Reds rebound for consolation title
The Denis Morris Reds won the consolation title at the 19th Annual Standard High School Girls Basketball Tournament Friday night at Governor Simcoe. Photos by TESS PUCHALSKI.
The Denis Morris Reds managed to turn a negative into a huge positive this week.
After a disappointing effort in an opening-round loss to the Greater Fort Erie Gryphons, the Reds reset and focused on turning things around.
The Reds did just that, reeling off three straight wins culminating with a 63-38 triumph over the Saint Paul Patriots to capture the consolation title at the 19th Annual Standard High School Girls Basketball Tournament Friday night at Governor Simcoe.
DM coach Stefanie DeMizio was proud of her players for being able to move on after Tuesday’s effort.
“It’s very satisfying. We’ve totally redeemed ourselves,” she said. “We didn’t play our best game in the opening round and we progressively got better with each game.
“We did very well tonight. I’m very proud of the girls. All of the things I’ve been yelling all week finally sunk in.”
DeMizio wanted her squad to box out more and keep the turnovers to a minimum, both keys to their victory Friday.
“We beat ourselves with turnovers all the time so that was our biggest goal today, not to turn throw the ball away so much,” she said. “They did an awesome job making smart decisions with the basketball.”
The Reds jumped out to a 20-16 lead after one quarter and led 35-27 at the half. They were finally able to shake off the Patriots in the third to take a 51-32 lead into the final quarter.
“We were resilient,” DeMizio said. “We stuck with it, we didn’t give up on ourselves, and we worked together to get back up.”
The Reds’ offence centred around Grade 11 forward Jordynn Britton all week. Britton came into the game tied for third overall in tournament scoring with 47 points and added to that total with 18 more.
“She’s made a big leap from last year to this year, in her leadership and know how of the game and want of the basketball,” DeMizio said of Britton. “It’s been a huge help and a great success for us.”
Britton was modest when discussing her contributions.
“It feels good,” she said. “I got my confidence and went with that.”
Britton played senior last year as a Grade 10.
“It pushed me harder and got me to my level,” she said. “It made me play harder against older people.”
Britton, who plays club ball for the St. Catharines Rebels, had a practical answer when asked how her squad was going to celebrate.
“Win our next tournament,” she smiled.
Reds guard Lexxus Bell also had a solid game with 20 points.
“Today was her best game by far,” DeMizio said. “We needed her to control the ball, especially when teams press us, she’s our key. If she can help us lead the way, that’s the biggest help we can ask for.”
Stats Pack
Johnny Rocco’s/Mick and Angelo’s Star of the Game: Denis Morris forward Jordynn Britton with 18 points.
For the Denis Morris Reds: Britton 18; Lexxus Bell 20; Rayshell Nyamekye 15; Cayla Mirabella 8; Bleona Demiri 2; Isabell McKay 1.
For the Saint Paul Patriots: Keira Fedorinko 11; Julianna Fabiano 10; Livia Piccirillo 6; Julia Garisto 4; Josee Severin 3; Emily Semark 2; Angeline Galati 2.
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