Article By: Brian SmileyEven though the St. John's College Green Eagles are the seven-time – that's right, seven – defending BCSSAA champions in senior girls' basketball, they don't expect an eighth title to come easy.
“The competition this year is just as good as it's been the past two years,” SJC coach Matt Lynch said.
The Green Eagles will open the Brant County Secondary Schools Athletic Association regular season with the other five competing schools on Thursday.
“I think we're going to be fairly competitive for another BCSSAA championship. I think the league is going to be competitive as it has been for the last two or three years with us, North Park, Assumption and BCI,” Lynch said. “Every night there's going to be some meaningful game being played and it's going to be exciting to be a part of.”
For the past several seasons, the Green Eagles have not only done well at the BCSSAA level but also outside this area.
Despite coming up short last year at the Central Western Ontario Secondary Schools Association 'AAAA' championships, making the final last year marked the 10th straight season the Eagles have done that.
And even though they finished second at CWOSSA, St. John's still advanced to the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations championships, going 1-3.
This is Lynch's seventh year coaching and he's joined by his usual crew – Gina Tarantello and Steve Van Leeuwen. Those three have helped lead SJC to silver (2011) and gold (2009) medals at the OFSAA 'AAAA' championships and another silver (2008) at the 'AAA' provincial tournament.
This season the Green Eagles will move back down to 'AAA' and, in preparation, St. John's began its year by going 2-1 at Western University's Purple and White tournament.
“It was a good start to the season,” said Lynch. “It gave us a few things to work on but a few positives, too.”
When Brant County play begins, SJC will be leaning on Kendra Van Leeuwen to lead the way.
“Kendra's been impressive,” said Lynch of his Grade 10 point guard. “She's done everything we've asked her to do and more. She makes all her teammates better.
“She's a great athlete, a great basketball player and a great person as well.”
Other notables the team include small forwards Megan Thompson, Maddie Cohoon and Leah Coon and shooting guards Brianna Bavota and Monica Polgar.
The coaches know that they have a strong team from top to bottom.
“It's a team effort regardless of who gets their name in the paper or not,” Lynch explained. “Anybody on our team is capable of stepping up and having big minutes for us and making key contributions.”
Despite the fact the Green Eagles roster includes a couple of Grade 10s three years younger than some players, the team seems to be jelling quite nicely.
“The chemistry right now is really good,” said Lynch. “We're ahead of schedule with how the girls are playing together.
“They come to practice every night with a great work ethic and a great attitude. We're just going to keep building and improve every night.”
The coach, who said there's a strong history at the school, can't wait to get going.
“I'm excited for another great season,” he said. “We're excited for a competitive league and where we're at.
“I think we're fortunate that we get some great basketball players that come to St. John's. It all starts with our junior program. They're prepared when they come into St. John's in Grade 9 and 10. When they come to play senior, they're committed, come to practice every night and work hard.
“As a result, we've been pretty successful over the years.”
Retrieved From: http://www.brantfordexpositor.ca/2013/09/17/senior-green-eagles-ready-for-hoops-title-defence
