St. Thomas More Senior Knights

In a hard fought, mostly defensive struggle, the STM Knights were defeated by Cardinal Neman 52-43 in the Catholic semi finals. Newman led for most of the first half, taking a 28-20 lead into halftime.
The Knights fought back appeared to swing the momentum and take the lead when Xzennis Brereton stole the ball and went in for a dunk, energizing the crowd and giving More a 1 point lead. However, a technical foul was called by the trail official, negating the momentum, giving Newman an extra 2 shots, and giving Brereton his 4th foul, forcing him to the bench for the final 5:42 of the third quarter. Replays will show a player clearly under Brereton as he finished the dunk.
The rest of the game was a back and forth affair, Newman, however, made more of their opportunities down the stretch than did the Knights and were leading 46-43, with the ball, with 2 seconds left, when the referees called several technicals on the Knights, even though, it was clear by that point, that Newman had won the game and would be moving on to the finals. Congratulations to Cardinal Newman and good luck to both Newman and Cathedral in the finals. We look forward to an entertaining and well played game.

The team would like to thank its graduating seniors – Lamar Barr, Xzennis Brereton, Santino Pecora and Paul Petruccelli – for their outstanding efforts and leadership this year. Though the team suffered through much adversity to due an unprecented bout of injuries this season, the players never stopped working and are to be proud of their second place League finish. Good luck, as well, to any graduating grade 12s who will not be returning next year. These decisions, of course, are still to be made as the University acceptance process is just now beginning, and the team wishes all players all the best in their future goals and endeavours.

In another hard fought game, similar to the one played by the two teams one week ago, the Knights were able to come away with a 9 point victory. Xzennis Brereton led the Knights with 17 points. Paul Petruccelli was saddled with foul trouble all game, but made an impact on the boards. Robert Harrison played tough defense on the St Marys shooters.
The Knights next face CN in the semi finals. Game will be played at STM on Thursday. Game time TBD.

STM was eliminated in the quarter final round Friday night at the All Catholic Tournament in St Catharines. The Knights opened up against a strong Ottawa St Pat’s team. The Knights led from start to finish and came away with a 78-67 victory.

Then the Knights faced the #1 team in Ontario, and in Canada, according to most rankings, St Mike’s of Toronto. St Mike’s got up early, but the Knights battled back to be down only 4 with 3 minutes left in the second quarter. A run, in the final 3 minutes of the half put St Mike’s up 45-27 at half. STM could not sustain the intensity needed to complete in the second half and were defeated 77-45.

Playoffs begin Tuesday at STM with a triple header – Midget, Junior and Senior teams all play. Stay tuned for details

The Knights travelled to BT Thursday night. Both teams battled for 4 quarters. BT opened up an 8 point lead in the 3rd, but More fought back to take the lead late in the 4th. A great team effort and team win.

Despite an unbelievable rash of injuries suffered throughout the season, the Knights secure second place in the league and a quarter final match up on Tuesday at STM at 7pm.

Good luck to the Knights this weekend at the All Catholic. The Knights play at 1 vs St Pat’s Ottawa at Holy Cross and then at 7, site to be determined.