BMOC: Northgate’s “Big Man On Court” Jon Girvin was at his defensive best as the Flames traveled to Avonworth for a section win Tuesday night. Girvin’s blocked shots, including this one from Avonworth’s Brian Vales, and 15 rebounds helped the Flames defeat a strong Antelope offense led by Mitch Locher. Nearly half the points in the 56-49 game were scored in a physical fourth quarter. Photo by Tom Steiner for The Citizen

By MEL PERKINS

Northgate traveled into hostile territory Tuesday night, and came away with a much needed section win against the ‘Lopes from Avonworth.

The Flames opened up the game in their man-to-man defense, and with Josh Douglass shadowing Avonworth's Mitch Locher. Locher leads the ‘Lope's high powered offense, averaging 26 points a game.

The first quarter was highlighted by the defensive play of both teams. The referees, at times, turned a blind eye to the physical play, as bodies were hitting the floor, and creating the atmosphere that big time rivalries feed upon.

Northgate's defense turned up the pressure as time was winding down in the first quarter, and with 2:09 left in the first quarter, Douglass jumped in front of a pass in the backcourt and went straight to the hoop, finishing off the play with a thunderous dunk that brought the crowd to their feet, and gave Northgate a 9 - 8 lead over the ‘Lopes.

The lead would be short-lived, and the first quarter would end with the Flames down 10 - 12.

The second quarter saw both teams displaying hard-nosed defense, and a lot of hustle.

The physicality of the game appeared to be on the verge of becoming out of control for the refs, as hard fouls became commonplace, and with Avonworth going to the free throw line more frequently than the Flames. The Lopes' Locher and Dan Coulter both contributed from the charity stripe to help Avonworth maintain their lead. All of Avonworth's 6 points in the second quarter came from the free throw line. Northgate's 4 points in the second came on buckets from Douglass and Dylan Muller.

The first half of play came to an end with Avonworth struggling to maintain a slim 18-14 lead.

The Flames’ offense found a soft spot in the ‘Lope's 2-3 zone in the second half. Douglass capitalized by hitting jumpers from inside the paint, on his way to a team-leading 21 points. When Avonworth's zone collapsed trying to prevent Douglass from scoring inside, Dave Natale took advantage and made the ‘Lopes pay with his outside shooting. Natale, with 5:30 left in the third quarter, hit his second 3-point shot, giving the Flames a 22-18 lead.

Jon Girvin's blocked shots highlighted the third quarter. Northgate outscored Avonworth 16-8 in the 3rd quarter, and the ‘Lopes scored 6 of those points from the free throw line.

Northgate's offense had to turn it up a notch, as Locher scored 18 of his 30 points in the fourth quarter.
With 2:15 left in the game, Natale nailed a 3-point shot in response to a 3-pointer by Locher. Then with 1:55 left, and Matt Lee feeling the pressure from the ‘Lopes' defense, he spotted Douglass and hit him in transition for an easy lay-up, to keep Avonworth at a distance.

With 1:06 left in the game, Avonworth would make Northgate win it from the line, and Girvin and Douglass would respond by hitting their free throws. With the score 54-49, and the clock winding down, Mackenzie Quinn stole the ball, and passed it to Lee who laid it up for two as the buzzer went off. The Flames outscored the Lopes 26-23 in the fourth quarter, giving Northgate a 56-49 victory over their section rival.

Girvin finished with a spectacular night on the boards, grabbing 15 rebounds to lead the team in rebounding.