With Waterloo-Oxford thoroughly handling the SJAM Highlanders over in Waterloo, the Galt Ghosts needed just a win over 1-11 Huron Heights to secure the 12th and final playoff berth in the WCSSAA standings.
Huron Heights, though, was having none of it.
I walked into the gym with about 1:13 on the clock and a 38-37 Huron Heights lead (after Galt had missed the front-end of a one-and-one). The next 40 seconds saw pressure defense, turnovers, a couple of great opportunities on each end (but no points) before Huron Heights regained possession and broke through Galt's press for an easy lay-up to extend to a 3-point lead and under :30 to play.
After a long Galt three-pointer was missed with under :10 left, the Ghosts regained possession on the rebound and were fouled (on the floor) but there was only 1.1 seconds left on the clock in a three-point game.
After the first FT was made, the second one was intentionally missed --- but did not hit rim, allowing Huron Heights to run out the remaining second once they were able to get the ball in bounds.
Jenna Gangl poured home 17 points for Huron Heights while Emily Gillingham added 6. Carissa Grove and Courtney Davis had 7 each for the Ghosts.
Here's the rest of Tuesday's scores:
Cameron Heights 49, Bluevale 43
My Pick: BCI by 8
Cameron Heights regained their fine form just in time, and receives a first-round bye as a result of this win --- though these teams will "likely" meet again next Tuesday in the quarterfinals. Liz McLellan (13) and Hunter Johns (10) led Cameron Heights while Natalie Bishop had a game-high 19 for Bluevale with Sarah Hamm adding 16.
Elmira 53, KCI 27
My Pick: EDSS by 9
The Lancers locked down the 7th seed while KCI will be 8th after this one --- and it certainly looks like Elmira is hitting their stride at the right time. Krista Wiens poured in a game-high 22 points for EDSS, with Julia Frey notching 10. Maddie Lafleur (7) and Nikaya Snell (5) were the top KCI performers.
Jacob Hespeler 48, Glenview Park 28
My Pick: JHSS by 25
In a game that didn't affect the WCSSAA standings, the Hawks finished with an 11-1 mark and 2nd place overall thanks to this win. Candice Wright had 13 and Brooklynn Wright 11 for the Hawks while Jocelyn Kivell had a game-high 14 for GPSS with Tiana Barfoot adding 5.
WODSS 64, SJAM 29
My Pick: WODSS by 15
Even without three key rotational players, the Crusaders cruised to victory here. Maddy Horst had 17 while Kayla Harley stepped up with a big 16-point performance. Sam Fowler had 15 and Danielle Schaeffer 8 for the 'Landers.
WCI 44, Eastwood 12
My Pick: WCI by 35
Lindsay Taylor had 18 and Alex Klein 10 as the Vikes finished up with a perfect 12-0 regular season. Mel Samuel had 5 and Kayla Shantz 3 for the Rebels.
Southwood 43, Preston 30
My Pick: SSS by 12
Nicole Barnard (18), Taylor White (12) and Cali Doran (11) were all in double-figures for Southwood, who will host Preston again on Thursday in a first-round playoff game. Ashley White had 16 to lead the Panthers here.
Final WCSSAA Senior Standings
1. WCI 12-0
2. Jacob Hespeler 11-1
3. WODSS 10-2
4. Cameron Heights 9-3 (H2H over SSS & BCI)
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5. Bluevale 9-3 (+/- over SSS)
6. Southwood 9-3
7. Elmira 7-5
8. KCI 6-6 (H2H over GRCI)
9. Grand River 6-6
10. Forest Hts. 5-7
11. Preston 4-8
12. SJAM 3-9
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13. Huron Hts. 2-10 (H2H over GCI)
14. Galt 2-10
15. Eastwood 1-11
16. Glenview Park 0-12
First Round - Thursday Games
Times are "To Be Confirmed"
(12) SJAM at (5) Bluevale, 3:30pm
(11) Preston at (6) Southwood, 3:30pm
(10) Forest Hts. at (7) Elmira, 3:30pm
(9) Grand River at (8) KCI, 3:30pm
Tuesday - Semifinal Games
(12) SJAM/(5) BCI at (4) Cameron Heights
(11) PHS/(6) SSS at (3) WODSS
(10) FHCI/(7) EDSS at (2) Jacob Hespeler
(9) GRCI/(8) KCI at (1) WCI
