Young Vienna leads the way
Vienna Vercesi turned more than a few heads at the 15th Annual Niagara Girls Basketball All-Star Game Wednesday night at the St. Catharine Collegiate.
The 15-year-old, Grade 10 student at A.N. Myer poured in a game-high 28 points and was named player of the game for her team as Zone 3 defeated Zone 4 73-47 in the Top 20 game.
“It (award) means a lot, but I truly do believe it’s a team sport so it’s a win for the team too,” Vercesi said. “As soon as the ball goes in, I start to get more confidence so I can push myself more and it’s much more fun when you win.”
Vercesi was one of the younger players on the court, but that clearly didn’t slow her down.
“It wasn’t too bad because I play against older kids too. It’s a lot more competitive than against younger kids so it’s a lot more fun too,” the Niagara JUEL Prep player said.
Vercesi enjoyed playing with and against the best of the best.
“I’m playing against a lot of the top girls in the Niagara Region so I’m here to compete, that’s just the mentality. I’m also here to have fun and try and enjoy the game,” she said. “I think it’s easier in a way, but it’s also harder because you are playing against girls who are the greatest and everyone wants to show their talent.
“All these girls are amazing so you just want to share the ball too.”
Aaron Belding of E.L. Crossley, who coached the winning squad, admitted he was flying by the seat of his pants.
“Honestly, I hardly knew any of the girls. I just watched them warm up and asked which position you play and put five of them together and see how it goes,” he said. “They all play at a high level so it’s just trying to get the right girls on the floor to make it work.”
A total of $650 in proceeds from the games were donated to Gillian’s Place.
STATS PACK
Zone 3 73 Zone 4 47
Mick and Angelo’s/Johnny Rocco’s/Crackerjacks Player of the Game: A.N. Myer’s Vienna Vercesi with 28 points.
Also scoring for Zone 3 were: Sarah Stayzer, Centennial 11; Hannah Bourdon, Greater Fort Erie 10; Hanna Dino, Saint Paul 10; Vanessa D’Abrano, A.N.Myer 4; Alison O’Connor, 3; Emma Winger, Niagara Christian College 3; Jessica Acaster, Centennial 2; Emily Foest, Notre Dame 1; Ariel Wendling, Jean Vanier did not score.
Also selected to the game but did not play were Lauren Manlow, Saint Michael and Megan Hill-Doxatier, Stamford.
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