Kodiaks over Kings by 1 point in a thriller

Friday at Red Deer College, it was a battle between 2 of the top teams in the ACAC Men's Basketball South Division. The RDC Kings (9-4) sat in 1st place with 18 points while the Lethbridge College Kodiaks (8-3) were close behind with 16 points. Basketball fans were treated to an exciting game that was decided in the last seconds of the game. The Lethbridge College Kodiaks narrowly defeated the RDC Kings 79-78.

The Kodiaks came out quickly in the 1st quarter and led 23-14. Matt Matear and Ian Tevis each had 4 points for the Kings.

In the 2nd quarter, the RDC Kings battled back and outscored the Kodiaks 29-14. At the half, the Kings led 43-37. Ian Tevis contributed 11 points, 3 steals, 1 assist and 6 rebounds. Grady Taylor led Lethbridge College with 15 points.

In the 3rd quarter, the Lethbridge College Kodiaks outscored the RDC Kings 31-21 to take a 68-64 lead. Tevis accumulated 22 points, 3 steals, 2 assists and 6 rebounds. Cory Richardson had 23 points for the Kodiaks.

The game featured several swings in momentum and was tied 70-70 with under 8 minutes left in the 4th quarter. With time winding down and the Kodiaks leading by 1 point, the Kings had an opportunity to win the game with 1 last shot but unfortunately it wouldn't drop. The Kodiaks just edged the Kings 79-78. The RDC Kings are still not 100% healthy and were without the services of Kai Greene tonight.

Ian Tevis was chosen as the Kings player-of-the-game. The guard from Kent, Washington contributed 30 points, 3 steals, 2 assists and 8 rebounds.

Kings Head Coach Clayton Pottinger noted the importance of paying attention to the details throughout the game, especially when not much separates the 2 teams.

"The 2 league games between these teams were 1 pointers that came down to the wire. We are evenly matched," said Pottinger. "The little things that make a difference during the game are magnified in these situations."

In Saturday's rematch, Pottinger would like to see improved decisions on defence.

"We have to stop gambling so much defensively," said Pottinger. "We were looking to get steals and make the hero play that ended up in fouls or easier shots for them. If we play solid half-court defence without gambling then we are difficult to score on."

At the end of the evening, 4 teams shared top spot in the South Division. The RDC Kings, Lethbridge College Kodiaks, SAIT Trojans and Medicine Hat College Rattlers have 18 points.

Saturday, the Kings host the Kodiaks at 3:00 p.m. in what should be another close and exciting game.

RDC Kings make an impact in the community

The contributions of the RDC Kings Basketball team go beyond the walls of Red Deer College. Prior to the Queens game, on behalf of the RDC Kings Basketball team Spencer Klassen accepted $150 for their Blacktop Project submission. RBC donated the money as part of their Make 150 Count campaign.

The Blacktop Project is an initiative to ignite grass roots basketball in the city, and to rejuvenate outdoor courts on Red Deer playgrounds. The RDC Kings will identify a school that could use a court rejuvenation. They will run a 1 day clinic at the school for a nominal fee. The bulk of the proceeds will go directly back into refurbishing the outdoor basketball courts at the school. Depending on the funds raised, this could include new rims and chain mesh, repainting of backboards, repainting lines on the  court, or buying outdoor basketballs for the Physical Education program.