There were a couple of close games, but no surprises as far as lower seeding teams winning on Thursday afternoon in the opening round of the WCSSAA Junior Girls' playoffs.The closest game of the day was a 5-point affair between #10 Eastwood and #7 Huron Heights, with the Huskies prevailing by a 30-25 final score. As I mentioned in my preview, I thought that the Rebels might have a better showing than they did on Tuesday, particularly if they were able to do a better job of containing Jamila Beckford.
Beckford had 9 points, but good contributions from Michelle M'Carthy (10) and Brooklyn Cole (7) helped out the Huskies. Emma Miller (8) and Danielle Gardiner (7) led the way for the Rebels.
Despite being a #7 seed, Huron Heights actually will qualify for CWOSSA "AAAA" unless #8 Cameron Heights can upset #1 SJAM in their quarterfinal game.
Here's a look at the other three games:
(5) Elmira 45, (12) Glenview Park 12
My Pick: EDSS by 15
These teams had played a 3-point game during the regular season but the Lancers didn't have any trouble advancing on Thursday. Jaimee MacDonald (11) and Natalie Mayer (10) had double-digit efforts for the Lancers, while Chuchu Oyual had 7 for GPSS.
(6) Preston 30, (11) Grand River 18
My Pick: PHS by 22
The Rens did keep this one a low-scoring affair to give them a shot at it, but couldn't find enough touch on the offensive end to do so. Brooke Davidson and Blaire Raftis had 8 points each for the Panthers; Angelica Lloyd led the Rens with 6.
(8) Cameron Hts. 50, (9) WCI 42
My Pick: CHCI by 7
Zoe Hoyte had 18 points and Tamara Grahovac added 13 as the Gaels topped the Vikes in the 8/9 game. Victoria Giguere (18) and Ramla Abdalla (14) were both solid in defeat for WCI.
WCSSAA Jr. Quarterfinals - Tuesday
(8) Cameron Hts. at (1) SJAM
(7) Huron Hts. at (2) WODSS
(6) Preston at (3) Jacob Hespeler
(5) Elmira at (4) Galt
