HALIFAX – Pictou County Lightning U-18 AA went undefeated in four games to bring home the gold at weekend basketball provincials in Halifax.
Coached by Mark Stinson and Robbie MacGregor, the team combined offensive and defensive strength to defeat Springhill 80-51, Shelburne 104-74 and Argyle 88-56 before a championship rematch with Argyle, which Lightning won 84-70.
Coach Mark Stinson credited the team with an all-around effort throughout the short season which got underway after high school play finished in late February. The team is made up of four players from North Nova Education Centre and nine from Northumberland Regional High School.
Glen Cox was named tournament MVP and Layton Williams was a tournament all-star. Player of the game awards went to Tom Tang, Chad Russell, Chris Gillin and Joe McCarron.
Five of the team’s six Grade 12 students – Chad Russell, Liam Nielsen, Chris Gillin, Ben Conway and Matt Russell – were on the first Lightning team to ever win a provincial banner.
