The Crusaders entered the final week of the regular season needing victories in their last two games to lock up a playoff spot. Unfortunately, on Tuesday evening the visiting Simonds Seabees had different plans.

The home team jumped out to an early lead, riding the hot shooting of Brady Soucy and Keegan Miller. The two combined for seven 3-pointers in the opening quarter which KVHS won 28-14. After some defensive adjustments in the 2nd quarter, Simonds was able to flip things around to win the quarter 23-10 cutting the Crusaders’ lead to one, 48-47 heading into the half-time break.

The two teams traded baskets for much of the 3rd quarter but neither team was able to make any significant run. The Crusaders, who were already missing their starting backcourt of Ryan Scott and Ryan Pollard, were trying to manage foul trouble on key defenders, while Simonds 3-pointers shooters were unable to find the mark from deep. The teams ended the quarter scoring 22 points each, with KVHS still clinging to a one-point lead, 60-59.

The Seabees’ full-court zone pressure finally took it’s toll on the depleted Crusaders backcourt in the 4th quarter as Simonds forced KVHS into several costly turnovers. When the Crusaders did break the press, fatigue was still a factor causing them to miss some easy conversions and key foul shots. With about 4 minutes to play and Simonds leading 67-65, the Seebeas went on a 7-2 run to close out the game and handed the Crusader a 74-67 defeat.

The Crusaders’ leaders were:

  • Brady Soucy with 20 points
  • Keegan Miller with 17 points
  • Colin Loughery with 15 points, 22 rebounds and 8 assists

Simonds leaders were:

  • Aiden Connors with 21 points
  • Luke Stewart & Ethan Szemerda with 15 points each

The loss drops the Crusaders to 7-4 in league play. Harbour View also has 4 losses but they hold the tie-breaker (+1) over the Crusaders. The Crusader finish up the regular season on Thursday when they host Rothesay High. Game time is 8:00 pm.