January 15, 2024, WELLAND.
The Knights women's basketball team (6-3) started the new year off strong taking down the visiting Conestoga Condors (2-7) 75-56, Friday evening at the Simplii Financial Athletic Centre.
Coming off a heart-breaking loss to the St. Clair Saints (7-2) to end 2023, the Knights were looking to bounce back into the win column. Our Women struggled to find their shot from beyond the arc early going 0-8 from deep in the first quarter. Despite this struggle on the back of some solid defensive possessions and finding other ways to score, the Knights took a 16-12 lead heading into the second quarter.
After taking a small 4-point lead into the second quarter our knights were able to find their shooting stroke in the second knocking down 4 threes on 57% shooting. After trading buckets for most of the second quarter the Knights were able to end the quarter on an 8-0 run over the last three minutes of the quarter to take a 10-point lead into half-time leading 36-26.
The Knights came out of the half-time break, a team inspired, and it showed on the court. They were ruthless on the defensive end once again forcing 6 more turnovers and holding Conestoga to only 14 points in the third quarter. The Knights attacked the paint in the third quarter scoring 9 of their 10 made field goals in the paint, doubling their lead, heading into the final quarter up 60-40.
With such a big lead going into the fourth the Knights were able to play the bench for most of the fourth quarter and keep their massive lead to secure the Knight's first win of 2024.
Leading the way for the Knights were guards Lexxus Bell with 12 points and 4 steals while Taryn Mitchell also chipped in with 12 points and 6 rebounds. Destiny Osadebamwen made her presence known off the bench tonight in her first game with the Knights racking up 11 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists.
Head Coach Chris Rao had some positive thoughts after tonight's game. "Overall, it was a good performance out of the break. Obviously, we have had some change in our roster adding Destiny and getting her incorporated the last little bit has been great, but like all new things it takes time to adjust and be comfortable. I think we took a step in the right direction as a team in that regard".
Next up for the Knights they will head off to face the Redeemer Royals (2-8) Wednesday January 17th before coming back to the Simplii Financial Athletic Centre Saturday January 20th to take on the traveling Humber Hawks (6-3).
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