Baltzer and Kings show depth in win over Rattlers

Brent Forster - Red Deer Polytechnic Athletics

Red Deer, AB – The Red Deer Polytechnic Kings showed their depth Sunday afternoon. 

With Tyronn King, an All-Conference selection, and veteran Cody White out of the lineup due to injuries, 10 RDP student-athletes contributed points in a 71-62 win over the visiting Medicine Hat College Rattlers.

"Today's game was a good one. We are missing probably two of our top five players due to injury," said Darren Graham, Red Deer Polytechnic Kings Basketball Head Coach. "Tyronn King, the leading scorer, is out. He had a bit of a hip flexor injury, but our motto going into the weekend was you don't have to do everything, but you have to do something. I thought everyone took that motto to heart."

Red Deer's Cody White was nursing a sore ankle.

The Kings held a two point margin (18-16) after the first quarter and then expanded their lead in the next frame, outscoring the Rattlers 19-11 to take a 37-27 advantage at the half.

Kirklan Hall (22) was perfect from the free-throw line

Antonio Benjamin led the Polytechnic with 10 points at the break. Kings first-year forward Eduardo Crespo had eight points, two rebounds and an assist, which was a quarterback like pass down court to six-foot-five forward Kevin Szymanek, who converted.

"I love Eduardo's basketball IQ and creativity. He can make plays in what seems like out of nothing. The transition from Brazil wasn't easy and it's been taking some time, but we've seen some steady evolution of his game in Canada," explained Graham of the talented student-athlete. 

"The guys love him. He brings energy. He is a quieter personality but when he gets on the court, he's got a pretty big personality. I think he's right in there as a candidate for Rookie of the Year. He led us to these two wins, so credit to him." 

Jordan Biggar powered the Rattlers' offence with 13 points after 20 minutes, which included two-of-three from long range.

Medicine Hat College grabbed a one point edge in the second half (35-34), but the home team picked up the decision. 

Payton Baltzer was selected the North Star Sports Kings Player of the Game, totaling eight rebounds, six points, four assists and two blocks. 

"We had 12 guys into the game on Friday night. Twelve guys into the game today," said Graham. "Everybody played a role in contributing to the win, whether it was Eduardo picking up two 20 point plus performances. Payton doing all the little things. Lots of assists, rebounds, great job moving the ball, running the offence."

Eduardo Crespo accumulated 24 points and eight rebounds. 

Jordan Biggar received the award for the Rattlers. He totaled 22 points, five rebounds, one steal and one block over 37 minutes. Fred Kabore and Tanner Scott had nine points each. 

Antonio Benjamin knocked down 14 points for Red Deer. 

"Antonio picked up some of the slack in terms of point production," said Graham. "Kevin played excellent defence on one of the best rebounders - Kieron Burgess - in the whole league, and even nation. Everyone chipped in, did their part and we really epitomized two team wins."

Burgess finished with three rebounds and a steal. 

Kevin Szymanek had six points, two assists, two steals and two defensive rebounds over 21 minutes.

The Red Deer Polytechnic Kings shot 41.5 per cent from the field, 18.8 per cent from three-point range, and 73.7 per cent from the free-throw line. The Medicine Hat College Rattlers were 38.3 per cent, 39.1 per cent, and 41.2 per cent efficient respectively. 

The Rattlers will be back in action on Friday, December 3 when they face the St. Mary's University Lightning in Medicine Hat at 6 pm.

On Friday, January 14, the Red Deer Polytechnic Kings (4-2) will host the Lightning (4-0) at 6 pm.

Cole Wicker (14) had 8 points