The CWOSSA #2-ranked KCI Raiders certainly lived up to their ranking on Thursday afternoon at KCI.The Raiders were never really threatened in a 36-18 victory over the Preston Panthers, who held down a 7-1 record entering play and were ranked #10 in last week's CWOSSA ranking.
In fact, KCI probably should have held more than a 20-10 lead at halftime, as they were able to force numerous Preston turnovers but couldn't convert on several layups and free-throw opportunities.
Olivia Mickie (14) and Thea Taylor (12) led the way for the undefeated Raiders, while Brooke Davidson (6) and Maggie McKenzie (4) were the top Preston scorers.
Other Thursday scores were:
Eastwood 34, Forest Hts. 33
The Rebels survived against the Trojans, with Danielle Gardiner scoring 10 and Alisha St. Almond-Closs 8 for ECI. Sam Spurling netted 10 and Sona Khalifeh 8 for the Trojans.
Cameron Hts. 30, Huron Hts. 23
After a slow start, the Gaels are right in the thick of the playoff race at 4-5. Milana Grahovac led Cameron with 10 while Jamila Beckford topped Huron's scoring with 5.
Grand River 56, Bluevale 36
Maya Day continued her torrid play with a 21-point effort, her second consecutive 20+ effort for the Rens. Tijana Abadzic scored 19 more, while BCI was led by Megan Reid (10) and Keira Grein (7).
SJAM 44, WCI 18
The 'Landers had no trouble with their Waterloo rivals, cruising to a win at home. Joanna Bamberger (12), Deri Curtin (10) and Milica Koprivica (10) were all in double-figures for SJAM; Victoria Giguere scored 11 for the Vikings.
Jacob Hespeler 32, Galt 30
It took a Shianne Riggan coast-to-coast drive with time expiring to keep the Hawks perfect against Cambridge rivals Galt Collegiate. Riggan led the Hawks with 16, while Kendra Dennis added 7. Emma Buck (11) and Beth Fleming (9) were Galt's high scorers.
Elmira 35, WODSS 27
An important win for the Lancers on Thursday as they win the junior "battle of the barns" over WODSS. Marlee Kernick had 13 and Laura Verbeek 6 for Elmira; Emily Glendinning scored a game-high 21 for the Crusaders.
WCSSAA Junior Standings
T1. Jacob Hespeler 9-0**
T1. KCI 9-0**
T1. Grand River 9-0**
4. SJAM 8-2**
5. Preston 7-2**
6. Bluevale 6-3**
7. Galt 5-4
T8. Eastwood 4-5
T8. Cameron Hts. 4-5
T10. WODSS 3-6
T10. Elmira 3-6
T12. Glenview Park 2-7
T12. WCI 2-7
T14. Forest Hts. 1-8
T14. Huron Hts. 1-8
** - clinched playoff berth
