Marauders hold off Gryphons to advance
Tavish McMahon doesn’t mind getting down and dirty for the A.N. Myer Marauders.
The 16-year-old, Grade 11 student isn’t the biggest, most talented or the fastest player on the squad, but is more than willing to do what it takes to get the job done.
McMahon netted 13 points — including nine in the second half — as the Marauders held off the Greater Fort Erie Gryphons 55-53 at Notre Dame Thursday night in championship round quarter-final action at the 66th Annual Welland Tribune Basketball Tournament.
McMahon, who was named Mountainview Building Group Player of the Game for Myer, was all smiles afterward.
“I just live for these moments,” he said. “I love playing the game.
“Our team had a little bit of trouble, but we pulled it out.”
McMahon loves to hit the boards.
“They need me to rebound and get the scrappy points,” he said. “It gets tough sometimes but I trust my teammates and I love getting them second opportunities to shoot.”
McMahon began playing travel ball two years ago with Niagara United and is in his first year at the senior level.
“It’s a lot bigger than I’m used to,” he said. “I have to put on a few pounds but it’s part of the process.”
Myer coach Tyler Thomson loves what McMahon brings to the court.
“He may not score every game a whole lot but he’s one of those guys who is typically involved in every play. He’s aggressive and dives for every loose ball,” Thomson said. “He’s a very intangible player.”
Thomson said McMahon’s willingness to do whatever is asked of him does not go unnoticed.
“I think Tavish is one of those guys who understands his role and goes out and executes it. That’s what you need on a team, everybody knowing their role and that’s how you are going to win.”
The Marauders now advance to the championship round semifinals Friday night.
“I’m super excited,” McMahon said. “I just want to play some more against some of the best teams in the area.”
The Gryphons gave all the Marauders they could handle and had a chance to tie the game in the dying seconds but Noah Gmoser’s jumper was off target.
“They gave us a really good game in the league as well, I think we one by just one point,” Thomson said. “It’s great competition. I love those games where it’s back and forth the whole game.
“I think those games are really important because it so shows our team what we need to work on and improve our game.”
MARAUDERS 55 GRYPHONS 53
Mountainview Building Group Players of the Game: Tavish McMahon for Myer and Isaiah Vernon for Greater Fort Erie.
For the A.N. Myer Marauders: Sahil Rizwan 14; Tavish McMahon 13; Mani Maynard 11; Adam Abboud 10; Ezzo Hassaan 4; Jayke Arnold 3.
For the Greater Fort Erie Gryphons: Kyle Barrett 18; Isaiah Vernon 18; Nate Jones 9; Noah Gmoser 5; Alex Brewster 3.
CONSOLATION ROUND
RAIDERS 41 COUGARS 40
Lucas Muon hit a three-pointer with 7.5 seconds to play to give the Holy Cross Raiders the win over the Centennial Cougars in quarter-final consolation round action at Centennial.
Mountainview Building Group Players of the Game: Dwayne Williams for Holy Cross and Timi Ijaodola for Centennial.
For the Holy Cross Raiders: Dwayne Osbourne 13; Lucas Muon 10; Arin Sayegh 8; Terrell Wallace 6; Josh Delladonne 3; Owen Corcoran 2.
For the Centennial Cougars: Timi Ijaodola 10; Alex Bray 10; Elliot Slack 10; Marco Reyes 6; Matt Millar 3.
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