DCVI junior girls claim WOSSAA silver
- Spencer Seymour
- Nov 21, 2024
- 3 min read
By Spencer Seymour
The St. Marys DCVI junior girls basketball team left WOSSAA on Nov. 13 with the silver medal after a wild semi-final win preceding a hard-fought loss in the championship final.
DCVI took on the host squad, Monsignor Bruyere, in the semis but, early on, the Salukis struggled, falling behind 13-0 and seemingly on the verge of suffering a blowout defeat. However, according to head coach Tim O’Connor, the team’s ability to refocus and tighten the game off the ball swung things in their direction.
“We got better defensively and that made a big difference for us,” O’Connor told the Independent. “Eventually, we hit a couple of baskets and chipped away at their lead, but the bigger part for us was getting stops. We got stronger and stronger defensively, and that has been key for us all season.”
Once the Salukis found some momentum, the game became much closer, especially with Regan Jones, described as the “player of the game” by O’Connor, leading the team’s revitalized defensive structure.
“Bruyere had a post player who was really solid and we had to make some adjustments at halftime to neutralize her a little bit. Regan was the main part of that effort. We tasked Regan with doing a lot to shut her down and she didn’t score in the fourth quarter or overtime, which was a big part of us shutting Bruyere down altogether.”
The contest became a full-blown thriller on the backs of a stellar second half that saw the Salukis complete their comeback and tie the game at 30 points apiece when Alanna Savile buried a rebound after Charlotte Richardson, who scored most of DCVI’s points, fired a three-pointer that bounced off the rim four times.
“That was one of the more exciting games I've ever been a part of,” said O’Connor. “We were playing Bruyere in their home gym, which was packed and very loud, so it was a different experience from many of our other games. Whenever we were shooting free throws, the crowd was banging on the bleachers, and I love an atmosphere like that. It’s fun to be in an environment like that.”
The Salukis scored just three points in overtime, but with their defence holding Bruyere scoreless in extra time, DCVI took the game 33-30 to book their spot in the WOSSAA finals. The junior girls lost in the final game to Woodstock Collegiate Institute, resulting in the team taking the silver medals.
Despite not winning their final game, O’Connor credited his group for cheering on their teammates in the pressure-cooker setting in the semis and added the team’s cohesive nature was one of the hallmark achievements of the year.
“In the second half, the kids on our bench were really into the game. They were loud supporting their teammates on the court and cheering back against the crowd. That was great to see and I think that support for one another was a big part of our success in that game and this season.
“Most importantly, I hope they had fun and enjoyed themselves,” O’Connor continued. “They were all very responsible in coming to practice or letting us know when they had to miss. They responded to suggestions really well. Coachability, teamwork and commitment are pieces you hope to develop in sports and I think they did a good job at those aspects.”
After the medal presentation, the team gathered at centre court for one final tribute to former Saluki coach Gregg Blackler, an act of remembrance the team has performed after every game this year.
"We've tried to keep his spirit with us all season,” O’Connor said. “Gregg would have really enjoyed being with this group and helping to coach them. I hope he's smiling down at us."
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