By Austin Driedger

Medicine Hat Rattlers came out playing with extra incentive, as they are in the hunt for a playoff spot. Even with the added drive, they could not manage to stop the red-hot Briercrest Clippers who came out on top with a score of 96-89.

In thanks for the presence of senior players on Briercrest, coach Rod Adrian performed a graduating presentation before the game started, thanking the 5th year players who won’t be returning to the team next year. The awards were given to Kendall Boese (Three Hills, AB), Matt Myers (Olympia, Washington) and Gradyn Childerhose (Outlook, SK). Adrian gave the awards in respect to how each of these veteran players have proved to be great leaders both on and off the court. These players have been a crucial part of Briercrest’s success on the court over the course of the season, as well as previous seasons played for the team as well.

Celebrating his 23^rd birthday, Briercrest forward Gradyn Childerhose played one of the best games of his college career, scoring 13 points in the first quarter alone, and not slowing down. The Rattlers replied to Childerhose’s strong offensive presence with points being shared throughout the team. First quarter finished with a score of 23-19 for Briercrest.

Briercrest continued to play well, dominating the second quarter outscoring the Rattlers 27-17. Point guard Caleb Klassen (Abbotsford, BC) performed well, displaying a calmness as well as smart movement of the ball along with his addition of 8 points in the first half. The first half finished 50-36 in favor of Briercrest.

Childerhose gave no signs of slowing down in the third quarter, taking an offensive charge on defense, as well as utilizing his dominant left hand on shots down low on the offensive side of the court. The third quarter finished with a score of 73-57 Briercrest.

Rattlers tried to make a comeback in the fourth, as Briercrest finished the quarter scoring 23 compared to the Rattlers 33. Briercrest did not crack though, and held out the game finishing with a final score of 96-89.

Player of the game for Briercrest was birthday boy Gradyn Childerhose with a career high 40 points (16 of 19 shooting), 12 rebounds, one assist and one block. For Medicine Hat Rattlers, the player of the game was Jordan Fray with 28 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists, and 5 steals.

Coach Rod Adrian commented on the game.

“Matt Myers was effective sharing the ball and had a season high 12 assists. Caleb Klassen shot 50% from the field and had 18 points, six rebounds (four offensive rebounds).

“It was a battle tonight with Medicine Hat playing for their playoff lives, and it turned into a closer than expected game.  The men controlled the pace and the scoreboard until the end.

“Our focus this weekend is found in Hebrews 12:1-2, and we’re thankful for the lessons learned through sport that will shape our lives.”

Game Notes: Briercrest held the edge in assists and blocks 23 to 13 and three to none, respectively, while Medicine Hat held the edge in steals 13 to 11 and in shots 74 to 68. Each team had 34 rebounds and Briercrest held the edge in free throws hitting 17 of 26, while Medicine Hat hit only five of 16. Three players for Briercrest, Childerhose, Matt Myers and James Wohlgeschaffen had a block each, while Lucas Mannes, Myers, and Wohlgeschaffen each had a team high three steals. Myers also had a game and ACAC career high 12 assists, almost as many as the whole Medicine Hat team combined.

Both teams play each other again tomorrow, February 9 at 3:00pm. If you cannot make it to the game be sure to follow online at SportsCanada.tv or like Briercrest Basketball on Facebook.