Vanier Spirits Defeat Visiting Peacock Toilers In Junior Girls Basketball Action
Photos and Story By Robert Thomas
To a loud and obviously largely pro home team crowd the Vanier Spirits defeated the visiting Peacock Toilers 42 - 29 in high school junior girls basketball action on Wednesday evening.
Led by 15 points by Kensington Demassi the Spirits won a hard fought battle against the Toilers.
The top point getter for the Toilers was Nevaen Toupin with nine points.
Peacock Toilers Callista McQueen is blocked out by Vanier Spirits Kensinton Demassi at the top of the key - MJ Independent photo
The Spirits led the game from the initial tip off and also lead at the end of all three quarters of play on way to the victory.
The scores at the end of quarters were Vanier 15 and Peacock 6 in the first quarter, Vanier 21 and Peacock 13 in the second second quarter and Vanier 31 and Peacock 17 at the end of the third quarter.
Vanier Spirits Mia Melgarejo uses her speed to get around and outpace the Peacock Toilers Kate Hansen - MJ Independent photo
Vanier Spirits Madeline Cruz (left foreground) makes a break up court - MJ Independent photo
The game saw the Spirits play an aggressive game and they managed to pick up many defensive rebounds turning play around into fast rushes up court against the Toilers.
The Toilers responded in kind but were not as successful in defensive rebounding as the Spirits and had the ball just go off the end of their fingers while breaking out.
Peacock Toilers head coach Macaela Williams gives instructions to her players - MJ Independent photo
Peacock Toilers Nevaen Toupin (left) reaches out for a lose ball as Vanier Spirits Gracelyn Blanchard is in the same chase - MJ Independent photo
Vanier Spirits head coach Miguel Cruz said it was good to get the hard fought first win of the season at home at Vanier Collegiate. He said the junior girl Spirits put in a strong effort to earn the victory.
“It was just a great effort all around,” coach Cruz said.
Asked if the team came out more aggressive versus their first outing of the season against the Central Cyclones he said he saw the game as “a little bit more organized.”
Vanier Spirits Addison Lamb guards Peacock Toilers Scout Panko - MJ Independent photo
Referee indicates the second free throw was no good as players jockey for position on the rebound - MJ Independent photo
“I tried to say to the players to be patient and I think that paid off a little bit.”
Regarding the Spirits effort Cruz said he was happy with it.
“(I’m) definitely happy (with their effort) every night they are giving it there all. That is what I tell them just give it your best effort no matter what.”
Although the Spirits ran into a few fouls the aggressive play for rebounds was something he like in the team.
“They are pretty aggressive and I like that.”
Fighting for a rebound as the ball gets away from the scrum of players - MJ Independent photo
Vanier Spirits more than once double teamed opponents breaking for the basket - MJ Independent photo
Cruz said he was happy to get the win at home and to see a large crowd come to cheer the Spirits on was great.
“Having a win in your own home court always is nice,” he said, adding “yeah I love the (fan) turnout. It gets the kids all pumped up and they love it...it’s a lot of fun I have got to thank the fans for coming out. Thank you.”
The junior girls Spirits next game will be this coming Monday at 8 pm at Cornerstone Christian School versus the Cornerstone Falcons.
Peacock Toilers Scout Panko tries to break past Vanier Spirits Peyton Kemenz (far left) and Gracelyn Blanchard (far right) - MJ Independent photo
Vanier Spirits Jacie Ruckaber looks to pass to a teammate after collecting a rebound - MJ Independent photo
Despite the loss head coach of the Peacock Toilers Macaela Williams said fatigue was a factor but the team put in a good effort.
“I think in tonight’s game we were a little bit tired from Monday night. Vanier played against Central we played against Cornerstone on Monday. I think both teams were a little bit tired and that was the result of tonight and a bit of a slower game,” Williams said.
Peacock beat Cornerstone 51 - 46 in their Monday’s season opener.
The fatigue factor was part of her post team chat with her players asking them to go to bed early so they were ready for the next matchup.
Peacock Toilers Scout Panko versus Vanier Spirits Mia Melgarejo - MJ Independent photo
Vanier Spirits Mia Melgarejo attempts to maneuver through a crowd of players after a rebound - MJ Independent photo
“It was a lower paced (game) but it is only the start of the season. We have got a lot more season to go,” she said.
Despite the slower pace she agreed the game was tight and would likely be the same throughout the majority of, if not all, games this season.
“It was a little tighter game tonight. But I think we have a really tight league this year. It is going to be a tight and a fun league this year with all of the junior teams having all of these close games making it a lot of fun.”
Peacock Toilers Nevaen Toupin attempts to corral the ball on a break down floor. Despite the basket evading her on this break Toupin was the top scorer for the Toilers with 9 points - MJ Independent photo
Peacock Toilers Ellie Panko makes a pass from the floor - MJ Independent photo
The Peacock squad has a 12 girl roster with seven (7) Grade Tens on the team.
Asked if there were any standouts on the team Williams said the entire team working hard was the major standout.
“I guess really my team just really working together really well is the standout,” she said, adding that Grade Nine student Ellie Panko “definitely stepped up. Driving to the basket and making some stuff happen tonight.”
Although the Toilers drew some fouls for aggressive play she said “I can’t really be too mad at them. I want them to play a little bit more aggressive but I am not too mad about those fouls now.”
Asked if she had anything to add Williams said she is “looking forward to the season.”
The Peacock Toilers junior girls team will be on action this coming Thursday night versus the Central Cyclones with an 8 pm start at Central Collegiate.
Vanier Spirits Alecia Longworth looks to make a pass while seemingly surrounded by the Peacock Toilers team - MJ Independent photo
The win gives the Vanier Spirits a 1 - 1 record while the loss gives the Peacock Toilers an identical 1 - 1 record.