Women's Basketball Rewind
Week 15 is in the books in women's basketball
FRIDAY
Bearcats Upset Blues
The CBC Bearcats used a 20-9 third quarter to upset the visiting Capilano Blues 54-49 moving them into a second-place tie with the Blues.
Both teams played good defence which didn’t give up much to their opponents as they combined for 47 turnovers.
The hometown Bearcats shot 32% from the field with only one player reaching double figures. Jay Hildebrand collected a team high 16 points and Elissa Vreugdenhil grabbed 12 rebounds. They did have balanced scoring as nine different players hit the scoresheet.
The Blues found themselves shorthanded again with only seven players dressed. Madeleine Coffin was outstanding with a game high 18 points and 17 rebounds in the loss and Barcha Hnizdilova added 13 points and fought hard for 18 rebounds.
Looking at the standings, the Blues still have two games in hand as these two meet for the final time in the regular season on Saturday. For the Bearcats it’s their final game of the regular season as they get a bye next week before the PACWEST championship.
Mariners Clobber Chargers
The visiting VIU Mariners outscored the Chargers 21-4 in the second frame and went onto a lopsided 80-54 victory. It was their 17th win of the campaign.
They shot 41% from the field and knocked down 10-three pointers. Returning to where it all started for the final time, guard Chloe Scaber was magnificent with a game high 28 points and snagged 10 rebounds. Kaia Simpson also had a double-double of 11 points and 11 boards. A total of 10 different players scored for the top ranked Mariners.
The Chargers drop their second straight shooting 29% from the field. Allie Brinton scored a team high 16 points.
This island rivalry heats up again on Saturday afternoon at 1:00pm.
Falcons Keep Playoff Hopes Alive
The Langara Falcons go on the road and beat the Okanagan Coyotes 70-66 on Friday night for their second straight win. Their victory moves them to within two points of the final playoff spot, which is currently held by the Coyotes.
They would use a large fourth quarter outscoring the ‘Yotes 20-13 to comeback and win. Overall, they shot 45% from the field, but did turn the ball over 29 times. Rachel Labrador came off the bench to score 15 points to lead her club and Katelyn LaFleur added 11.
The Coyotes were stunned as they watched their fourth quarter lead slip away and are in danger of losing their final playoff spot. They shot 33% from the field but were terrible from behind the three-point line finishing 8-of-41. Elizabeth Henne was outstanding down low scoring 17 points and grabbing 13 rebounds while Soleil Wilding dropped in 10 points.
They will meet again on Saturday with a chance for the Falcons to move into a tie for the final playoff spot and a win would give them the tiebreaker.
SATURDAY
Coyotes Clinch Final Playoff Spot
With an 81-61 victory over the visiting Langara Falcons on Saturday, the Okanagan Coyotes clinched the final playoff spot. They used a massive 21-8 third quarter to pull ahead for good clipping the Falcons wings.
They shot 41% from the field with Elizabeth Henne having a massive impact for the second straight game. She finished with 23 points and grabbed 14 rebounds to pace her club. Fellow senior Soleil Wilding added 18 points thanks in large part to five-three pointers.
With the loss the Falcons are mathematically eliminated from the postseason with two games remaining. They shot 44% with Davian Tsang leading the way with 13 points.
Next week the Coyotes (7-15) welcome the Douglas Royals (11-11) and the Falcons (5-17) conclude their season hosting the VIU Mariners (18-4).
Bearcats Pull Into Second Place Tie
What a season for the CBC Bearcats. With an 84-63 victory on Saturday over the visiting Capilano Blues they pull into a second-place tie with the Blues after their 14th win of the campaign. They outscored them 23-7 in the final frame to pull away.
Offensively they shot 39% from the field led by Kagari Tomita and her incredible 27 points and 15 rebounds. Elissa Vreugdenhil also finished with a double-double of 11 points and 16 boards and AJ Sobotta gave them yet another option with 15 points.
The Blues continue to be banged up with only seven players in the line-up. Kirsten Abo returned after a lengthy absence and had 14 points. Both Madeleine Coffin and Camie Ward led the offence with 17 points as they shot 31% from the field as a team. Coffin added 13 rebounds for a double-double.
Next week the Bearcats (14-10) will enjoy a bye week ahead of the playoffs while the Blues (14-8) visit the Camosun Chargers (9-13).
Mariners Pound Chargers
After outscoring the hometown Chargers 18-2 in the second quarter, the VIU Mariners cruised to a 77-40 victory on Saturday.
They would shoot 41% from the field and were very balanced offensively. Chloe Scaber, Mackenzie Cox and Kiayra Hohlweg all dropped in 12 points in the lopsided win.
The Chargers had a tough time offensively shooting 24% and turned the ball over 28 times. Abby Rauh was their leading scorer with nine points.
Next weekend the Mariners (18-4) visit the Langara Falcons (5-17) to wrap up the regular season and the Chargers (9-13) host the Capilano Blues (14-8).