The Jacob Hespeler Hawks are finding out how difficult things can be without their all-star point guard, Taylor Dennis.
Without her for the second consecutive league game, the Hawks were able to pull through in this one by a 49-44 final.
It wasn't easy, to say the least. The game saw multiple lead changes and certainly wasn't in the "win column" until the waning moments of this one.
Scoring details weren't immediately available. As for Dennis, she's expected to be back in the JHSS lineup next week.
Here's a look at the rest of the WCSSAA action on Thursday:
Bluevale 53, Galt 31
Mark's Pick: BCI by 36
Natalie Bishop (14) led three Bluevale players in double-figures (Kailee Sawyer & Julia Curran - 11 each) as the Knights moved to 2-0 with their second consecutive league win over a Cambridge-based school. Melissa Smith and Ashlyn Beckman had 8 each for Galt.
WCI 62, Elmira 30
Mark's Pick: WCI by 29
Huge scoring performances by grade 10 rookie Kaylee Anagnostopoulos (25) and veteran guard Lindsay Taylor (22) propelled the Vikes to a big win in this one. Krista Wiens had 11 and Amy Hachman 9 to pace Elmira.
Waterloo-Oxford 61, Preston 30
Mark's Pick: WODSS by 22
Maddy Horst poured in 18 points while forward Alisha Glendinning added 11 as the Crusaders become another team to start the year 2-0. Ashley White had a nice effort in the loss for Preston, scoring 17.
KCI 44, Eastwood 26
Mark's Pick: KCI by 18
Tabbed the Raiders by 18 in this one so thanks to my alma mater for helping me out and getting this one right on. Christiana Koebel (12), Olivia Nelles (7) and Nikaya Snell (7) led the KCI scoring; Mel Samuel had a game-high 15 for Eastwood with Sam Legue and Lori Stankiewicz adding 4 each.
Southwood 42, SJAM 35
Mark's Pick: Southwood by 15
It was certainly closer than their first meeting last week, but the same result as the Sabres pick up the "W". Taylor White poured in 20 points for Southwood, with Megan Cole notching 8. Malena McCrossan-Moses topped the SJAM scoring with a 14 point effort.
Cameron Heights 60, Huron Heights 21
Mark's Pick: CHCI by 31
No trouble for the Gaels in their home-opener as they powered past Huron thanks to 20 from Liz McLellan and a double-digit effort (10) from Tyshaine Page. Jenna Gangl had 7 and Rachel Wilkinson 6 for the Huskies.
Forest Heights 42, Glenview Park 21
Mark's Pick: FHCI by 25
Blair McNaughton led all scorers with 20 points as her Trojans doubled-up the Panthers on Thursday. Sara Potter added 5 for FHCI, while Jocelyn Kivell led Glenview Park with 13.
Senior WCSSAA Standings
T1. Cameron Hts. 2-0
T1. WCI 2-0
T1. Forest Hts. 2-0
T1. KCI 2-0
T1. Bluevale 2-0
T1. WODSS 2-0
7. Southwood 1-0
T8. Jacob Hespeler 1-1
T8. GRCI 1-1
10. Eastwood 0-1
T11. Glenview Park 0-2
T11. Preston 0-2
T11. Galt 0-2
T11. Huron Hts. 0-2
T11. Elmira 0-2
T11. SJAM 0-2
Junior WCSSAA
WCI 25, Elmira 18
The Vikes were down 11-5 at halftime (yes, 11-5), but outscored Elmira 20-7 over the final two quarters to pick up their second consecutive win. Dani Sauve (12) and Isabella Kellerman (7) paced the WCI scoring, while Nicole Cressman (7) and Karley Sider (5) led Elmira.
Bluevale 54, Galt 24
The Knights look like they'll have a strong squad this year, and they pick up another win --- this time at home. Rachel Hamm (12), Megan Reid (12) and Kiera Grein (10) were all in double-figures for the Knights, while Emma Buck (12) and Molly Bradford (4) led the way for Galt.
WODSS 23, Preston 19
Hannah Appleton (12) and Payton Hofstetter (7) put home most of WODSS' points on Thursday, while Erin McCarthy (5), Kyra Drake (4), Annie Collins (4) were the top Preston scorers.
Forest Hts. 37, Galt 24
Linna Liou had another strong effort (18 points) as the Trojans got past Galt to move to 2-0. Sana Kalifth had 8 more for FHCI, while Kristin Hall (8) and Katie Krulicki (7) led the Ghosts.
Grand River 51, Jacob Hespeler 29
Mackenzie Miller netted 13 while grade-9 standout Tara DeBoer added 9 and the Rens cruised to the win over JHSS. Jasmine Ramcharan had 10 for the Hawks, while Shianne Riggan added 4.
