They say it can be lonely at the top, but I'm sure the Waterloo-Oxford Crusaders don't mind.The Crusaders are the lone unbeaten team in the WCSSAA senior circuit after yesterday's 53-38 win over the KCI Raiders, who fall to 9-1.
The Raiders actually came out with a lot of energy and were making most of the hustle plays in the first half (diving for loose balls, grabbing offensive rebounds, etc.). In fact, KCI took a 16-14 lead midway through the second quarter on a three-pointer by Alia Hazineh.
However, the Crusaders came right back after that make with Maddy Horst finding Tess Pettigrew for the fast break lay-up off of a made basket that started a 9-2 run to end the half for Waterloo-Oxford, with Horst accounting for the other 7 points.
The Crusaders were able to find a bit more of their offensive touch in the second half, putting home 30 points en route to the win.
Horst led the way with a 29 point effort for Waterloo-Oxford, while Kyla Burrough and Tess Pettigrew had 8 each. Frances Campbell (9) and Amy Graves (8) led the Raider scoring.
In other Tuesday games:
Bluevale 49, WCI 40
My Pick: BCI by 8
This game could have certainly made an argument for "game of the day" status, and the Knights pulled out an important home win here. Julia Curran (16) and Rachael Hamm (14) led the way for BCI, while Danielle Sauve had 12 and Kaylee Anagnostopoulos 11 for the Vikes.
Cameron Hts. 52, Eastwood 29
My Pick: CHCI by 26
Nina Farkic (18) and Tyshaine Page (17) had strong efforts for Cameron Heights in this one; Sam Legue put home 18 points for the Rebels with Mel Samuel adding 6.
Huron Hts. 52, Forest Hts. 28
My Pick: HHSS by 7
The Huskies might be a dangerous team come playoff time if they can keep up their strong play as of late; Katrina Kostecki had 16 and Aly Jacobs 15 for Huron, while Tyra Wilson (8) and Linna Liou (7) led Forest Heights.
Grand River 55, SJAM 38
My Pick: GRCI by 22
Hannah Gardiner led the way for a balanced GRCI attack with 10 points, while Taylor Trush had a game-high 20 for the Highlanders.
Elmira 46, Galt 13
My Pick: EDSS by 14
The Lancers didn't have much difficulty in taking care of Galt on Tuesday; Nicole Cressman (14), Sydney Jones (10) and Karly Sider (10) were all in double figures for Elmira. Molly Bradford and Sydney Schouten had 4 each for Galt.
Jacob Hespeler 57, Southwood 28
My Pick: JHSS by 18
Jasmine Ramcharan poured in 20 and Candice Wright added 16 as the Hawks kept pace with the "top group" in the standings. Megan Cole had 11 and Cali Doran 6 for the Sabres.
WCSSAA Senior Standings
1. Waterloo-Oxford 10-0**
T2. KCI 9-1**
T2. Bluevale 9-1**
T4. Jacob Hespeler 8-2**
T4. WCI 8-2**
T6. Grand River 7-3**
T6. Cameron Hts. 7-3**
8. Southwood 5-5**
9. Huron Hts. 5-6**
T10. Forest Hts. 3-7
T10. Eastwood 3-7
T10. Elmira 3-7
----
13. SJAM 2-9
T14. Galt 1-9
T14. Preston 1-9
** - clinched playoff berth
