Despite a 'A' SWOSSAA victory over Pain Court, the EJ Lajuenesse Royals senior girls basketball team knows they need to get into a better mindset heading to OFSAA.
After leading by 20+ points at halftime, the Royals scored a total of 8 points in the second half, allowing Pain Court to make things interesting. The lapse was capped off by a 17-2 run by the Patriotes, bringing the final score to 42-35. Head Coach Linda Carriere says their mindset changed at halftime.
"First half we were ready to play. Then the team put their guards down, thought the game was over and were just playing for fun."
In what might be considered an "off-night," centre Asina Wabisa had 21 points in the game, but struggled with her other asset, offensive rebounding. Wabisa says it was all mental; they need to play a full 32 minutes in the provincial championships.
"We should play hard throughout the whole game, instead of leading by 20 then stop playing."
Danielle Lucier led in scoring for Pain Court with 15. The Patriotes will now take on Leamington UMEI for the second SWOSSAA berth.
In other high school sports action, Wallaceburg's Sr. Girls basketball team beat the Amherstburg Generals 51-31 to advance to 'AA' OFSAA next week in Kingsville.
The CKSS Jr. girls basketball team won SWOSSA, beating LaSalle Sandwich 56-18.
