Thunder roll into final
The sky is the limit for Noah Monteforte.
The 16-year-old, Grade 11 student is playing his first season at the senior level and has already become a vital piece for the Blessed Trinity Thunder.
Monteforte scored 15 points Thursday as the Thunder topped the Governor Simcoe Redcoats 82-57 in a championship round semifinal game at the 57th Annual Standard High School Basketball Tournament played at Ridley College.
The No. 3 seed Thunder take on top-seeded St. Francis Friday at 7:45 p.m. at the St. Catharines Collegiate for the championship.
Monteforte doesn’t seemed awed by the bigger, faster players in senior.
“It’s honestly been most of the same players so the basketball hasn’t changed that much, but the speed and the intensity is more,” he said. “It’s good for the experience and then when we come back next year we can do it again.”
Thunder coach Gabe Diadamo praised his young forward.
“Noah is a guy who we rely on a lot. He’s a big boy (6-foot-4) who can move. He has a good shot and can finish inside. We just have to keep getting him the ball.
“I think the more he works on his game and the more we work with him as a team, he’s just scratching the surface of his potential.”
Monteforte, who plays at the club level with the Niagara Tigers, is willing to fill whatever role is needed.
“Usually I’m just a defensive player who runs the fast breaks. I can score but I usually just play the role they need me to,” he said.
The Thunder rolled to a quick 24-11 lead after the first half, which Diadamo said was crucial.
“It’s always important for us to get off to a good start, always. It calms the nerves and gives you time to focus on the game instead of the score.”
Monteforte said the early lead gave the Thunder confidence.
“It got us motivated for the rest of the game and got us going.”
The Redcoats regrouped and settled down, cutting the lead to 40-32 at the half, before the Thunder reset at halftime.
“I really just wanted them to regain their composure,” Diadamo said. “Their (Simcoe) press was very good and I give them all the credit in the world. I told them you can’t let that get to you. You have to stay composed, move the ball and get it inside or find the open man on the outside.”
Simcoe coach Shaun Feor said the early deficit took its toll on his players.
“We came out flat and it takes so much energy to get back in it,” he said. “Anytime we got back to within four or five they would hit a back-breaking three.”
Feor said his club will use their performance at the tournament as a measuring stick as the season goes on.
“We always look at a win or loss with a silver lining. We’ll mostly likely see them (BT) or Denis Morris in the city final so now we know what to expect later in the season.”
Stats pack
Thunder 82 Redcoats 57
Kully’s/No Limit Performance Players of the Game: Filip Gagacev for Blessed Trinity. Andrew Scott for Governor Simcoe.
Blessed Trinity Thunder: Filip Gagacev 15; Noah Monteforte 15; Zinan Ahmed 12; Lucas Cino 11; Josh Enns 11; Jimmy Hillyard 9; Robbie O’Donnell 3.
Governor Simcoe Redcoats: Darren Johnston 16; Max Grant 10; Andrew Scott 9; Cal Andersen 8; Mitch McPherson 6; Mason MacEachern 6; Duncan Belliveau 2.
SUPPORT US
On the right side of our web site, you will notice a yellow SUPPORT US button.
We are asking anyone who finds value in our work and is able to financially help us to click on the button and contribute whatever amount you feel is appropriate and can afford. There is no set amount. Any amount is appreciated.
The funds collected will be used to enhance and offset the expenses of running the web site.
