Sometimes it works. Sometimes it doesn’t.
When the Saskatchewan Rattlers (8-8) picked up Shaquille Keith after the forward was released by Hamilton on July 20, Rattlers General Manager and Head Coach Greg Jockims took a chance on a player who didn’t have much success in his first stint with the CEBL. He averaged just 5.3 points, 1.3 rebounds and 1.7 assists in three games before being cut. After joining a new team with a fresh start, Keith has helped Saskatchewan earn consecutive wins heading into Friday night’s game against the Fraser Valley Bandits (4-13).
(Tickets available at TicketMaster. Watch via CEBL TV or the CBC Gem App ).
The first victory for Keith and the Rattlers came July 25 against the same Bandits, their third meeting of the season. In the 91-79 win, Keith recorded a game-high 27 points on 11-of-16 shooting from the field, to go along with five rebounds. Two days later against his former team, the Toronto native nearly registered a triple-double with 15 points, eight rebounds and eight assists as Saskatchewan handled the Honey Badgers, 100-79. The addition of Keith has added some swagger back to the Rattlers roster. A feeling that has been missing at SaskTel Centre for a few weeks. Emotion on both ends of the floor is welcomed by the fanbase with just three weeks remaining until Saskatchewan hosts the CEBL Championship Weekend. The Rattlers have secured their spot as the host team, and currently sit a half-game ahead of fourth-place Hamilton in the standings.
Fraser Valley was officially eliminated from playoff contention on Thursday night after a gutsy 108-104 loss to league-leading Edmonton at Expo Centre. Down by 15 points at the break, the Bandits stormed back in the second half and had a chance to tie the game with six seconds remaining but Joel Friesen missed his first free throw and was then called for leaving the charity stripe before the ball touched the rim, giving Edmonton a shot at the line, the ball, and the win. Fraser Valley guard Marek Klassen was outstanding again, recording game highs of 27 points and eight rebounds in a losing cause.
After playing such an emotional game in Edmonton, the Bandits were shown no mercy, having to play its only back-to-back of the season in Saskatchewan on Friday night.
The Rattlers have played a physical style of basketball over its past two games. It’s the type of game that will do the team well during its final four contests of the regular season as well as the playoffs. First, they must close out its series finale against a tired Fraser Valley squad who now have nothing to play for but pride.
Tip-Off is 7PM CT.
June 13 at Fraser Valley: Saskatchewan 93, Fraser Valley 81
Leading scorers: Fraser Valley (A. Gill, 17), Saskatchewan (T. Dawson, 26)
Leading rebounders: Fraser Valley (C. Robinson, 12), Saskatchewan (T. Dawson, 9)
June 27 at Saskatchewan: Fraser Valley 101, Saskatchewan 89
Leading scorers: Fraser Valley (C. McLaughlin, 22), Saskatchewan (B. Massey, 22)
Leading rebounders: Fraser Valley (C. McLaughlin, 10), Saskatchewan (M. Johnson, 9)
July 25 at Fraser Valley: Saskatchewan 91, Fraser Valley 79
Leading scorers: Fraser Valley (J. Kendrick, 21), Saskatchewan (S. Keith, 27)
Leading rebounders: Fraser Valley (J. Kendrick, 11), Saskatchewan (T. Thomas, 8)