PECI girls basketball team proud of first OFSSA win in history and the worlds is yet to come!

Prince Edward Collegiate Institute’s Senior girls basketball team made school history in Windsor this weekend competing at the AA Ontario Federation Secondary School Athletics Association (OFSAA) championships.

The team is the first (girls or boys) to qualify for the prestigious tournament in the school’s history. They raised the bar going 1 – 2 picking up PECI’s first ever OFSAA win in basketball.

“In game one verses the sixth seeded Eden Eagles from St. Catherines the team came out on fire and built a very quick 8 – 1 lead,” said Coach Rob Garden. “However, the team from St. Catherines proved why they were the 6th ranked team in the province and they pressed the Panthers and went on to win 58 – 34.”

Vanessa Willis was named game MVP.

In game 2 verses the 17th seeded ES MacDonald Cartier from Sudbury, Garden said the girls felt confident entering the game that this was their chance to rebound and pick up an elusive OFSAA win.

“They used their zone defence to slow down a very quick guard from ESMC and the built a 23 – 13 lead at half. However, ESMC would not go away easy and they clawed their way back into the game. Luckily, the girls had played in a number of close games this year and that experience allowed them to stay composed and win the game 44 – 40.”

Hailey Van Rossum was named game MVP.

“In game 3 verses the 1st seeded Mother Theresa from London the girls knew that no one expected them to win playing against the best team in the province. They played loose and free and found themselves only down 23 – 20 at the half. However, in the third quarter the Spartans came out with a very aggressive full court press and took control of the game. Our girls hung tough for the remainder of the game and ended up losing 54 – 32.”

Garden said the weekend was a great experience for the team, following an incredible season that included 35 games, five tournaments, a perfect 14-0 regular season record, a 24-11 overall record, a Bay of Quinte Gold, a COSSA Gold, the first ever OFSAA Basketball appearance in PECI history and an OFSAA win.

“Big thanks goes to Lyndsey and Curtis Morrow for their time and devotion to these girls and to Lauren Smith for her excellent job as manager,” said Garden. “Thanks also goes to our parents, fans, alumni and PECI staff for all the support. And thanks to our amazing community for its financial support and positive encouragement all season long.

He also thanked his players for their hard work, dedication and commitment to the program.

“Hold your heads high ladies – you are all incredible young women and role models and you should feel very proud of your accomplishments.”

However, the team is not finished yet. Up next is their once-in-a-lifetime trip to Hawaii Dec. 16th to 23rd to compete in the World Youth Basketball Tournament.