Kings defeat Lightning, prepare for playoffs

Brent Forster - RDC

In their final regular season game, the RDC Kings competed against the St. Mary's University Lightning at home and after trailing in the first half the Kings played a strong final two quarters and picked up an 83-71 victory. 

Jordan Britton helped the Lightning jump out to an early lead and with his 8 points St. Mary's University pulled ahead 21-15 at the end of the first quarter. Dshawn Tyrell had 6 points for the Kings.

In the second quarter, the Lightning outscored the Kings 18-15 and at the half they led 39-30. Spencer Klassen contributed 6 points for RDC. Averie Armbrister had 5 for St. Mary's University. 

The Kings' offence started to roll in the third quarter. They put up 24 points and reduced the Lightning's offence to only 12 points. After three quarters, the RDC Kings took a 54-51 lead. Solon Ellis led the way for the Kings with 9 points in the third. Mobin Ali contributed 5 points for the Lightning. 

RDC saved their best offensive showing for the fourth quarter. The Kings outscored the Lightning 29-20 and earned an 83-71 home victory. In the final quarter, Dshawn Tyrell scored 9 points for RDC. Jordan Britton had 6 for St. Mary's.

Over four quarters, Dshawn Tyrell contributed 20 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals. Spencer Klassen and Solon Ellis had 16 points each. Eric Bakker accumulated 14 points and 14 boards. Cody White had 12 points.

Jordan Britton led the Lightning with 20 points. 

Kings Basketball Head Coach Clayton Pottinger appreciated the strong work ethic especially in their own half of the court. "It was a good win. I was happy with the effort and we defended better," said Pottinger. "We gave Satchel Benjamin and Riley Cordwell an opportunity to play and we gave Omon Edobar, Daniel Powell and Braiden Ousey a chance to rest." 

The RDC Kings will compete at the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) Men's Basketball Championship, March 1 to 3, at Lethbridge College. The Kings (14-7) finished third in the south and completed the season with four consecutive wins. The RDC Kings will compete against the second place (16-8) NAIT Ooks from the north, Thursday, March 1 at 1:00 p.m. in Lethbridge. "We will begin preparation for NAIT starting on Monday," said Pottinger.