The KVHS Crusaders boys varsity team kicked off the 2017-2018 season with the Miramichi Valley Tip-off Tournament co-hosted by Miramichi Valley High School and James M. Hill School.

Game #1 – Carleton North
The Crusaders opened the weekend with a come from behind 71-65 victory of the Carleton North Stars from Florenceville. Both teams struggled to find the range in the first half, only posting 10 points each in the first quarter. The second wasn’t much different but Carleton North was able to grind out a 25-22 lead at half time.

In the third quarter the Stars found their range, especially Sylas Hill who knocked down three 3-pointers, to out score the Crusaders 26-17 in the quarter. The Crusaders, however,  switched to their small line up of Matt Nam, Cameron Miller, Bryce Miller, Sasha Mhlanga and Matt Wilson to start the fourth quarter. With Mhlanga playing lock down defense on Sylas Hill and Matt Wilson controlling the defense boards the Crusaders outscored Carleton 29-14 in the final quarter to come away with victory.

Leading scorers for the Crusaders were Matt Name with 20 points, Bryce Miller with 20 and Cameron Miller with 15. Matt Wilson and Andrew Heron lead the team with 9 rebounds while Nam and Cameron Miller handed out 4 assists each.

Game #2 – Miramichi Valley
The second game of the day wasn’t as successful for the visiting Crusaders as the host team took an early lead and never looked back. Th Pulamoo lead 15-12 after the first quarter and 36-23 heading into half-time.

To start the second half the teams turned up the offensive production but the Pulamoo were still able to win the 3rd quarter 27-23 to extend their led to 63-46. In the fourth quarter the Crusaders finally hit the wall going scoreless over the final 10 minutes to lose 79-46.

Leading the Crusaders in scoring for the second straight game was Matt Name with 21 points and Cameron Miller with 11.  Okyay Kepenek, Andrew Heron and Cameron Miller each had 6 rebounds. Matt Nam, Sasha Mhlanga and Cameron Miller each had 4 assists.

Game #3 – Woodstock
In the final game of the weekend, the Crusaders scoring struggles continued with the team shooting 23% from the floor, 11% from the free throw line while committing 21 turn-overs in a 78-49 lost to Woodstock Thunder. The Thunder were able to attach the Crusaders inside with strong post play and offensive rebounding throughout the game. 

Leading scorers for the Crusaders were Cameron Miller 16 pts and Matt Nam with 13. Leading rebounders were Matt Wilson with 5 and Andrew Heron with 4. Matt Name, Cameron Miller and Matt Wilson each had 4 assists.