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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Friday December 1, 2006 - 37 Energized Titans shut down Aquinas in hoops opener By Jon Kuiperij BEAVER SPORTS EDITOR Playing on their home court in front of a large crowd seemed to inspire the Holy Trinity Titans. The Titans opened the Halton high school senior boys' basketball season Wednesday with plenty of defensive intensity, allowing only seven first-quarter points to the St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders en route to a 65-42 victory. Trinity students packed the gymnasium as the Titans and Raiders played the first of two buy-out games. In exchange for a $1 donation to the Christmas Miracle Fund, students were able to leave class and watch the contest. Aquinas will host the second game of the home-and-home series, a 2 p.m. start Dec. 18. The two schools hope to combine to raise between $1,000-1,500. The Titans' Andrew Smith, who led Trinity with 10 points, said he and his teammates benefitted from the fan support. "All day I was nervous about this game. It was great to have that support from the fans, and a lot of them stayed for the whole game. It's not like they were just doing it to get out of class, so it was nice to see that," said the 17-year-old. The Titans held their end of the bargain by giving their fans plenty to cheer about. Both Smith and Connor Mechino brought the students to their feet with emphatic two-handed dunks 30 seconds apart in the second quarter, helping the Titans take a 28-19 lead into the break. But it was at the defensive end where Trinity made its mark. The Titans challenged almost every shot as Aquinas struggled to create open looks. Smith expects the Titans' defense to be even better by the end of the year. "We haven't even worked on defense in practice," he said. "When we start working on it, that's when we'll start executing the most." Jamal McQueen added nine points and Dave Ozimec netted seven for Trinity, which had 10 different players score at least one point as both teams emptied their benches in the second half. Kyle Enright had 12 points while Jon Silver and Philipe Salem each contributed seven for the Raiders. Aquinas is playing this season without point guard Malik Diaz, a key part of last year's squad that com- peted in the provincial AAA championships, after Diaz transferred to Burlington Assumption this past fall. The Raiders are also without their big man, Ryan Thompson, who is recovering from an abdominal tear and might be lost for the entire season. "We're a young team, a very inexperienced team," said Aquinas coach Ron Esteban. "We are relying on guys who have never been in the position to lead a team. It will take a lot of effort on both ends... if we can clamp down (defensively), the offense will come off of it. "I'm very happy (with the team's effort)," he continued. "Our team works hard and I'm excited about the learning curve of this team. In a couple weeks (when the Raiders host Trinity again), we might be able to pull off an upset." MAIN ST. YARNS is pleased to present a full collection of LANTERN MOON Knitting Accessories Silk Bags, Palm Totes, Twisted Sea Grass Baskets, Tape Measures, Rice Baskets, Needle Cases, Needles, and more. 36 SHIP ON MPI ES CHA HOL B PRO EST IN T SHO P HE ARE A For All of Your Printing Needs · Single Sheet · Tabloids · 1 Colour to Full Colour Process · Very Competitive Prices Green Fee Passes Make great Christmas Gifts for your golfer & golfing friends! SALE ON NOW! MAIN ST. YARNS At our store you will find the ideal Christmas gift for family and friends. Carriage Square 15 Martin St. Milton, On L9T 2R1 Phone: 905-693-4299 www.mainstyarns.com Visit our fully stocked Pro-Shop Voted the Best in the area! 1137 #1 Sideroad, Burlington or visit our store in the Oakville Place Mall! www.hiddenlakegolf.com HOME OF THE CANADIAN OPEN QUALIFER! Printing and Distribution Packages Available Call Marie (905) 336-3660 Visit the store on Saturday, December 2, 2006 and you will receive a complimentary yarn kit for an elegant scarf with the purchase of any Lantern Moon item. (905)845-3824 ext. 273 mgallagher@oakvillebeaver.com @