Northgate’s Josh Douglass seems to defy gravity as he scores during Tuesday’s season-opening win over Carlynton. Photo by Tom Steiner for The Citizen

By MEL PERKINS

The Northgate Flames' 2010-11 varsity basketball team led by coach Perry Harrop, in his second year coaching the Flames, hit the hardwood Tuesday night for their home opener. The Flames didn't disappoint their fans, as they opened up with an exciting win against the Cougars from Carlynton High School.

Northgate took advantage of their size on offense, as 6'4" Jon Girvin lead the Flames with 22 points and an impressive 18 rebounds. The Flames had two other players that scored in double figures. Josh Douglass followed behind Girvin with 16 points, and Mackenzie Quinn contributed 11 points.

The Flames were troubled early by Carlynton's three-point shooting, and shots from the perimeter. Harrop went to a 2-3 zone defense in the second quarter in order to cool off the hot shooting of the Cougars.
The Flames went into the locker room at half time down three with the score 28 - 25.

The third quarter started with Carlynton hitting the threes, but Northgate's defense got stingy and by the fourth quarter, Northgate had gained the lead. The game would remain close, but Northgate seemed to have control of the game and with important free throw shooting down the stretch, the Flames were able to grab a 64-58 victory, in their first home game of the season.

After the game, Harrop said "It's good to get a win. We had to get a win going into section play." Northgate opened up their season in the Keystone Oaks Tournament. They lost to Mars last Friday night, and then were beaten by Keystone Oaks in the consolation game. Both Mars and Keystone Oaks are Class AAA, and the experience from playing in the tournament could prove valuable when the Flames start section play. When asked about the two losses, Harrop said "it's good to get off the Schneid!"

The 2010-11 Northgate basketball team is a fairly young one, with only three seniors, and only one senior starter in Josh Douglass. Douglass, a 6'0" forward, will be providing needed leadership, as he takes on the role of "anchor" in Harrop's man-to-man defense. Douglass, through hard work in practice, has earned the responsibility, and Harrop is confident he can rely on the senior. "Josh will be guarding the best perimeter player," he said.

Harrop also will rely heavily on juniors Jon Girvin (6'5" center), Matt Lee (5'7" guard), and David Natale (5'7" guard). Lee will run the point guard position, and his calmness under pressure helps him keep a solid handle on the ball. Lee's quickness, good ball handling skills and free throw shooting will be an asset for the Flames.

Girvin, with his size and athleticism, will provide a strong presence on the inside. Look for Girvin to match up with the opposing team's "big man," and with his physical style of play, he will be up to the task. Girvin is likely to lead the team in rebounds and scoring, as he regularly cleans the glass on offense, and his aggressive play should keep opposing players in foul trouble.

Natale provides the Flames with a legitimate perimeter scoring threat. He will be most valuable when Girvin begins to draw double teams on the post, because Natale will make them pay dearly with his three-point shooting. The Flames also will benefit from Natale's constant hustle on defense.

Sophomore Mackenzie Quinn (6'0" forward), brings an "old school" style of play to the Flames' starting line. he is all over the court, providing the team with a little bit of everything. Quinn has a nose for the ball. During the course of a game, he gets on the floor for loose balls, blocks shots, shoots threes, rebounds, and plays hard-nosed defense. Quinn is physical and has no problem banging inside with the big guys. Quinn won't be intimidated while on the court, and though he is the youngest starter, he brings leadership to the table.

Harrop will need to go deep on his bench because of Northgate's aggressive style of man-to-man defense.
Coming off the bench, the Flames will rely on Matt Garrison (senior/guard), Isaiah Driscoll (senior/ forward), Jake Abernathy (junior/guard), and Dylan Muller (sophomore/forward).

Northgate will host the Bulldogs from Freedom High School tonight at 7 p.m.