Recap and Player of the Game

Jan 30th, 2008

The AGS boys came out on top after hosting what was a great and challenging tournament.  The teams invited were Dr. Losier, CMS, and Gesgapegiag, joining AGS to round out the 4 team group. 

Teams competed in round robin action, with all teams playing 3 games on Saturday.  The AGS Gitpu'g started off losing against CMS, but still managed to finish second, as they tied CMS and Dr. Losier with 2-1 records.  Gesgapegiag finished the day 0-3. 

Dr. Losier squared off against Gesgapegiag in the semi finals, while AGS went against CMS. 

Jan 23rd, 2008

The AGS boys were facing the cross town rival, CMS Cougars once again, this time without one of their top players, Spencer Barnaby, who was out with an ankle injury. 

This would prove to be a great test of just how far the team had come, their dedication to team work and effort for 32 straight minutes.

It was a close game from start to finish, with the AGS ultimately victorious and keeping their unbeaten streak in tact.  The final score was 55-52.

Player of the game: Jordan Atwin

Jan 10th, 2008 

The AGS boys travelled across the bridge to face CMS for the third time this year.  The last two went in favour of AGS, a dramatic shift from the 7 previous games in the 2 previous seasons.

In the first quarter, both teams came out slow and seemed out of sync...which seems to be the norm for AGS when they play at CMS...closing out the first quarter 11-9. 

In the second quarter the AGS boys came out with a bit more pace, pushing the ball up the court and scoring easy baskets in transition to extend the lead to 8.  As the quarter ended though you could see the AGS team was starting to build some momentum.

In the third quarter the AGS boys came out flying as if they were shot out of a cannon, which proved to be too much for CMS.  The boys were forcing turnovers and closing off the lanes making it hard for CMS to keep pace as the AGS scored in a flurry and soon found themselves up by 20.  The boys off the bench kept up the momentum, and played well to the end, winning the game 56-25.  This was the largest margin of victory over CMS in at least the last 3 seasons. 

Player of the Game: Fraser Barnaby - Fraser controlled the boards on both ends of the floor, and finished the game with 21 points and 10 rebounds.  You are the force to be reckoned with I predicted you'd be last year. 

Jan 7th, 2008

The AGS boys teams travelled to Woodstock for their Invitational Tournament to kick off the New Year. 

The boys did a tremendous job on the weekend on the court and off, representing their school and community wonderfully.   As your coach I thank you sincerely and look forward to continuing our strong play.

Dec 17th, 2007

On Saturday the AGS boys travelled down to Rexton, NB for a double header featuring the AGS girls and the AGS boys against Rexton.

The girls game started off slowly with Rexton jumping out to an early 10-4 lead.  The AGS girls looked as though they were headed for a blowout loss until they showed signs of life in the second quarter.  The girls continued to keep pace with Rexton into the fourth quarter, then staging a run that brought them within 2 points and just over 2 minutes left to play in the game.

The Rexton coach sent out some of his stronger players to help seel the victory but the AGS held tight and keep coming.  The two teams exchanged a couple of quick baskets.  AGS pushed hard to take the lead, but Rexton stayed ahead and held on for a 2 point victory.

The second game of the day featured the AGS Boys team vs. the Rexton Boys team.  The AGS boys were missing a few players for this trip and having not played this team before the team hoped it wouldn't come back to haunt them. 

The AGS boys once again started off with a flurry.  They were scoring fast and pressing hard, causing turn over after turn over leading to easy baskets and several fast breaks.  Despite missing some easy ones early, the team found itself up by 20+ after the first quarter.  The quarter included 2 beatiful passes. The first was from Spencer Barnaby with a bounce pass off the dribble, adding a little curl to it and hitting his brother Fraser for the backdoor layup.  Not to be out done, Jordan Atwin came up with a steal at half, and whipped a bounce pass cross-court and between the defenders legs to a cutting Spencer Barnaby for the easy hoop. 

The AGS boys continued to dominate offensively and defensively for the remainder of the game winning 84-37.  One other highlighted of the game was that all 9 players scored in the contest.  This was the first time in at least the 3 years that all players who were dressed for the game scored in the same game.  Great job guys, and another great team effort. 

Player(s) of the game: Spencer Barnaby and Fraser Barnaby - The twins took care of business once again with outstanding all around play.  They scored inside and outside.  Dominated the boards and played solid defense throughout.  They also lead the team in scoring with 22 and 20 respectively.  Great job boys! 

Dec 14th, 2007 

Thursday saw a combination of the grade 7 & 8 rookies and the 5 & 6 team travel to Gesgapegiag for an inter-schoolastic scrimmage.  This was an opportunity for the new and younger players to get more experience in game situations.  

The boys came out flat and were missing a lot of their usual precision during the scrimmage.  The first half included very little defense and most individual play on offense...the exact opposite of what we has become out trademark style.  

The second half saw the grade 5 & 6's pick up the pace a bit showing signs of what they are capable off, as well as some decent play from the grade 7 & 8's on hand.  Overall though the scrimmage was no indicative of what they boys are capable of, but it served to show they have potential, with a lot of work ahead. 

Dec 13th, 2007

What an exciting week in AGS Boys basketball.  We've played 3 total games so far, with 2 more to go, tonight and Saturday.

Wednesday's action saw the grade 7 & 8 boys taking on the CMS grade 7 & 8 team.  The last time these teams met the AGS boys went away with a 2 point victory, and the feeling was this could be a statement game for both teams.

The game started off with both teams playing tough defense and working hard for open looks at the hoop when the AGS boys got the ball rolling and jumped out to an early lead, 18-9 after the first quarter.  The AGS players continued to push the ball and bring excellent pressure on the ball all evening, forcing the CMS team away from their usual options on offense. 

The second quarter was more of the same with the AGS boys pushing hard again to keep control of the game.  With the bench providing the team with strong play and tenacious defense the AGS team extended their lead to 15, before CMS chipped away a bit to end the half. 

CMS came out strong in the second half trying hard to close the gap.  Their strong inside play on offense kept them in the game.  However AGS rose to the challenge, blocking shots in close, crashing the board and coming up with key rebounds down the stretch.  This was key to the AGS kept it's lead at 10 or more for the remainder of the game, in the end winning 54-44 and extending their winning streak to 6 in a row. 

The AGS boys continue to play exception team defense, consistantly shutting down their opponents and taking away their primary options on offense.  As the season goes along it will be something to see just how good these boys can be, especially once the offense catches up.

Player(s) of the game: AGS Gitpu'g - Never in my years of coaching have I seen a team play such great team defense at this level.  They continue to excel in every area of the game, but as a coach nothing brings me more pride than to see such a great team effort from top to bottom.  Absolutely fantastic work boys! I'd also like to commend Jon Brisk for his great hustle and help defense last night.  He was seemingly all over the court on defense, cutting off driving lanes and getting a hand up to challenge shots. Jon also pulled in key rebounds on both ends, and dropped in 6 points to help in the win. 

Next up: A cut down version of the boys team travels to Gesgapegiag tonight and the full team will be on the road against Rexton on Saturday.

Tuesday was the grade 5 & 6 boys (along with a few girls) vs. the CMS grade 5 & 6 boys team.

This game was a slow starter and it took a while for the AGS boys to adjust to the lower rims and smaller basketball than they had been practicing on.  But it wasn't long before they found their groove and points came pouring in.  Unfortunately as the game progressed they couldn't hold off the CMS boys as they took the lead 40-39 late in the last quarter.  The boys did their best to get it back, but couldn't take advantage as CMS held on for the 43-39 victory. 

Our boys showed great potential in this game, from top to bottom.  Chandler showed great poise bringing the ball up the floor against tough pressure from the opponents.  August displayed his knack for shooting and provided some good defense.  Chance was relentless and fearless on defense.  Dimitri got the scoring started with a nice shot from the top of key, and is really learning the game quickly.  George continues to be a student of the game, picking up on the subtleties and improving every time he's on the floor.  Tanner is developing into a good all around player with a nice touch on his shot.  Erick provided us with solid inside play, getting key rebounds and playing good defense despite a sore ankle.  And Wowgwis showed he has the touch to be an elite scorer finishing well around the hoop.  All this together makes me one proud coach with a bright future ahead for our team.

Player(s) of the game: Wowgwis Barnaby and Chandler Wysote - both players showed a great understanding of the game and connected on a many plays to help lead our team to a near victory.  Great job out there boys! 

Monday featured our AGS grade 7 & 8 team against Dalhousie Middle School. 

The game started with both teams struggling a bit to find their groove followed by a quick time-out.  After the time-out, AGS came out with a flurry and decided the outcome of the game in just a few minutes, up by 20 partway through the second quarter.  The bench players continued their strong play providing great energy off the bench and defensive intensity. 

The final score for the game was 57-32 in favour of the AGS Gitpu'g.

Player(s) of the game: Jordan Atwin and Chase Vicaire - both boys playerd hard every minute they were on the court.  With tenacious defense and a relentless attitude Jordan and Chase demonstrated the qualities necessary to be a great player.  Great job boys!  Keep bringing it!

Dec 10th, 2007

The boys played their home opener for the regular season last Wednesday against Jacquet River, a team that went undefeated through the regular season last year. 

The AGS boys came out strong to start the game, quickly establishing their pace by pushing the ball up the floor and putting pressure on the ball all over the court.  It wasn't long before the AGS boys took command of the game for good, and gave some time for our younger players to get into the game.

With the AGS boys up by 20+ after the first quarter, the second quarter was all about getting the younger players more minutes.  This allowed the JRS team to mount a comeback and draw within 1 for a halftime score of 26-25.  In the second half the AGS team again found it's groove pushing the lead up, even as we worked in some of the younger guys, even winning the game 62-29. 

The grade 7's continue to flourish and provide a spark off the bench.  The grade 5's and 1 grade 6 continue to improve and play beyond their years...showing us a promissing future for AGS basketball. 

Player(s) of the Game: Nick Martin and Galveson Barnaby - Each played a great game.  Galveston played great, seemingly being everyone on the court on defense and consistantly finding open teammates up the floor when he wasn't taking it strong to the hoop himself.  Nick showed great poise as he guided a group of younger players on the floor.  He contributed his best game offensively, scoring 12 mostly around hoop, but also showing a nice touch from outside.  Great job guys, and keep on working hard!

Dec. 4th, 2007

On Dec. 1st, the AGS boys played their final preseason warm up against Campbellton Middle School.  This matchup was filled with many close games last year, most of which decided by 3 points or less, all in favour of CMS.  This was a great opportunity for the AGS boys to get the monkey off their back and get back to their winning ways against CMS. 

The game started out slowly, with the Gitpu'g unable to take advantage of easy opportunities.  The continued to play solid defense holding CMS to just a fe wbaskets in the opening minutes to keep the game within reach while struggling to find an offensive groove. 

In the second quarter the AGS boys jumped out to a commanding 12 point lead with their aggressive pushing of the ball and pressure defense.  They had the momentum and all that was needed was another strong quarter to seal the game...

In the third quarter the boys started out slow once again and with a strong push by CMS it wasn't long before they had brought the lead down to 3.  The AGS boys again had trouble finding their groove offensively, as CMS continued to hit well contested shots and seemingly taking control of the game.

The final quarter remained close, as AGS couldnt' seem to keep the momentum in their favour, capped by CMS taking the lead by 2 with 2 minutes left to play in the game.  This was a chance for the AGS boys to see what they are made of, and after a couple of key defensive stops, found themselves up by 2 with 35 seconds left to play in the game.  With CMS pressuring the AGS boys took their time and spread out the floor trying to run down the time and play keep away.  Then with 14 seconds left in the game, a player was called for 3 seconds in the key to turn the ball over to CMS. 

After a time out by CMS, the boys knew what they had to do to keep the lead and set their mind to stopping the others from scoring.  Despite a series of picks to get their shooter open, the AGS boys were able to close out quickly and not give them a good look for the game winninng three attempt, bouncing off the rim as time expired.

Player(s) of the Game: Spencer Barnaby - he lead the team with 16 points, added several rebounds and played great defense on what will no doubt be one of the toughest assignments he'll face all season.  Great game and I hope to see more of your leadership this year!

Nov. 28th, 2007

The AGS boys in a tune scrimmage went against the SSHS JV Boys Basketball Team.  The JV team jumped out to an early lead no long into the opening quarter, while the AGS boys were still trying to find their groove, often playing timid and showing their youth.  As the game progressed however the AGS boys showed good resolve and kept the game within stricking distance, at times out running and out hustling the older team down the floor.  In the end the JV boys prevailed by 12, despite an overall a great showing by the AGS team.  Great work boys!

Nov 19th, 2007

On Nov 16th, the AGS boys went against Place des Jeunes' grade 8 boys team, and our first home game of the year.  The boys were excited to display their improvement from all the hard work during the offseason, and the home crowd would not be disappointed. 

The game started with a 19-1 run by the Gitpu'g over the course of the first 3 minutes.  The starting line of Jordan, Spencer I, Spencer B, Fraser and Jon (making his first career start) set the tone by both out playing and out working the other team.  With strong play from our sixth man Nick and the rest of the guys off the bench the AGS team continued to dominate and never looked back, cruising to a 73-25 victory.   

The game featured a few great plays but one in particular that stood out was when Chandler missed a short shot, then as the opposing player caught the rebound, Chandler stripped him of the ball and hit a wide open teammate for the layup with a bounce pass backwards between his own legs.  Unfortunately the layup was missed, the only blemish on a great play by a young up and comer. 

The game also saw great play from it's new comers and younger counter parts once again. Brandon, our grade 8 rookie continues to learn the game and willl soon be unleashing his midrange shot on future oppenents.  The grade 7's, Dez, Chase, Daniel and Galv continue to impress with their speed, effort and knowledge of the game.  Our only grade 6 player, Chandler is showing good confidence and has become a tenacious defender.  There was also some good play from the grade 5's, George, Wowgwis and Dimitri, who made some great passes, played strong defense and showed no fear going against boys much older than they are.

Player(s) of the Game:  The whole team contributed their best effort in this one.  To single someone out as the best in this one wouldn't be fair.  As a coach I'd like to say way to go and keep up the intensity!  You've now set the new standard in AGS Boys Basketball.

Nov 14th, 2007

Last night's game was against the Place des Jeunes grade 7 boys team.  We travelled to the game with a combination of our grade 5/6 team with the grade 7/8's. 

The game started off quickly with our AGS boys scoring withing seconds of the opening tip.  After trading a few baskets with PDJ, the boys quickly found their stride and took control of the game.  It wasn't long before AGS was up by 15 and never looked back. 

The most exciting moments of the game came when a line featuring Daniel Martin (grade 7), Dimitri Martin (grade 5), Wowgwis Barnaby (grade 5), Chandler Wysote (grade 6) and Galveston Barnaby (grade 7) hit the floor.  This group is the future of AGS basketball and they showed a lot of promise in holding their own, despite giving up age and size to PDJ.  The older boys on the AGS team gladly stepped aside allowing this young and talented group to play the majority of the game and close out the win 45 - 30. 

Player(s) of the Game: Galveston Barnaby and Daniel Martin

Galveston lead all scorers with 10 points, including a stylish reverse layup off an assist from Chandler early in the third quarter.  Galveston also worked tirelessly on defense setting the tone with his pressure on the ball, and showing new found confidence in his game. 

Daniel lead the team with 6 assists, 5 rebounds and 3 blocks, and added 6 points along the way.  This was a strong showing by our new recruit via Montreal, blending natural talent with great effort, working in tandem with his grade 7 counterpart.