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Defending the Home Floor

Erik Van Dyke
Another sparking gem of a game!
 

It looks like we may have turned an important corner defensively last Friday against Triolet, because this past Wednesday’s tilt against Tandem-Boise was another sparkling gem!

All 12 players contributing to a stifling, manic defensive effort that left our opponents completely flummoxed. Just how good were your Spartans? How about 23-4 (!) at halftime, including a 12-0 shutout in the 1st quarter? Yeah. They were THAT good. And the reason they were THAT good is because the players are starting to define themselves through their defense. They are taking PRIDE in that end of the floor. They enjoy shutting teams down.
 
But unlike the Triolet game, the offense was also clicking. When Rosema Lefebvre wasn’t coming off screens and knocking down silky smooth triples, Mackenzy St-Pierre was scoring reverse layups in the low post from behind the backboard. When Alyssa MacPherson wasn’t punishing her defender down low, Rosy Ladouceur was hitting consecutive buzzer-beater bank shots and reacting like a wide-eyed 8-year old who just found her Christmas presents.
 
And then, of course, there was Abby Murray playing point guard and coolly bringing up the ball – we knew you could do it, Abby!
 
But even so, for me the Play Of The Game was Rosy and Kenz working the pick n roll on the right wing, slick pass Rosy to Kenz rolling to the hoop, help comes, but Kenz makes a quick-decision pass to Alyssa on the weak block who finishes in traffic. Thing of beauty!
 
All in all, we did a lot of good things AND had the bounces go our way to secure this thoroughly enjoyable 45-20 victory in front of the home fans. But most importantly, the players proved that they could bring “Friday night intensity” to a random Wednesday afternoon. That’s the kind of consistent effort and self-motivation that makes great things possible. Things like the Bailly Small Schools Tournament in February. Things like the MacLeod Provincial Tournament in March.
 
These are our main objectives this season. Everything we do is in preparation for these two signature tournaments. And if the first 6 weeks of the season are any indication…ladies, we’ve got a shot.

Coaches Van Dyke & Wolfe
 
The year so far….
 
Overall Record: 9 wins 2 losses      
RSEQ League Play: 2 wins 1 loss
Points for per game: 39.7     Points allowed per game: 27.6
Stanstead Invitational Tournament CHAMPIONS
 
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