Eric Bakker (15) had a memorable performance at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre. Pic - Colby Brochu Photography
Eric Bakker (15) had a memorable performance at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre. Pic - Colby Brochu Photography

Bakker and Kings finish strong, defeat visiting Broncos

Brent Forster - RDC

Red Deer, AB – In his final regular season home game, fifth-year forward Eric Bakker contributed a double-double, helping the RDC Kings down the Olds College Broncos 92-78 at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre. 

The Kings had a strong opening two-quarters, taking a 47-35 lead at the half. Spencer Klassen scored 13 points and Eric Bakker had eight for RDC. Jouvon Edison took charge of the Broncos' offence with 14 points.

Spencer Klassen (21) Colby Brochu Photography

RDC outscored Olds College 45-43 in the second half, parking a 92-78 home win. The Kings have been rolling, recording their fifth consecutive victory as they eye the playoffs.

"I thought it was one of our more complete performances and probably our best finish of the year. If you looked at last night's game, Olds started coming after us in the second half and we were up as much as 25 in the first, but in the second half it was a game again," says Kings Head Coach Clayton Pottinger. "We talked about it and the guys matured from it, and so what you saw tonight was a bit better finish down the stretch."

Eric Bakker was named the Kings Player-of-the-Game, finishing with 21 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block, while hitting five-of-five from the free-throw line. Spencer Klassen had 25 points. Anthony Harper totaled 15 points and six rebounds. 

"Eric has fantastic finish around the hoop and a calm demeanour. Especially down the stretch in the fourth quarter, he carried us offensively," says Pottinger. "I was happy to see him do a great job and come out with a double-double in his last game at home." 

Anthony Harper (4) Colby Brochu Photography

Landon Parrington was selected for the Broncos, totaling 18 points and six rebounds.

Khurram Sultan (10) chipped in with 4 points Colby Brochu Photography

The Kings (10-8) sit in fourth spot in the south with 20 points. The Lethbridge College Kodiaks (8-9) trail the Kings by four points. SAIT (17-1) leads the division with 34 points. Medicine Hat College (12-6) and Ambrose University (12-7) share second, although the Rattlers have a game in hand. 

The RDC Kings have three road games left. On February 16, the Kings (10-8) will compete against the Ambrose University Lions (12-7) at 8:00 p.m. in Calgary. Then on February 22 and 23, the Briercrest College Clippers (2-15) will host the Red Deer College Kings in a pair of games in Saskatchewan, wrapping up regular season competition.

Graduating Kings

Fifth-years, Eric Bakker and Khurram Sultan were recognized prior to the opening tip-off for their dedication and contributions to Kings Basketball.

"There's a culture we have created with Kings Basketball. Really what we look for are guys who will come in and uphold that culture but more so, enhance it," says Pottinger. "What I can definitely say about Eric and Khurram is that those guys did a lot of work to build our culture, and enhance our culture. We will be eternally grateful to them for their contributions to the basketball team and I think that when we have success this year, and continue to have success, they can take pride in that as well."

Coach Clayton Pottinger and Eric Bakker (15) Colby Brochu Photography

Khurram Sultan (10) and Coach Pottinger Colby Brochu Photography

President's Challenge

RDC President & CEO, Joel Ward, displayed his sharp shooting skills and defeated Olds College President, Stuart Cullum, in back-to-back games of 21. Troubled Monk and Olds Brewery helped raise $425 for the Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre (CASASC). Cullum will also wear an RDC jersey as part of their friendly wager. 

Olds College President Stuart Cullum, Olds College Bronco, Rufus, RDC President & CEO Joel Ward  Colby Brochu Photography