WCSSAA Junior: Tuesday Results & Standings

With their key wins on Tuesday, both the WODSS Crusaders and the WCI Vikings have wrapped up top-four seeds and first-round byes in the WCSSAA junior circuit.

Here's a look at what went down on Tuesday:

WCI 51, Cameron Heights 47

The Vikes needed every one of Kaylee Anagnostopoulos' 29 points on Tuesday as they squeaked past CHCI at home.  Brittany Scarrow added 8 for WCI, while Hunter Johns (19) and Shama Saleh (11) paced the Gaels.

Bluevale 33, Eastwood 22

The Knights inch closer to officially locking up a playoff berth with a key win against the Rebels.  Julia Curran had 11 and Kailee Sawyer 8 for BCI, while ECI received 8 from Mel Samuel and 6 each from Sam Legue and Kayla Shantz.

Jacob Hespeler 35, Preston 22

Candice Wright had a big effort, with 16 points, as the Hawks stay in the hunt for a potential top-four seed.  Jasmine Ramcharan added 6 for JHSS, while PHS received 8 from Breanna Johnson and 4 each from Alex Fisher and Willow Racho.

Forest Heights 51, SJAM 15

The Trojans get back in the win column by taking care of SJAM handily.  Linna Liou (13) and Tameika Elliot (8) led FHCI, while Sam Fowler (7) and Danielle Schaefer (4) led the 'Landers.

Glenview Park 30, Southwood 26

Big win for the Panthers, who stay alive in the playoff hunt with the upset victory.  Jocelyn Kivell and Emilie Lutz had 9 each for GPSS, while Taylor White had 17 to lead Southwood.

Elmira 50, Huron Heights 25

The Lancers doubled up the Huskies, thanks to 14 from Nicole Cressman and 6 each by Bailey Bond and Kelsie Freeman.  Huron Heights received 11 from Jenna Gangl, and 4 each from Emily Gillingham and Amanda Madigan.

KCI 50, Galt 15

The Raiders stay near the top of the standings by taking care of GCI on the road.  Alia Hazineh had a big effort with 19 for KCI, while Kelsey Dawe and Adrienne Bowra added 8 each.  Galt received 6 from Courtney Davis and 4 from Kadja Mohamed.

WODSS 43, Grand River 8

The Crusaders keep crushing their competition.  On Thursday, it was Tess Pettigrew leading the way with 12 and Rebecca Payne adding 7.  GRCI had four different players score 2 each. 

WCSSAA Junior Standings

T1.  WODSS 10-0**

T1.  WCI 10-0**

T3.  Elmira 8-2*

T3.  KCI 8-2*

T5.  Jacob Hespeler 7-3*

T5.  Grand River 7-3*

T5.  Forest Heights 7-3*

8.  Bluevale 4-6

T9.  Southwood 3-7

T9.  Cameron Hts 3-7

T9.  SJAM 3-7

T9.  Huron Hts 3-7

T9.  Eastwood 3-7

14.  Glenview Park 2-8

T15.  SJAM 1-9

T15.  Galt 1-9

** - clinched first round bye

* - clinched playoff berth

WCSSAA Senior: Panthers Take Sole Possession of 2nd Place

The Preston Panthers advanced one step closer to a first-round bye and home quarterfinal game on Tuesday, clipping the wings of the visiting Jacob Hespeler Hawks in a 51-50 thriller.  Kirsten Leach had a tremendous effort, pouring in 24 points, while grade eleven rookie Ashley White added 16.

A couple more rookies --- Brooklyn Wright (18) and Taylor Dennis (16) --- topped the JHSS scoresheet.  And yes, I had picked the Hawks to win so congrats to the Panthers for tripping me up on that one.

Both teams had entered the game with identical 8-1 records.

The other big game on Tuesday saw the Eastwood Rebels jump right back into the thick of the hunt for one of the top four seeds in WCSSAA with a 46-40 home win over Bluevale.  Michelle Hudyn poured in 27 points in the victory, while Lindsay Ward added 8.  Bluevale received 20 from Natalie Bishop and 11 more from Sarah Hamm.

That was my other game in the "incorrect" column on Tuesday as I had pegged the visiting Knights to pull out the W.

Anyways, let's move right into yesterday's other results & the standings after Tuesday's action:

KCI 60, Galt 32

My Pick:  KCI

No trouble for the Raiders on the road as they virtually lock up a playoff spot with the win.  Olivia Nelles (16), Nikaya Snell (12) and Christiana Koebel (12) were all in double-digits for the Raiders, while Milica Stevanovic had 11 and Suzanna Lam 8 for Galt.

Elmira 53, Huron Hts 30

My Pick:  EDSS

No surprise here, but a big win for the Lancers who clinch a .500+ record in league play.  Krista Wiens netted 14 and Jessica Reichard 8 in the win, while Emily Bidinosti (12) and Melissa Whigham (7) led the way for Huron.

Southwood 34, Glenview Park 28

My Pick:  SSS

A bit closer than I might have expected, but that's how these rivalry games can tend to go.  Nicole Barnard (9) and Abby Todd (7) had the notable efforts for Southwood, while GPSS received a game-high 10 points from Jennifer Renton and 5 each from Maggie Tucker and Alyssa Goodridge.

WCI 47, Cameron Heights 19

My Pick:  WCI

No trouble for the Vikes as they shut down one of the upper-tier teams in WCSSAA on the defensive end.  Lindsay Taylor (15) and Lindsay Lessard (13) led the Vikes' scoring on Tuesday, while Liz McLellan had 13 of Cameron's 19 points.

Forest Heights 48, SJAM 34

My Pick:  FHCI

Blair McNaughton poured in 20 points and Sara Potter added 9 as FHCI also clinched a .500+ record on Tuesday.  Jillian Reiter had a game-high 21 for SJAM, with Malena McCrossan-Moses adding 10.

Bye Win:  Grand River

WCSSAA Standings

1.  WCI 10-0 (R:  JHSS, Bye Win)**

2.  Preston 9-1 (R:  CHCI, EDSS)*

T3.  Bluevale 8-2 (R:  SSS, FHCI)*

T3.  Eastwood 8-2 (R:  GPSS, CHCI)*

T3.  Jacob Hespeler 8-2 (R:  WCI, HHHS)*

T3.  Cameron Hts 8-2 (R:  PHS, ECI)*

T7.  Elmira 6-4 (R:  GRCI, PHS)*

T7.  Forest Hts 6-4 (R:  KCI, BCI)*

T7.  Southwood 6-4 (R:  BCI, KCI)*

10.  KCI 4-6 (R:  FHCI, SSS)*

T11.  Galt 2-8 (R:  SJAM, GPSS)

T11.  Grand River 2-8 (R:  EDSS, SJAM)

T11.  Glenview Park 2-8 (R:  ECI, GCI)

------------------------

14.  SJAM 1-9 (R:  GCI, GRCI)

15.  Huron Heights 0-9 (R:  Bye Win, JHSS)

Analysis:

WCI should take their final game over Jacob Hespeler to officially wrap up first place, but after that it gets really interesting.  There are 5 quality teams battling for 3 first-round byes and the resulting home quarterfinal games.  

The team with the "biggest uphill battle" is Cameron Heights, who still have a pair of top teams (ECI & PHS) on their schedule.  If you're wondering the head-to-head potential tiebreakers, here are who everyone up top has lost to:

Preston - lost to Eastwood; beat JHSS

Eastwood - lost to WCI & Elmira; beat PHS & BCI

Bluevale - lost to ECI; beat CHCI & JHSS

Jacob Hespeler - lost to BCI

Cameron Heights - lost to BCI

As for the rest of the picture, it's very similar.  For the equally crucial 7 through 9 spots (home first-round playoff game for the 7 and 8 teams), Forest Heights looks to have the slight edge based upon their win over Southwood.  Southwood has beaten Elmira, while EDSS & FHCI did not play.

KCI is in based upon H2H wins over GPSS and Glenview Park (i.e. they couldn't finish on the outside looking in based upon the tiebreak scenarios).

The final playoff spots are a five-team race between GPSS/GCI/GRCI (2-8) and SJAM (1-9).  This will all be sorted out thanks to future games between GCI/SJAM, GCI/GPSS, GRCI/SJAM.  Definite edge to Galt as they already have a win over Grand River and two decent chances at wins in their final two games.

Still lots to be sorted out, even with a few more days of the season left!

BAA: Monday Results

Senior

Walkerton 34, Sacred Heart 28

WDSS:  Megan Lamont 13, Kathleen Whale/Becky McTeer 8

SHHS:  Becky Quinn 12

Kincardine 30, Saugeen DSS 25

Junior

Kincardine 42, Saugeen 19

KDSS:  Jean Ann Keelan 7, Andrea Plagos 7

Sacred Heart 32, Walkerton 19

SHHS:  Victoria Carrol 19

WDSS:  C. Lark 6

News and Notes

In Senior, today's games feature a big Owen Sound showdown between West Hill and OSCVI.  The winner of today's game will clinch first place in the North Division, and earn the right to host the BAA "final four" next month.

 

D4: Thunder Continue To Dominate Opposition

You'd think a 52-22 game would be a sizeable blowout.

To the Westside Thunder, however, the queens of the D4 league to this point in the season, it was actually slightly below average.

You see, the Thunder have had their way with their opponents to the tune of an 8-0 record (outscoring them 51-14 on average).

On Monday, it was Ivana Juric pouring in another 30 points as the Thunder stormed closer to completing the D4 season undefeated.  With no team having come within 25 points in league play, that almost looks like a foregone conclusion.

Here's the rest of the D4 senior action from Monday:

Centre Dufferin 57, Norwell 34

CDDHS:  Rachel Krushnisky 28, Kaitlyn Stoddart/Gen Potovzsky 6

NDSS:  Karlee Duggan 22

Wellington Hts 25, Woodland 22

WH:  Becky Harper 8

WC:  Rebecca Oosterhof 9

Senior D4 Standings

1.  Westside 8-0*

2.  CDDHS 7-1*

3.  Wellington Hts 4-4

T4.  Erin DHS 2-6

T4.  Woodland 2-6

6.  Norwell 1-7

Junior

Norwell 36, CDDHS 34

NDSS:  Laura Rumph 15, Laura Roth 11

CDDHS:  Micaela Pflance 12, Tiffany Halliday 8

Westside 24, Erin DHS 19

Wellington Hts 39, Woodland 23

WH:  Nicole Bauman 18, Caileigh Walker 8

WC:  Kristin Hofstee 12, Rachel Guetter 5

D4 Junior Standings

1.  Norwell 8-0*

2.  Wellington Hts 7-1*

3.  Westside 5-3*

4.  CDDHS 2-6

----

T5.  Erin 1-7

T5.  Woodland 1-7

* = clinched playoff spot

D10: Monday Results & Tuesday Games

YTD:  31-4 (.886)

Two games went down on Monday in the D10 league:

Centre Wellington 56, JF Ross 25

The combination of Erica McFadden (24) and Jaime Janssen (19) was too much for the Royals to handle on Monday afternoon, as they fall on the road.  Kelly Dunk had 7 and Kayla Vande Kemp 5 for Ross.

Lourdes 40, Centennial 22

Lourdes got a big win on Monday, backed by 10 from Victoria Brombal, 8 from Hannah Pearsall and 8 more from Cecilia Hudecki.  CCVI was led by Hannah Ferguson with 12 and Kendra Achonwa with 4.

And now onto today's full slate of games:

Bishop Mac (9-1) at JF Ross (7-2)

My Pick:  BMAC

Not much time for the Royals to shake off their loss to CWDHS, as they are right back with another tough matchup on Tuesday.  I'll go with the Celtics but expect the Royals to put up a better fight on Tuesday.

St. James (4-6) at Orangeville (0-10)

My Pick:  STJ

The Lions are still in the hunt for the 4th overall seed (and a home playoff game); they should win today to potentially jump back into 4th spot.

Centennial (1-9) at Centre Wellington (9-1)

My Pick:  CWDHS

Tough season for the Spartans, but it hasn't been from a lack of effort. The Falcons are too talented for them today.

Lourdes (4-5) at Guelph CVI (5-5)

My Pick:  OLOL

I'll take the Crusaders to pay back the Gaels for their early season loss, in what should be a very tight game.

WCSSAA: Tuesday Picks

YTD:  54-9 (.857)

Just three official dates remain in the WCSSAA regular season schedule, as league play wraps up next Tuesday.  Still a ton to be decided in the next week, so let's get right to it, while paying special attention to the race for the first-round byes and the final playoff spots:

Cameron Heights (8-1) at WCI (9-0)

My Pick:  WCI

The Gaels have perhaps been one of the surprise teams in WCSSAA this year, but they won't have enough to get past the WCI Vikings on the road.  

Southwood (5-4) at Glenview Park (2-7)

My Pick:  SSS

A Southwood win here would go a long-way towards them hosting a first-round playoff game.  Look for them to pull out the "W" here.

Bluevale (8-1) at Eastwood (7-2) **Game of the Day**

My Pick:  BCI

I'll go with the Knights here in this showdown, though I wouldn't be surprised to see ECI come through at home.  Winner of this game will likely have the inside track towards one of the top four seeds.

KCI (3-6) at Galt (2-7)

My Pick:  KCI

I'll go with the Raiders, who are playing well as of late.  A KCI win combined with a GPSS loss to SSS would clinch a playoff spot for KCI.

Jacob Hespeler (8-1) at Preston (8-1) **Game of the Day #2**

My Pick:  JHSS

Nice schedule of games today.  I'll take the Hawks on the road here in what should be a great battle.

Elmira (5-4) at Huron Hts (0-9)

My Pick:  Elmira

The Lancers will clinch a .500 record with a win, which I think they'll be able to do on the road here today.

SJAM (1-8) at Forest Hts (5-4)

My Pick:  Forest Heights

Big game for both of these west K-W schools; edge to the FHCI Trojans.

D8: Phoenix Clinch Playoff Berth by Beating Celtics

In D8 action on Monday, the Resurrection Phoenix senior girls' basketball team (5-2) coasted past the St. David Celtics (2-6) by a 40-23 final.

That win officially clinched what was likely a foregone conclusion, the Phoenix qualifying for the D8 playoffs.  Of course, a much bigger task remains, which is securing a home-court playoff game.  That will be determined (most likely) in the final game of the season against St. Benedict in Cambridge.

On Monday, Jacqui Rodrigues continued her strong play with 17 points for Rez, while Janelle Santi added 9.  Kayleigh Bell (10) and Jenn Woods (6) topped the SDCSS scoresheet.

The other two games went as anticipated.  The St. Mary's Eagles (8-0) beat Monsingor Doyle (3-4) at home 48-20, backed by 16 from Laura Boterman and 6 each from Kaitlyn Schenck, Linda Nguyen, Shelby Dixon and Nat Stoyakovich.  Marley Gray (6) and Erika Deutschmann (4) led MDCSS.

St. Benedict got 10 from Hilary Ferguson and 8 from Dana Milani en route to a 40-8 triumph over Rockway.  Steph Veltri had 6 of RMC's 8 points.

Senior D8 Standings

1.  St. Mary's 8-0**

2.  Resurrection 5-2*

3.  St. Benedict 4-2

4.  Mons. Doyle 3-4

----

5.  St. David 2-6

6.  Rockway 0-8

** = clinched 1st overall

* = clinched playoff spot

Junior

Another day, another tight game between top teams in the D8 league.

The Resurrection Phoenix stayed perfect to this point in the season by defeating St. David in a 40-35 overtime contest.  Sarah Schultz (16) and Celia McGlynn (13) led the Phoenix, while Bobbie Sue Hentges had 8 for the Celts.

The other contests, featuring playoff teams against (likely) non-playoff teams were not quite as competitive.

St. Mary's defeated MDCSS 41-23, backed by 9 points from Angela Mercurio and 6 each from Beth Zebib and Laura Kay.  Taylor Fitzpatrick and Emily Field had 6 each for the 'Stangs.

St. Benedict powered past Rockway 57-12.  Brooke Wanklin had a D8 high for Monday with 23 points, with Amber Baetson adding 16.  Sarah Moslehi had 5 and Samantha Veltri 4 for RMC.

Monday's results essentially clinch first overall in the regular season standings for Rez, regardless of how they fare in their remaining league games.  They are 3 up on SDCSS, SMHS and SBCSS in the loss column, with 3 games remaining (2 of which are against MDCSS & RMC).  One win will officially clinch the top spot for Rez.

Despite Resurrection's apparent dominance, the D8 league may be one of the most competitive junior girls leagues around right now.  The Phoenix have won their 5 games against the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place teams by a combined 21 points ---- that's a 5-0 record by only an average of 4.1 points per win!

D8 Junior Standings

1.  Resurrection 7-0*

2.  St. Mary's 5-3 (H2H tiebreak over SDCSS)

3.  St. David 5-3

4.  St. Benedict 4-3

-----

5.  Mons. Doyle 2-5

6.  Rockway 0-8

* = clinched playoff berth

Sports Illustrated: Johnson Ranked Among Top 16 NCAA Shooters

An interesting piece from Sports Illustrated writer Luke Winn, who has chronicled a "top 16 shooters" list from NCAA Division I basketball.

On that list at #14?  None other than former St. David standout Bryson Johnson, who now plays for Bucknell University.  Last season, Johnson shot a blistering 45.6% from beyond the arc while averaging 11.7 PPG.

Here's a link to the list, where you can click through to see some of the other notable names, which include players like Seth Curry (Duke) and Ashton Gibbs (Pitt):

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/1110/cbb-top-shooters/content.3.html

Photo Credit:  Matthew O'Haren/Icon SMI

Tournament Action: Lourdes Juniors Take Southwood Crown

The Lourdes Crusaders, one of the top junior teams in CWOSSA, took care of business this past weekend at the Southwood SS junior tournament in Cambridge.

Facing a difficult draw, the Crusaders defeated Grand River (AAAA #4) in the first round, Brantford CI (AAA #4) in the semifinals and Resurrection CSS (AAAA #5) in the championship final.

Scores weren't immediately available.  The Phoenix posted wins over London Saunders and the host Sabres to reach the finals.

Tournament Action: Lions Consolation Champs at Fanshawe

Here's a photo of the Assumption College Lions, who took the consolation title at the Fanshawe College (senior) tournament last weekend (October 14th/15th).

The Lions fell in their first game to London St. Thomas Aquinas (5-1 in TVRAA Central) 71-42, but then rebounded to beat East Elgin (7-1 in TVRAA Southeast), Etobicoke CI 57-39 (#16 GTA), and London Oakridge (6-0 TVRAA Central Tier II) 45-25 in the consolation final.

The Lions' Abby Heron was named to the tournament all-star team, alongside Katie Breault (General Amherst), Michele Douglas (Regina Mundi), Danielle Carriere (JP II), Julia Tennant (Mother Teresa - London) and MVP Rebecca Harmsworth (Mother Teresa - London).

In an all-London final, Mother Teresa defeated John Paul II 52-41 in the championship final.

D8: Monday Picks

YTD:  16-1 (.941)

A full slate of games on the D8 agenda today, though I'd be surprised if any of these games will produce any upsets:

St. Benedict (3-2) at Rockway (0-7)

First Meeting:  SBCSS 42, RMC 11

My Pick:  SBCSS

Resurrection (4-2) at St. David (2-5)

First Meeting:  RCSS 51, SDCSS 15

My Pick:  RCSS

Monsignor Doyle (3-3) at St. Mary's (7-0)

First Meeting:  SMHS 47, MDCSS 8

My Pick:  SMHS

The game of the day will be in junior where the Resurrection Phoenix will battle the St. David Celtics in what figures to be another "single digit game" in the D8 junior league.

CWOSSA News & Updates: October 24th

Qahwash Signs European Pro Contract

 Former Grand River Collegiate ('06) point guard Imad Qahwash is all smiles as he signs his first-ever pro basketball contract last week at home in Kitchener.

Qahwash, who graduated from the University of Central Arkansas this past year (Senior Season - 12.6 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 1.7 APG, 1.1 SPG), has signed with Spartak Vidnoye Moscowskaya Pro Club of the Russian Superleague.  

Although I'm no expert on European pro leagues, the Russian Superleague should prove to be a great fit and opportunity for Qahwash.  It is generally considered just under the Russian PBL in terms of the Russian basketball pyramid (the PBL features teams like CSKA Moscow, who have signed players like Andrei Kirelinko and Nenad Kristic during the current NBA lockout).

Qahwash noted on his blog that "(I) had passed on a couple offers in Europe one being in England because I didn’t want to settle.  It was tough to be patient and was definitely a process but in the end it all paid off."

Congratulations, Imad, and all the best with SVM!

Bankazo At Beacon Prep

According to an note I received from Barry Hayes (flagrantfouls.com), former St. Mary's ('11) guard Ben Bankazo is now attending Beacon Prep School in Atlanta, GA.

Bankazo noted on his Twitter feed that he has been playing well during his time down south, including this past weekend at a tournament where he "received a couple of D2 offers plus have Georgia State (NCAA D1) showing interest". 

Tri-County Attends Pittsburgh Tournament

The Tri-County AAU squad attended a prep tournament in Pittsburgh this past weekend.  The squad breezed through Saturday, going 3-0.  Sunday results (including a key game against a solid squad from Kiski Prep) were not immediately available.  Team members include:

Aleks Kaludjerovic (Centennial - Guelph/12)

Henry Bankazo (St. Mary's - Kitchener/12)

Paul Gubek (St. Mary's - Kitchener/12)

Cory Kenning (Resurrection - Kitchener/12)

Mike Pereira (Resurrection - Kitchener/12+)

Gondor Teny (Eastwood - Kitchener/12+)

Chuder Teny (Grand River - Kitchener/11)

Kristian Vande Kemp (JF Ross - Guelph/11)

Reid Giondi (CWDHS - Fergus/12+)

Serge Khayipangi (Centennial - Guelph/12+)

Kueth Geng (St. Benedict - Cambridge/12+)

Ben Morris (Bishop Mac - Guelph/11)

Vikings, Trojans Impress at Etobicoke Ram - Humber College Tournament

The WCI Vikings and the North Park Trojans did CWOSSA proud over the weekend at the Etobicoke Collegiate/Humber College Invitational Tournament.

The two CWOSSA squads actually mad it an "all-CWOSSA" championship final in a tournament with some very good competition from out of town (and, in particular, the GTA).  Scores for both squads were:

WCI

WCI 73, Jarvis 20 (Round 1)

WCI 58, Etobicoke CI 38 (QF) -- L. Taylor 22, L. Lessard 20

WCI 55, Bill Crothers Elite 48 (SF) -- L. Lessard 32

NPC

North Park 39, Notre Dame (Ajax) 34

North Park 44, Northern (Tor.) 30

North Park 56, Louis Riel (Ott.) 30

Not bad by either squad.  For WCI, Etobicoke CI is ranked #16 in the GTA rankings, while Bill Crothers Elite is their "A" squad (talented team mostly focused on AAU competition and not eligible for OFSAA).

North Park, meanwhile, took down two top ten GTA teams (ND #3, Northern #9) and one of the top teams from Ottawa down en route to the final.

The championship final between the two clubs was an extremely physical and hard-fought affair; the game was tied 8-8 after one, and the Vikes were able to grab a slim (20-15) halftime edge.  The Vikes never gave up the lead in the second half en route to the win --- though North Park did keep things very competitive despite some serious foul trouble (3 starters fouling out).  In the end, WCI took the contest 48-39, backed by 26 points from Lindsay Lessard.  

I did not receive word if a tournament all-star team was announced by the time of this post, but I would think that Lessard would be a shoo-in for tournament MVP, having averaged almost 30 PPG through the semifinal and final games.

The Bishop Mac Celtics also participated, but dropped their opener in a close game to Louis Riel 57-48, before rebounding to have some success on the consolation side of the draw.

All in all, a very successful weekend for these CWOSSA teams.  Undoubtedly, all three should be (in my opinion) at least top-5 seeds in their respective OFSAA competitions (WCI - AAAA, North Park - AAA, Bishop Mac - AA).  Of course, they'll have to make it through their league and CWOSSA playoffs to get there, but I have a feeling that we're in for another potentially successful showing at girls' OFSAA for this area!

Bishop Mac, WCI, NPC Participating in Etobicoke Ram Classic

Three of the top senior girls' teams in CWOSSA will be heading to the GTA this weekend for the annual Etobicoke Ram Classic.

The WCI Vikings will take on Jarvis CI at 2:30pm today (Etobicoke CI), while Bishop Mac will battle Louis Riel (Ottawa) at 2:30pm over at Humber College.

Update:  According to Crown Women's BBall twitter feed, WCI was up by about 50 on Jarvis CI in the 4th quarter.  So I think we can safely pencil them through to the championship QFs.

Meanwhile, Brantford North Park will play a 1:00pm game against a very talented Notre Dame (Ajax) squad.

Second-round games go this evening at both of the aforementioned sites.

Good luck!

Tesha Kraszkiewicz: No Trouble Adjusting for D10's Top Newcomer

Heading into last offseason, the Bishop Macdonell Celtics might have thought that they'd find themselves in rebuilding mode after losing three key starters from previous all-Ontario (OFSAA) appearances --- Logan Lane, Janine DeLeon and Rebecca Morris.

Some might have even thought that their streak of seven consecutive CWOSSA titles would be on the line.

Enter Tesha Kraszkiewicz.

The senior forward (5'10"), who moved earlier this year to Guelph from Tulsa, Oklahoma, has been a key offensive centrepiece (16.4 PPG in her last 5 league games) while consistently locking down on the defensive side of the ball as well.

Of course, Kraszkiewicz's adjustment to Canada has been eased by her familiarity with the area, not to mention her family ties around here.

"Growing up, I spent my summers and Christmases here with my family," she noted, "my goal has always been to live in Canada and to attend a Canadian university which would allow me to be closer to my extended family."

Her adjustment to a new school and team has been seamless as well.

"I must say having the opportunity to play for Coach Karen Bremner and the Celtics has been amazing," the articulate Kraszkiewicz continued, "the Celtic family has been very inviting and has made me feel right at home."

Needless to say, Kraszkiewicz has quickly drawn the attention of several CIS coaches with her all-around efforts.  She was instrumental in helping the Celtics overcome some tough opposition en route to a tournament championship on the University of Guelph's homecourt in the Gryphon-Celtic invitational.  

And as for the differences in the game (or competition level) between Ontario and Oklahoma?  That hasn't been a challenge either.

"Basketball is basketball, no matter what country you are in. There's great competition and talent here, as well as in Oklahoma. The differences have been subtle, and easy to get accustomed to," she explained.

As for her Celtics, they keep rolling along, having stretched their record to 9-1 in league play thanks to the play not only of Kraszkiewicz, but also several of their key returnees including forward Andrea Priamo and guard Rebecca Keil. 

Last night, the Celts handled Orangeville DSS 58-28, with Kraszkiewicz contributing 18 points and Keil 15 in that victory.

Bishop Mac appears to be the favourite among "AA" CWOSSA schools and poised to be able to take their 8th consecutive title at that class.  If so, there's one last adjustment that I'm sure Kraszkiewicz would be happy to make --- playing in a provincial championship for the first time.

CWOSSABasketball.com exclusive - written by: Mark Yolkowski