Colan McCulloch, of the Hants North Junior High Flames basketball team, drives towards the net against a Central Colchester Junior High Bear player in semifinal action at the district championships March 2.

KENNETCOOK: The Hants North Junior High Flames boys basketball team sent the home crowd away happy, winning district championships March 2.

The Flames defeated Central Colchester Junior High 64-38 in the district semi-final to advance to the championship final. In the final, Judson Wiseman poured in 21 points to lead Hants North to a 64-48 win over Truro Junior High, who had beat Bible Hill Junior High 65-58.

Kyle McCulloch, Tyrell Bell and Dustin Harvie were the big point producers against Central Colchester, while Evan McClellan registered 17 points and Nick Stewart 11 in the championship win against Truro Junior High.

With the district final win, Hants North now advances to the four-team regional finals to be held in Pugwash March 9. They were scheduled to face Oxford in their first game.

Head coach Shann Singer was pleased with the progress the team made during the season.

“They work hard and enjoy being in the gym, which makes my job easy,” Singer said. “Their hard work paid off when we claimed the district championship.”

He said the team were pumped to play before the home fans, which have always been very supportive.

“Our gym was packed with students and community members for the district finals,” he added. “This support means a lot to the boys.”

Singer said the regional championships will be like the Stanley Cup for his troops.

“We have a real nice basketball team with a good shot at winning,” Singer said. “Our goal for the regionals is to come home with the banner. The boys would be proud to hang a regional banner in their gym.”

He wanted to send a special thanks to the district tournament organizers, the Kennetcook and District Volunteer Fire Department and the parents who have trucked the team around all season.

“Without the parents support this season, none of this would be possible,” he said.

phealey@enfieldweeklypress.com