BC Girls AA Basketball Provincials: Day 1
If you missed any of the action at the Langley Events Centre from Day 1 of the BC Girls 2A Basketball Provincials, don't sweat it! We've got your game recaps and some fancy photos below.
South Kamloops Titans vs David Thompson Lakers
Though both teams tied it up early in the first, the South Kamloops Titans showed their powerhouse skills from the field and led by a whopping 55-19 at the half. To end the game, the Titans dominated the Lakers with a final score of 90-26; Kendra Kaczur was named POG with 13 points while Olivia Morgan-Cherchas led with 26 points for her team.
Lambrick Park Lions vs Seycove Seyhawks
The Seycove Seyhawks came to play early on in the first, jumping into the lead 32-20 at the half and never looking back from there. They led for the entire game, though Lambrick Park gave it their all in the final moments. Seyhawks’ triple-threat Bradshaws were a wrecking ball on both ends of the court; the three girls (Chelsea, Emma, and Sydney) combined for 42 points. Seycove slayed the Lions with a final score of 67-39.
Britannia Bruins vs GP Vanier Towhees
Bruins blasted ahead of the Towhees with a monstrous 13-0 run to begin the first quarter. By playing impressive defence, Britannia held their opponent to only 27 points in the first half. They led with 51 heading into the third.
While Vanier played with a vengeance in the next half, it ultimately would not be enough to stop Surprise Munie and the Bruins. Britannia claimed their first win of the tournament 86-60. Munie was named Player of the Game with 31 points and a whole lot of other impressive stats (see below).
Smithers Gryphons vs St. Thomas Aquinas Fighting Saints
Just like their name would suggest, STA was straight brawlin’ in the first half with a nice 17-0 run. The Fighting Saints passed beautifully in transition and made sure to move the ball well around multiple players early on, proving they are definitely not a one-woman show. After the second quarter, St. Thomas dominated with 45-13 over Smithers.
The Gryphons gave it as much gas as they could; however, STA was a Lambo on the court--zipping around Smithers with precision and power. Saints held them to just 5 points in the third. In the fourth and final quarter, St. Thomas Aquinas locked down the win with an unbelievable 82-23 final score over Smithers.
Vernon Panthers vs Whistler Storm
In what can only be deemed the battle of the day thus far on the 2A side, the Vernon Panthers and Whistler Storm were practically equal the entire first half. Panthers kept a slight lead by 28-25 heading into the third quarter.
Somebody must have lit a fire under these black cats because they came out claws blazin’ in the final half. With buckets and D on fleek, the Panthers sent the Storm back to the skies. Vernon defeated Whistler with a final score of 64-54.
POG went to Panthers' # 14 Kelsey Falk, who scored an insane 36 points.
PS--Sick jerseys, Panthers! Do they remind y’all of another team's jersey from back in the day?
GW Graham Grizzlies vs Little Flower Academy Angels
The Grizzlies came out with a ROAR (sorry, I had to) in their first matchup of the BCs. With Deanna and Julia Tuchscherer on a hot streak, GW Graham took an early lead and finished the starting half 47-22 over the Little Flower Academy Angels.
Though the Angels played with heart and soul, their lack of size in comparison to the tall(er) Grizzlies just wouldn't give them the edge they so badly needed in the remaining quarters. GW held them to limited points and sunk a hefty sum of their own to grab their first win of the tourney. The final score: 92-56.
Julia Tuchscherer was named Player of the Game fittingly, since she scored 30 points and had 16 rebounds.
St. Thomas More Knights vs Duchess Park Condors
Right off the jump, both teams showed us they really, really wanted the W. This game was nothing short of intense, with an undeniable amount of grit from the girls of STM. What we loved so much about this game was the sheer enthusiasm from the bench every single time the Knights had possession.
That being said, Duchess Park showed promise with an ever-so-cheerful section of the crowd, too.
But regardless of the noise, the St. Thomas More Collegiate Knights played with passion and power--putting up endless points on the scoreboard and playing a mean defensive game, as well. In the end, the Knights accomplished their goal of winning in the first round of Provincials. A definite step-up from last year! They defeated the Condors 72-39 with Brooklyn Monks crushing in 26 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 steals.
Westsyde Whundas vs Langley Christian Lightning
Though the final game of Day 1 started off like two turtles chasing each other around the court, the Langley Christian Lightning zapped ahead at the halfway point of the opening quarter and never once glanced back. With thunder and 'lightning' moves in the paint, Langley Christian showed us they will be a dominant force heading into Day 2.
After the first half, the Lightning led 41-19.
Mackenna Gardner made it rain in threes, going 8-19 on the night and scoring 33 points. She snagged POG honours for her squad.
In the final game of the day, the Langley Christian Lightning struck down the visiting Westsyde Whundas 91-33.
That's all from Day 1 of the BC AA Girls Provincials, folks! Keep it locked here for photos and recaps from Day 2.
Written by: Crystal Scuor