W-ODSS junior boys basketball team beats EDSS

By Spencer Seymour

The Waterloo-Oxford District Secondary School (W-ODSS) junior boys picked up a strong 51-28 win over Elmira District Secondary (EDSS) on Jan. 6.

Coach Hunter Gosse told the Gazette the team displayed an excellent compete level and resolve.

“The team did a great job defensively, especially when it came to being competitive in the key and limiting rebounds,” said Gosse. “We were also taking and making more shots than we have in previous games, which is something that we have been working on as of late. Overall, the team dealt with pressure well, and we were able to slow down the play in moments that were advantageous to us.”

Gosse added it didn’t take long for the team to start winning the little grinding moments.

“Early on in the game, we saw our players winning battles in the key, which helped set a good example for the rest of the game,” Gosse said. “Our point guards also had really strong games and were able to hit some personal bests in terms of their three-pointer accuracy.”

Colin Callaghan led the team with 17 points in the game, with Kato Numekevor also having a notable game on the scoresheet with 14 points.

Gosse described the team’s improved cohesiveness as a key part of the team’s development so far this season.

“I think the team has started to gel with each other and begun to really learn to play off of and communicate with one another. I think our situational awareness and recognition of what constitutes a good shooting opportunity have really improved as of late as well. In addition, we’ve seen our players become more comfortable with implementing their offensive plays in game situations.

“Going forward, we are still emphasizing defensive consistency and limiting space in our zone.”