March 3, 2024, SARNIA
The Knights women's basketball team ended their season on a high, coming home from the OCAA basketball championships with their second bronze medal in three years. After a tough loss to the Lambton Lions in the semi-final game at Lambton's home gym, the Knights rebounded well to pull off a 67-52 victory against the St. Clair Saints in the bronze medal game.
This game started as expected, with the Saints and the Knights trading baskets back and forth before Niagara went on a couple runs to extend the lead to 5 points going into the second quarter. The Knights took full advantage of that lead and never looked back as the Saints trailed for the rest of the game.
Niagara was able to hold St. Clair to just three field goals in the second quarter and was able to take a comfortable 11-point lead into the half. The Saints came out of half time with their best quarter of the game, scoring 16 points and holding the Knights to only 14, but Niagara responded well scoring 21 points in the fourth quarter and holding St. Clair to 15 points to seal the deal.
Jamira Rousseau was named Player of the Game for Niagara contributing a full stat line of 40 minutes, 8 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists, and 1 steal. Janee Harrison was named to the Tournament All-Star team and had a fantastic game against the Saints adding 14 points, 20 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal in 35 minutes on the court.
Although there were a few standout players in this game for the Knights, it was a true team effort to bring home the bronze. Griffin Lack-Shane stepped up huge this weekend and had another great game on Sunday contributing 12 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists. Destiny Osadebamwen continued her steady performance with 11 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists. Senior Molly Taylor added 9 points, 12 rebounds, and 2 blocks before fouling out with just less than 3 minutes remaining in her final game as a Niagara College Knight.
Coach Chris Rao is very proud of his squad as the team's goal was to come home with a medal this weekend. He said "Sunday was a totally different story [than Saturday], we played all out and tough. Everyone performed well and played hard". He adds that he is "happy for our seniors; Molly and Taryn are the first Knights women's basketball players to graduate the program with two medals since 1984". That in itself is a great accomplishment!
The Knights Women's Basketball team finished the 2023-2024 season with a 12-4 regular season record and a 3-1 postseason record. They finished fourth in the West division and were able to bring their best when they needed it the most to bring home a medal.
