By Mitchell Ferreira

Using their tenacity and quick transition game, the Briercrest Clippers got out to an early lead and never looked back in their 87-77 win over the visiting Grant MacEwan Griffins, improving to an impressive 7-1 on the season.

Opening the game was Briercrest’s first three-pointer of the weekend, made by none other than team captain Matt Myers. Briercrest came out strong in the first half, playing hard at both ends of the court. Guard Caleb Klassen led the team quickly down court, blazing past the opposing Griffins. Highlighting the first half was a Matt Myers supplied alley-oop to fellow fifth-year and co-captain Gradyn Childerhose. Childerhose had a big half, collecting 17 points and lending a big hand on rebounding.

The second half saw a strong start from Briercrest; they were aggressive on defence and forced multiple turnovers. Last night’s player of the game, co-captain Kendell Boese had a huge block to accent the third quarter. The third frame also witnessed Matt Myers regaining his long ball, hitting back-to-back threes. Grant MacEwan tried to push back in the fourth, but a timely timeout from coach Rod Adrian early in the quarter sparked the offence to 16 points in four minutes, giving the Clippers enough to cruise to victory. Briercrest got into foul trouble in the fourth, losing veterans Boese and Childerhose late in the game. Ultimately, it was the Clippers hard work ethic and perseverance that gave the home side the coveted inter-divisional win and resulting two-points in the standings.

“Our second win is as many nights was a tough fought game with a MacEwan team that didn’t quit,” head coach Rod Adrian said. “We closed out the game with solid defense, and a relentless offensive attack led by player of the game Matt Myers. Our leading scorer, Gradyn Childerhose, finished with a game high 29 points and shot 62% from the field.  Kenny Boese led the team with seven steals and applied a tremendous amount of ball pressure on the opponent.  Lucas Mannes shot an astounding 56% from the field.”

“As a team we focused on James 1:22, and worked on doing what the Word says,” Adrian continued. “I really appreciate the Spiritual growth we’re seeing in the men, and recognize that there is still a long journey ahead of us all.” 

Players of the game were Matt Myers for the Clippers, who had a double-double, with 21 points, and a game high 10 rebounds and six assists. For the Griffins, Adam Boyd received the award, with 21 points, six rebounds, three steals and one assist.

Game notes: Leading Briercrest was veteran Gradyn Childerhose, whose game-high 29 points and 21 shots will undoubtedly help his third in the nation points per game average. Matt Myers led in rebounding, with hard-working fourth-year, James Wohlgeschaffen gathering nine boards. Myers also topped the team with a game-high six assists and a 55% three-point percentage (five-for-nine). Boese led Briercrest with seven steals, capping an impressive defensive effort.

Briercrest outshot their opponents 78-63, making 44% of the shots from the field (50% in the second half) and 30% beyond the arc (46% in the second). Free throws were again a cause for concern for the home team, making only 60% of their shots from the line. The Griffins, on the other hand, made 92% of their free throws, and shot 37% and 23% from the field and beyond the arc, respectively.

Briercrest is off next weekend, resuming play Nov 30 at Lethbridge College, with the Clippers not returning to their home court until next semester.