Basketball Kings win season opener

It's always nice to start a new season off on a winning note, and the Red Deer College Kings Basketball team did just that, defeating St. Mary's University Lightning 118-87 in front of an enthusiastic crowd.

The Kings led 26-22 after the 1st quarter and were successful on 10-of-16 shots from the field. RDC sank 2-of-5 three pont attempts in the opening quarter. 

At the half the Kings were up 48-34. RDC hit 10-of-21 shots from the field and 2-of-4 shots from behind three-point arch. Leading the Kings at the half was Ian Tevis with 12 points. Tevis also added 5 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal.

The Kings continued to grow their lead to 82-63 after the 3rd quarter. Tevis accumulated a total of 26 points. RDC was successful on 14-of-23 shots from the field and 3-of-6 three point attempts in this quarter.

In the final quarter the RDC Kings continued to pull away, completing a 118-87 victory. The Kings were successful on 14-of-23 opportunities from the field and 2-of-5 three point attempts in the 4th quarter.

Despite the victory, Kings Head Coach Clayton Pottinger wasn't happy with the defensive play.

"I don't like the fact that we let one player torch us for 35 points or give up 90 points per game. If you look at the scores in the preseason it is a ridiculous amount of points that we're giving up," said Pottinger. "We are winning some as a shoot-out which is not a recipe for long term success. We have to do a better job shoring up our defence and these guys have to do a better job committing to it. For moments we were the best defensive team out there but then they want to take breaks. They have to be able to sustain that defensive effort for 40 minutes and that will be the challenge."

Ian Tevis was named the Kings player-of-the-game scoring 36 points, adding 10 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals. Shayne Stumpf led the Kings with a game high 12 rebounds.

Pottinger believes Tevis can become more than just a dynamic scorer.

"Ian is a fantastic scorer. One of the best that we've seen in this league," said Pottinger. "He can really light it up. If and when he is ready, he could be player-of-the-year if he is ready to step up to the challenge, show a little bit more leadership and defence in addition to that scoring."

The RDC Kings next play at the RDC Main Gym Friday, Nov. 4 against the Olds College Broncos at 8:00 p.m.