Flyers quell Storm
It didn’t take Madalyn Weinert long to strut her stuff as the Eden Flyers squared off with the Smithville Christian Storm Tuesday in an opening round game at the First BPSN Girls Basketball Tournament.
The 15-year-old, Grade 11 student poured in eight of her game-high 21 points in the first quarter to lead the Flyers past the Storm 66-31.
Weinert’s outburst came in front of a packed gym of crazed students who cheered the Flyers with every shot.
“It was awesome. It was real fun and it was exciting to play,” Weinert said.
Eden coach Brian MacIssac marvelled at Weinert’s overall game.
“She played an incredible game,” MacIssac said. “Her rebounding and nose for the ball are unbelievable and she made some unbelievable passes today. She is seeing the floor fantastically.”
MacIssac said he never has to worry Weinert will need a pep talk to get her going — if anything, sometimes he needs to tone her down a bit.
“She is totally prepared to play every game and she gives 100 per cent every game,” he said. “The only thing we’re trying to do is reign in some of the aggressiveness where sometimes she’s picking up fouls. “We’re trying to pull her back a bit because for us to be successful we obviously need her on the court.”
Weinert, who plays at the JUEL prep level, is in her second season as a senior.
“Avery (Cushing) and Erika (Rouse) are our captains. (I try) and take in what they show and that they are really good under pressure and don’t really conform to what the other people what them to do,” Weinert said. “I think that’s something I can learn and not get angry when I get fouls or things aren’t going my way and keeping myself in the game and helping the team get better is a really big role of mine this year.”
Weinert said the Flyers manage to work hard and still enjoy themselves.
“We are having a lot of fun this year because we only have the two JUEL players this year and some other teams have a lot of kids. As a team, we’ve really meshed this year which has really helped us play against tougher teams,” she said. “We want to go as far as we can and play as good as we can. Each game we’re looking to get better as a team. We’re in it to win, of course and see how far we can go.”
MacIsaac is thrilled with the early returns on his team.
“It starts with Maddy and Avery but you can see our level of play is just getting better and better. We’re sharing the ball beautifully and everyone is getting opportunities,” he said. “Our talk at the beginning of the year was to get better before each game and we’re loving how the kids are embracing their roles. We have kids who will defend like crazy and rebound like crazy and we have some scorers. The buy-in has been great.”
Storm coach Derek DeKlerk admitted his squad didn’t enter the tournament with a championship in mind.
“The main thing is experience. We hear it (tournament) has a good reputation,” he said. “We didn’t expect to win this tournament in any way because we’re playing AAA and AA schools but our hope now is the consolation.
“We have an opportunity and to play good teams who are better than us to get that experience.”
Flyers 66 Storm 31
Mick and Angelo’s/Johnny Rocco’s/Cracker Jack’s Players of the Game: Eden Madalyn Weinert with 21 points and Smithville’s Michelle Ludwig with 11.
Eden Flyers: Weinert 21; ; Julia McNeaney 13; Erika Rouse 12; Avery Cushing 10; Morgan Cushing 4; Kennedy Johnston 4; Isabel Neufeld 2
Smithville Christian Storm: Ludwig 11; Esther DeHaan 8; Jana DeKlerk 6; Sophia Bezemer 5; Julia Thies 4; Alanna Heeg 1.
Redcoats 37 Cougars 31 (OT)
Allison Addy poured in 19 points as the Governor Simcoe Redcoats edged the visiting Centennial Cougars by six points in overtime in BPSN opening-round play.
Jayda Rodrique paced the Cougars with 12 points.
Governor Simcoe Redcoats: Allison Addy 19; Jamie Addy 12; Emma Fugard 3; Mia Friesen 2; Jenneka McIntosh 1.
Centennial Cougars: Rodrigue 12; Vince 6; Jessica Acaster 6; Sarah Stayzer 5; Emily Campbell 2.
The First BPSN Girls Basketball Tournament has been made possible thanks to the generous support of: Tora Inc: Niagara Rangers; No Limit Performance: St. Catharines Rebels in recognition of all their volunteers who make the organization a success; Niagara Falls Red Raiders; Alltech Automotive; Niagara District Referees Association; Brock University women’s basketball program; Pelham Panthers; Alison’s Sports Awards and Promotions; and, the Niagara College women’s basketball program.
