AT A GLANCE: Breaking Down the Women’s B-Ball National Championship

By Jesse Martin - Sports Editor

3/25/10

The organizers did an amazing job, the gym never looked so awesome. Well done Cary, Lucia, Rob, and those who volunteered their time. Incredible.
The reception at the Coast Capri Hotel was unreal, great facility for the awards ceremony and press conference.
The fans were amazing, especially for the Heat game. I’ve never seen the gym so packed, or so loud. Even the non-Heat games had a respectable turn out, and I was amazed how many fans were there from across the nation, especially, those who came from Nova Scotia. Wow.
Souvenirs. Before each of the opening round games, the two teams exchanged souvenirs with each other. It was an awesome gesture between teams, and a great opportunity to appreciate the diversity between them.
Great games. Seeing 6th seeded Mount Saint Vincent come back from a 26 point 3rd quarter deficit to shock 3rd place SAIT in the first round was incredible. Even Camosun was leading top-seeded Sheridan as late as the 3rd quarter.
Injuries to key players. Lethbridge star Kayla Lambert went out late in the first game, which really hurt her team at an important time. SAIT’s Kim Lee, who was named CCAA Player of the Year on Wednesday, went down at the end of her team’s first quarter game. UBC O’s Bailey Radley missed much of her team’s first game after being hit in the face. Ouch.
Broadcasting. Well done Ryan and company who broadcasted the games on the sportscanada.tv website. Sitting next to them I have to say they sounded very professional.
Halftime games and giveaways. Pretty cool seeing a t-shirt cannon at the Heat gym, the athletic department is going to have to spring for one for next year. Some interesting halftime entertainment too, as it was cool seeing the Junior Heat play, but pretty cool to see the RC car obstacle race. There were also imaginatively interactive versions of Tic-Tac-Toe and Paper-Rock-Scissors that worked to get the crowd involved.
The volunteers. They deserve special recognition because they donated their time to make this event awesome. I hope they got something special out of it.
More injuries. Lethbridge suffers another big blow as Thursday’s MVP Paige Shannon goes down hard in Friday’s game requiring medical attention.
Heat momentum swing. Following a tough loss on Thursday, they turn it around to beat Camosun on Friday.
Heat can’t handle Quebec’s brand of ball. UBC O had the misfortune of playing both Quebec teams, Dawson College and Cegep de Sainte-Foy. Unaccustomed to their physical style of play, the Heat lost both by a narrow margin, costing them a higher ranking if they were to play a style of ball they were used to.
A memorable experience. Looking around the gym it was easy to see that the players were having a great time at the nationals. Many of them hung around to watch other games and even participate in the half-time festivities, and it seemed they were all appreciative of the effort involved in putting on an event of this magnitude. Overall it was an amazing weekend.

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