The senior girls' basketball team returned from Europe on Sunday night. After an amazing trip involving lots of games, practices and sightseeing, the Cavs were ready to test themselves back in Canada. Obviously, all their hard work in Europe has paid off as they defeated the Sentinel Spartans 45-21. Here is Coach McLaughlin's game report:
The Collingwood Cavs headed one exit along the highway to visit the Sentinel Spartans in their first game back after the holiday break.
It was a very exciting game for the Cavs because for the first time all season, they had their full complement of players - all 12! This deep bench allowed for quick rotations and the players to hold nothing back while on the court.
The Cavs did well to move the ball quickly in the half court against Sentinel's zone, getting good looks on inside seals and kicks to open shooters. To try and push the score, the Cavs rotated line-ups and put on defensive pressure, creating opportunities to get steals and score some fast break layups.
The second half saw Sentinel pick up their intensity and start playing with more physicality. The Cavs did their best to continue to play with smarts and skills, but, there were a few trips where the Cavs were not a playing on the same page, allowing the Spartans to get a few good looks at the hoop.
In fourth quarter, however, The Cavs got back on track and held the Spartans to only 4 points in the last 10 minutes and the game ended 45-21.
All Lady Cavs got a good share of court time, and all ended up racking up some stats. Most impressive, were the numbers of assists and steals that the team earned - highlighting great teamwork and defensive effort. Leading the game with a "triple-double" was Tiana Wong getting 10 rebounds, 10 steals, and 10 assists, and 6 points. Nikki Sutton-MacGregor was in her groove netting 11 points, pulling in 7 rebounds, and 3 assists. Amanda Finnie continued her strong play, coming off of an impressive showing in Europe, also scoring 10, grabbing 6 rebounds and connecting for 3 assists. The Cavs were also happy to welcome senior athlete, Hazel Atkins, back to the court, whose athleticism immediately made an impact on the team as she pulled in big rebounds and blocked shots.
The Lady Cavs will face West Van next Monday before hosting their Lady Cav Classic Jan 19-21.
( J.Kelly 2 pts, I. Gaglardi-Kreider 4 pts, N. Sutton-MacGregor 11 pts, T. Wong 6 pts, A. Finnie 10 pts S. Narwal 2 pts, K. Garland 10 pts)
Jacqui Kelly is back from the Cavs' European adventure and ready to play some key minutes next week in the Cav Classic.