November 13, 2024
WELLAND, ON: The Niagara College Knights (4-1) women's basketball team defeated the Mohawk Mountaineers (4-2) by a score of 64–55 in OCAA regular season action on Wednesday, November 13.
The Knights started the game strong with a 9-0 run before the Mountaineers were able to get their footing and respond with their own 12-2 run to end the 1st quarter. The 2nd quarter got off to a slow start as there was no basket scored until 3 minutes and 23 seconds into the quarter. The 2nd was a very back and forth quarter, but the Knights held a 27-22 lead at halftime.
The Knights' willingness to compete in the second half helped them pull away, scoring 10 points off turnovers in the final 20 minutes. Calculated aggression on the defensive end ultimately made the difference, punctuated by three consecutive turnovers forced late in the 4th quarter. The Knights' strong defence was able to hold Mohawk to one three-point shot made in the contest.
The Knights continue to make an impression in their own end, as their defensive unit allows 50.2 points per game, ranking second in the OCAA.
"Our mental toughness and resilience [helped us] to win the game, taking it possession by possession and continuing to battle," Niagara College first year women's basketball coach Kimbal Mackenzie said. "I'm really proud of the girls for sticking this one out. We played a very strong fourth."
The Knights' efforts were led by fourth-year forward Janee Harrison. The six-foot, St. Catharine's native and reigning Niagara College Female Athlete of the Year led both teams in scoring with 22 points, while also tallying 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals, and 2 blocks.
Fourth-year guard Taryn Mitchell (Port Colborne, ON) finished with 15 points to go with 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals. Six other Knights also contributed to the scoreboard as this game truly demonstrated the team's depth and ability to score.
The Knights' will visit the Lambton Lions in their next game on November 22, 2024, followed up with a trip to Windsor on November 23rd to take on the St. Clair Saints. Tipoff for the Lambton game is scheduled for 6pm at the Cestar Group Athletics & Fitness Complex in Sarnia. The St. Clair game is scheduled for 2pm at the South Campus Sportsplex in Windsor.
