Senior B Women's National Team win Jones Cup
(Toronto, ON) The Senior B Women’s National Team won the William Jones Cup after defeating Savage USA 80-56 to finish 5-0 in the five-day tournament.
“Today, we came out of the gates a little slowly and struggled throughout the first half. Our trademark relentlessness showed up in the second half and we cruised to a victory,” said head coach Fabian McKenzie.
Jamie Weisner (Clarkston, WA) scored ten points and grabbed ten rebounds to pace the Canadian squad. Emily Potter (Winnipeg, MB) scored a team-high 13 points.
The first quarter saw Canada jump out to a lead before the offence stalled. Savage USA battled and the game was tied at 16 after one period.
Both teams would swap leads before Savage USA slowed down Canada’s scoring. The Senior B Women scored 13 points in the quarter and went into halftime down two, 31-29.
Canada dominated the third quarter on both ends, scoring 29 points in the quarter and holding Savage USA to only eight points.
The team would continue to put pressure on Savage USA in the fourth quarter and won, 80-56.
Canada went 5-0 at the 36th annual William Jones Cup. Team captain Korissa Williams (Amherstberg, ON) spoke about the environment they faced.
“Throughout this whole five-day tournament we have faced stressful and uncomfortable situations and yet we persevered and managed to grind out five great wins,” said Williams. “We always stayed true to ourselves and our game plans, no matter what five players were on the court.”
Head coach Fabian McKenzie reflected on his experience leading the team.
“I am so proud of the efforts of our team since day one of training camp to the final buzzer today. This tremendous group of young ladies represented Canada in a first-class manner. I am thankful for the opportunity to coach them,” said McKenzie.
UNB women's basketball head coach Jeff Speedy travelled with the Senior B Women's National Team as an assistant coach. He now heads back to Fredericton to prepare for the season with the Varsity Reds.
For roster of the 2014 Jones Cup champions, click here: http://www.basketball.ca/senior-b-women-s16478
For a box score of the win over Savage USA, click here: http://www.fibalivestats.com/matches/44745/12/47/23/34xLI79SXUb1Q/
With files from Canada Basketball.