochenski-Fyfe had 10 points each.
The other women’s contest saw The University of Alberta-Augustana Vikings downed the University of Winnipeg Westmen 79-45.
The Queens face Augustana today at 8 p.m. while Olds and Winnipeg clash at 4 p.m. On Saturday RDC takes on Winnipeg at noon with Olds and Augustana meeting at 4 p.m.
Contact Danny Rode at drode@www.reddeeradvocate.com