Lajeunesse was on cruise control heading into the 4th quarter of their A championship game against Maranatha Sunday afternoon at the St. Clair College Sportsplex. The Royals had a 46-24 advantage before the Panthers got hot in the final frame.
"It's a good comeback, the fourth quarter. We gave it our all to the best of our ability." Salvo Albano told Powerplay Sports.
Matteo Ricketts scored back to back jumpers to jolt some life in the team and their fans. The decibel level rose substantially by the time Joseph Albano hit a three-pointer to cut the deficit to ten points with 3:21 left in the game.
"They went on a huge run. They bring a big crowd and it was getting a little nerve-racking." said Royals' guard Lucas Kwapisz.
Head coach Geoff Parent took a time out to settle his team down and the players responded. Kwapisz scored a quick layup and David Yango Kabuya drained a three-pointer that forced the Panthers to take a time out.
Lajeunesse held on for a 57-43 win and move on to SWOSSAA. "We got a little careless down the stretch," Parent said. "It's a good reminder not to take a possession off and to keep our foot on the gas for sure. Hopefully we learn from it because this is a very special group and a group that could do some big things."
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