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Orangeville Prep's James Karnik dunks on Southwest Academy - OSBA

Orangeville Prep coasts to 101-78 victory against Southwest Academy

By Jahnick Lambert, 02/01/17, 9:00AM EST

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The last time Orangeville Prep was featured in an OSBA Game of the Week they were sitting at perfect 6-0 record and going into the first game of a doubleheader at Athlete Institute. Nothing much as changed since then, Orangeville Prep has gone 2-0 in OSBA action since the holiday break, bringing them to 8-0, and they showed no signs of slowing down. Southwest Academy however, have been in a tailspin during their streak of 6 losses in 7 games dating back to November. Their matchup with the league’s top team would not be easy but Southwest would not go out without a fight.

Once the ball was tipped off the players didn’t waste any time going at full speed as they pushed the ball in transition at every opportunity. Southwest Academy scored a few early baskets through extra passes and some sly moves under the rim but Orangeville didn’t take long to respond and take control of the 1st quarter.  Orangeville small forward and top ranked 2018 player, Ignas Brazdeikis (26 points) showed his versatility by doing everything from handling the ball to scoring inside and even hitting a few shots from the perimeter. Southwest’s turnovers proved to be very costly as Orangeville would capitalize on every extra possession on their way to a 12-point lead to end the first.

 

Down 29-17, Southwest Academy would already find themselves in a bad position against a very tough opponent. Unfortunately for them they were woefully undersize against Orangeville and their struggles were most apparent on the defensive end.  With their tallest player listed at 6’5, they were no match for Orangeville’s 6’10, James Karnik, who finished the game with 20 points and 10 rebounds. He cleaned the glass, flew through the air to catch alley-oops and generally manhandled his defender down low. Aside from a big defensive block by Southwest’s Quinton Duckworth, they were unable to prevent Orangeville from growing their lead to 54-36 by half time.

 

Southwest did show some resiliency in the 2nd half and their toughness helped them to a few extra shots after an offensive rebound.  Xavier Ochu (27 points) was a particular standout on the Southwest squad as he tried to will his team back into contention every time he had possession of the ball. Despite their hustle on the offensive end of the floor, their problems on defense were still present.

 

The Orangeville lead was cut down 14 to start the 4th quarter and would be cut down to 11 early in the frame but Orangeville would flip the switch and continue their dominance by quickly going on a 7-0 run. Ochu would continue to lead the Southwest offense but with James Karnik on the other end tormenting helpless defenders, their chances quickly went from slim to none as Orangeville went on to win the game by 23-points.

 

Orangeville Prep has continued to show why they are the top team in the OSBA by defeating yet another opponent with their versatility, speed and size. Now 9-0 in OSBA action, they’ll look to go 10-0 when they visit Vaughan S.S on February 7th. Tip-off scheduled for 6pm. Southwest Academy were unable to conquer the OSBA’s goliath but they will continue to learn for their experiences and will hope to get another win under their belt when they visit Ridley College on Feb 3rd. Tip-off is at 7pm.