PICTOU - The Pictou Academy Pitbulls fell 50-37 in the championship game of the Fourth Annual Hoops in the Harbour Tournament to their rivals the Dalbrae Academy Dragons on Saturday at Pictou Elementary School.
The Pitbulls settled for second place, while the Cobequid Educational Centre Cougars won a close game against the Guysborough Academy Blue Eagles to take third place.
“We host schools in the region and invite them to complete,” said Pitbulls head coach Brent Cameron.
Occasionally, teams from outside the area attend the invitational, such as the Dragons. Cameron sees the invitational as a chance for the teams to prepare for bigger contests.
“The provincial regional meet is in the second week in February,” he said. “This is the only big contest before that.”
Before the championship game, the three co-captains of the Pitbulls noted it would be an uphill battle. The Pitbulls had lost to the Dragons in December.
“They’re fast, so we’ll have to keep our defence tight,” said Kayla MacIsaac.
Fellow captain Kenzie MacDonald agreed.
“We’ve got to start out strong and stay strong.”
As the final game got underway the play was fairly even with the score balanced going into the second half.
After a few fouls on the Pitbulls and an aggressive offensive, the Dragons were able to take the lead, which they held until the final buzzer.
After the game, Cameron thanked and congratulated the opposing team before giving out the tournament awards.
“I’d be remiss if I didn’t congratulate our champions on a well played tournament,” said Cameron.
The player of the game for the Pitbulls was Kendra MacKinnon and the hustle award went to Kayla MacIsaac.
For the Dragons the player of the game was Brianna Dunn and the hustle award went to Riley Beaton.
The tournament all-star for Pictou went to MacKinnon, while the tournament all-star and tournament MVP was Hayley Wilson of the Dragons.
Tournament results
Friday, Jan. 4
Pictou 64 vs. Guysborough 38
Hants North 23 vs. CEC 53
Pictou 48 vs. Musqudoboit 28
Dalbrae 78 vs. Hants North 32
Saturday, Jan. 5
Guysborough 42 vs. Musqudoboit 26
Dalbrae 67 vs. CEC 42
Consolation: Guysborough 39 vs. CEC 42
Final: Pictou 37 vs. Dalbrae 50
