Royals win to open defence of senior hoops’ title

ORANGEVILLE – The defending champion Centre Dufferin Royals opened their District 4 high school senior boys’ basketball season with a 74-40 victory over the Westside Thunder at Westside Monday.

Centre Dufferin is looking to extend its streak to five consecutive titles as the Royals claimed league honours every season from the 2017-18 campaign onwards. The 2020-2021 season was cancelled due to the pandemic.

The Royals have won the title 12 times in the 2000s including 10 times in the last 13 seasons.

Centre Dufferin was led Monday by S. Gordon Stephens who netted a game-high 26 points while M. McPherson added 17.

D. Hollett had 10 for Westside while C. Fradette contributed eight.

Norwell 39 Emmanuel Christian 24

J. George struck for 16 points for Norwell.

P. Malen had eight for Emmanuel Christian.

Junior Boys’ Basketball

Emmanuel Christian 50 Wellington Heights 40

C. Van Grootheest collected 23 points to spark Emmanuel Christian to the win.

R. Leadley and C. Troyer each had 14 for Wellington Heights.

Centre Dufferin 68 Westside 49

C. Sterling connected for 18 points for Centre Dufferin while A. Young followed with 15.

Z. Barbosa had 17 for Westside while J. Eyiah added eight.

• Guelph Sports Journal