OTTAWA - George Brown's men's basketball team jumped out of the gate this weekend, earning a pair of wins on the notoriously tough Ottawa road swing. They first defeated Algonquin 106-99 in overtime to open on Saturday, and followed that up with a 78-59 defeat of La Cite. The Thunder and Coyotes combined to go 29-11 in 2015-16 and figure to be among the Huskies toughest competition for the East Division crown, as impressive a pair of victories as you could hope for to open the year.
Ajahmo Clarke has already proven himself among the OCAA's all-time elite scorers, and in his final year is looking to make some history while competing for a provincial title. To say that Clarke made a statement in the Huskies season opener would be to short sell a remarkable performance. The swingman poured in 54 points on a ridiculously efficient 21-of-27 from the field, including going 4-of-6 from beyond the arc and killing Algonquin with a lethal mid-range game. For good measure Clarke finished with seven rebounds and steals as well.
"I've had the pleasure of coaching some very talented players over the years, but Ajahmo's performance on Saturday was one for the ages," said George Brown head coach Jonathan Smith. "In one word, it was effortless. His points all came in the flow of the offence, and it was amazing to be a part of his special night."
Clarke went into the season needing to average just a tick over 18 points a night to become the province's all-time leading scorer, and clearly the performance against Algonquin bodes well. Perhaps most exciting for the Huskies is the all-around talent that they possess in the back-court, a group that could be the OCAA's best. Guard DJ James (Toronto) averaged 19 points a night last season and was a big reason Clarke decided to join the Huskies, while Kevon Mascoe (Scarborough) scored 19 against La Cite to lead the team and has a first step that can beat almost anyone.
"It was a great team effort all around this weekend, and I can't wait to get back on the court," says Smith.
The Huskies play their home opener on Friday, Nov. 4 at Casa Loma Gymnasium. The women's game gets underway at 6 p.m., men's at 8 p.m.
Source: George Brown College