The senior girls' basketball team played some terrific basketball this weekend at the West Point Grey tournament. The team's 2nd place finish was a great result and will help them tremendously as they start their North Shore playoffs on Monday night at Seycove. Here is Coach McLaughlin's tournament report:
Despite the snow storm, the Cavs headed out to Point Grey to take part in the West Point Grey Academy's Wolves Invitational Tournament. The tournament was a great opportunity to play against some different faces in preparation for the North Shore playoffs.
The first round match up was against a strong and taller Elgin Park Orcas. The Cavs trailed for the majority of the game, but never by more than six. The Orcas had the advantage on the boards, but the Cavs had the advantage of speed - using their press in the second half they were able to create some steals and convert on the fast breaks - so much so, that they took the lead in the fourth quarter 40-36. However, the Orcas would not quit and as the Cavs struggled from the free throw line, they were able to force over time at 42-42. In the extra frame, Eglin scored first, but that was their last basket, as the Cavs tied the game, went ahead, and held on to a 46-44 win. Charlotte Campbell was named player of the game for her clutch shots down the stretch.
With the win, the Cavs moved into the Semis to face the Pemberton Devils. Once again, the Cavs faced opposition that was taller across the board - so boxing out was a priority. In the first frame, both teams struggled to find their rhythm and the Cavs had trouble with the Pemberton press - the score was 10-9 for the Devils at the end of the quarter. The second quarter was very much the same, with the teams exchanging baskets, and the Cavs not being able to take advantage of Pemberton's top player having to sit most of the second with foul trouble. However, the Cavs were able to turn things around in the third quarter going on a 13-2 run and finishing off the third ahead 38-29 as Nikki Sutton-MacGregor connected for 6 of her game high 13 points. The fourth quarter continued in a similar fashion for the Cavs as they were able to cause Pemberton into foul trouble and score off of steals. When the final buzzer went, the Cavs were victorious 52-38. Hazel Atkins was given player of the game honors for her outstanding rebounding and scoring her season high of 7 points.
The finals were set for Saturday afternoon against a complete unknown - Cornerstone Christian Cougars from Lynden Washington. The Cougars had run through the tournament, beating their opposition by a margin of 30 points heading into the finals. The Cavs knew that they would be in tough as the Cougars had quite the size advantage.
The Cavaliers began the game undaunted and unintimidated, but the referees were calling the game very tight and both Isabelle Gaglardi-Kreider and Kayleigh Garland were in foul trouble in the first quarter. Missing two guards, the Cavs had to shuffle their line up and play with some different looks - however, the Cougar's best player #11 was also in trouble with three fouls and sat out the whole second quarter, when the Cavs were able to make use of their pressure defense and push the score to take a 13 point lead into half-time.
However, the energy that the Cavs had come out with in the second dissipated as they were out rebounded and Cornerstone went on their own run to take a 5 point lead into the final frame. It was a battle through the fourth as the teams traded baskets, and were able to foul out the difference maker #11. Struggling from the free throw line and a couple of missed layups, the Cavs were unable to close the gap until the last few seconds of the game.
Amanda Finnie was fouled shooting a three with seconds left on the clock. Amanda nailed the first two of three and attempted to gently miss in hopes of a quick put back by one of the Cav posts, but, the shot rolled into the hoop. The Cougars called a time out to advance the ball to half and took away any hopes of a last second shot for the Cavs - the final score being 55-53.
Player of the Game for Collingwood was Tiana Wong for her consistent distribution of the ball and great defence. The tournament all-star for the Cavs was Kayleigh Garland as she had to battle some pretty big bigs over the weekend and she was a consistent contributor on the scoreboard and playing through nagging injuries.
Overall, it was a successful weekend as the Cavs learned important lessons on how to win and finish out games. Every Cavalier had good moments and contributed to the team's success.
The Cavs now play Monday in the North Shore Semifinals against the #2 Provincially ranked Seycove Seyhawks. Depending on the outcomes on Monday, Collingwood will play against either Windsor or Bodwell on Wednesday.
Amanda Finnie on one of her patented drives to the basket.
Tiana Wong was the Collingwood Player of the Game in the WPGA Tournament final.