That said, this was anything but an "ordinary" tournament.
The Lions travelled to the GTA to participate in the JC Richardson (Ajax) Junior Girls Tournament, which featured arguably the best team in Ontario (Notre Dame - Ajax) and a team that many would probably put in their top ten (Ajax Pickering). The schools have a rich basketball history, and Notre Dame's senior girls' team is currently seen as one of the top 3 in the province.
The Lions got off to a great start against Oshawa's Eastdale SS in the opening round, cruising to a 51-21 win. 12 of 13 St. James players hit the scoresheet, with Brittany Gazzola leading the way (10). Keely McVicar and Chelsey Gazzola had 8.
In the semifinals, St. James came up against the aforementioned Lady Cougars of Ajax Notre Dame, who were undefeated in league and tournament play heading into the contest. Although Notre Dame had a slight edge in overall athleticism, the Lions made up that difference with their solid three-point shooting ---- especially from the Gazzola sisters. Chelsey Gazzola had a season-high 32 points, including 5 three-pointers. Brittany Gazzola pumped in 26 points, as the Lions went on to an impressive 73-66 win. Sierra Rutherford also added 8 points for the Lions.
It didn't get much easier in the finals, as the Lions went up against Ajax Pickering High School. However, ten three-pointers helped push St. James to a 56-46 win and the tournament championship. Chelsey Gazzola had 18 points (5 three-pointers) while Brittany Gazzola knocked in 17. Ashley Benham and Keely McVicar had 8 points each as well for St. James.
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