Tartans Crowned OFSAA Champs

The Tartans are OFSAA champions. 

The senior girls’ basketball team won gold in London on Saturday, holding on for a 53-52 victory over Dundas Valley in the final.

The Tartans punched their ticket to the gold medal match with a 46-28 victory over Mother Teresa in the semis.

Coach Janine Day says the team knew they were in for a tough fight ahead of the gold medal match.

“We had played (Dundas Valley) in a tournament earlier in the year and we won by six,” Day says. “I said to the kids ‘if you think this is going to be a blowout, you’re mistaken,” so we prepared and mentally we knew it was going to be tight.”

In the final, Wallaceburg trailed 15-14 after the first half, but gained the lead at the end of the half, starting the third quarter up 29-25.

Dundas tied the game with just over five minutes left, but the Tartans rallied and held on for the win.

“We had to hit some free throws down the end and play some good defence,” Day says.

Keanha Riley was Wallaceburg’s top scorer in the championship game, while Legacie Blackbird was given the Pride, Hustle, Determination Award.

Coach Day says the community support has been overwhelming.

“Right from day one we’ve had a lot of people come out to our games,” Day says. “The amount of support and emails and text messages that we received after the game, I always say the medal’s not just for the team, but for the school and the community and the fans.”