By Austin Driedger

Briercrest Men’s basketball team improves their record to 17-1 in completing their sweep over the Medicine Hat Rattlers with the final score being 81-71.

Briercrest had a balanced attack in which 4 players hit double digit points. Matt Myers (Olympia, WA) led the way with 18, James Wohlgeshaffen (Calgary, AB) had 17, Gradyn Childerhose (Outlook, SK) had 12 and Kendall Boese (Three Hills, AB) added 11.

Briercrest got off to a slow start, struggling defensively trailing the Rattlers 24-23 at the end of the first.

Second quarter Briercrest continued to break away from Medicine Hat. With the first quarter being more of an offensive style of play, the second quarter proved to be much more of a defensive game, with only two points being scored by Briercrest in the first 5 minutes of play. Likewise for the Rattlers, as they only completed two baskets after the first 5 minutes. The half was full of missed shots and turn-overs from Briercrest, very out of character for the top-calibre team. The half finished with a tight score of 34-31 in favor of Briercrest.

Briercrest began to establish the lead in the third quarter separating themselves with a lead of 17 points. The charge ahead was led by James Wohlgeshaffen with 10 points in the quarter as well as 6 points added from teammate Kendell Boese. Third quarter finished with Briercrest on top 63-46.

Fourth quarter saw Briercrest continue to sustain their lead, returning to their offensive, fast paced mindset. Matt Myers played well as a leader on the court as well as adding two three point shots in the quarter.

Player of the game for Medicine Hat Rattlers was Ryan Cunningham (Calgary, AB) with 17 points, six rebounds, and two assists. For Briercrest, the player of the game was James Wohlgeschaffen scoring 17 points, 12 rebounds, one assist, three steals and one block.

Coach Adrian shared his thoughts.

“Briercrest men’s basketball protects our home court and ends the season perfect at home.  A feat not done since 1993, and a first since we’ve competed in the ACAC.  We’re so thankful to our fan support and the opportunity to compete at this level with the men on our team.

“Player of the Game James Wohlgeschaffen dominated on the defensive end and was our most efficient scorer shooting 73% and finished with 17 points and 12 rebounds.  Matt Myers had 18 points hitting five three-pointers.

“We had 19 turnovers today, one of our best games for protecting the ball, and that turned into 1.1 points per possession.

“It was our effort that put us in control of most of the game, and we attempted to maintain our joy throughout the game and play as ambassadors for Christ.”

Game notes: The games was quite even in statistics with Medicine Hat holding the edge in rebounds 42-40 and steals 12-9, while Briercest held the lead in blocks three to none, and assists 18-10. Briercrest took more shots and more efficient, 32 for 74 compared to 28 for 72. Briercrest was led by Matt Myers with 18 points, James Wohlegschaffen with 12 rebounds, Kendell Boese with five assists and Lucas Mannes with a three steals apiece.

Briercrest plays St. Mary’s Univeristy College next weekend, be sure to follow online at SportsCanada.tv or like Briercrest Basketball on Facebook.