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MSS squad advance to GB finals Midland Secondary School hosted the boys basketball playoffs for qualification into the Georgian Bay Secondary School Association finals Friday. All six games were decided by four points or less. The first game of the day featured MSS Midgets and Innisdale. Midland fell 66-64. The score was tied at 64 with 10 seconds to play in regulation time and with Midland in possession of the ball. However, a shot off the backboards gave Innisdale possession and a frantic shot found the hoop for the victory sending MSS packing for the season. John Richardson paced the MSS attack with 26 points, while David Duval added 19. In the battle for third spot, Barrie Innisdale Juniors upset Orillia Park Street 51-50. Bar- rie Innisdale nipped Barrie North for third spot in the senior division 51-48. The midget final was decided by the widest margin of the day as Barrie North outlasted Tankard returned Last Thursday evening, Labatt's Breweries officials were on hand at _ the Penetanguishene Curling Club to return the Labatt's Blue Light Tankard to its home in the local club and wish Russ Howard and his rink good luck in next week's Brier. The hall of the clvb was full of well-wishers and friends at a special reception for the local rink that will once again this year, represent Ontario in the Canadian Men's Curling Championship. On their arrival at the Club, the runners-' up to last year's Brier and two-time winners , of the Tankard were escorted into the hall in a regal fashion by the music of the Penetanguishene Legion Pipes and Drum Band. Once seated at the head table with special guests from Labatt's Breweries the men of the hour were introduced. ; In his introduction, Curling Club President, Ted Ross was quick to brag about the local area, dubbing Penetanguishene as the new "Curling Capital of Ontario'. In the grand send off for the team, who leave for Canada's west on Thursday, the five members, Russ Howard, Glenn Howard, Kent Carstairs, Tim Belcourt and Larry Merkley were presented with gifts from Penetanguishene Deputy-Reeve Frances St Amant, on behalf of the town, Penetanguishene Reeve Art Stewart on behalf of Simcoe County Warden Eldon Bell, North Simcoe MP Doug Lewis, Simcoe East MPP Alan McLean and Simcoe Centre MPP Earl Rowe and members of the executive of the Penetanguishene Curling Club. Art Stewart summed up the evening most appropriately in his words to the boys when he quoted the Huronia Tourist Association' s slogan. "They may be a little above Toronto, but this shows we are really a lot above Toronto." After the most important presentations of the reception, the return of the Tankard to Russ and his rink, the Skip took over the microphone to say a few words of thanks to Labatt's and the Penetanguishene Club for their support over the year. "For three years we have curled out of the Penetanguishene club, and for three years we've been at the Brier,' said the skip. "There must be a common denominator." Although Russ made light 'of last year's close miss of the top curling title in Canada, he was quick to stress "we are going after Alberta this year." Tim Belcourt was the only other member of the Howard team to take over .the microphone to say a few words of thanks, but best summed up what having the backing of a community when heading into the Cana- dian finals. _ "Tt doesn't matter if we have the support of the Toronto media, we have you people _and that is enough," said Belcourt. Orillia District Collegiate and Vocational In- stitute in overtime 55-51. In the Junior Final, Collingwood overcame a 10 point half time deficit to edge MSS 58-57. Bill Mitchell scored 20 points to lead MSS shooters, while David Northcott and Paul McQuirter chipped in with 10 each. Brent Price added eight. Two Points There was lots of basketball action at MSS Friday as several teams vied for a spot at the GBSSA championships today in Huntsville. All six games played Friday were decided by The Winners The Russ Howard rink pose for a group shot resplendent in their team blazers at the Labatt Blue Light reception held in their honor ODCVI Seniors defeated MSS 59-56. OD led 26-22 at half time. jim Farragher held a hot hand by recording 28 points, 28 from out- side. Kevin Gray hooped 10 points in a los- ing cause. Despite the losses, the Juniors and Seniors will be travelling to Huntsville today to com- pete for the GBSSA championships. The four points or less with one of the contests going to overtime. All three Midland teams lost, but both the Juniors and Seniors recently at the Penetanguishene Curling Club. Placed on the table in front are replicas of the Silver Tankard they won in Chatham. Juniors take the court at 10 a.m. against the north representative, with the winner play- ing the winner of Collingwood/Innisdale at 5:30 p.m. for the championship. MSS Seniors tackle the north represen- tative at 1 p.m. with the winner advancing against the winner of ODCVI and Innisdale for the title at 7p.m. qualified to play in Huntsville. In this photo MSS Junior Marauder, Mike Larmand lays the ball up for two points. Pictured from left are:"fifth" man Larry Merkley, Kent Carstairs, Tim Belcourt, Glen Howard, Russ Howard. Tuesday, March 3, 1987, Page 15 i}