Janvier shines as the Queens defeat Lions by 18

The Red Deer College Queens Basketball team have been playing good basketball. In their past 10 games, the Queens sport a respectable 6-4 record and have competed hard against some top women's teams. 

Saturday at RDC, the Queens played in their final regular season game against the Ambrose University Lions. It's has been an exciting end to the regular season with the Queens still in the hunt for a playoff spot. 

The RDC Queens set the tone early when Eva Bonde scored on the opening possession about 10 seconds into the game. Both teams connected from long distance and combined for a total of 5 from beyond the 3 point arc in the opening 10 minutes. After the 1st quarter the Queens were up 26-18. Dedra Janvier led the Queens with 11 points. Catherine Montes had 9 points for the Lions. 

RDC outscored Ambrose University 17-14 in the 2nd quarter to take a 43-32 lead into the half. Dedra Janvier had a total of 15 points, 3 steals and 3 assists. For the Lions, Catherine Montes contributed 10 points, 1 steal and 1 rebound. 

The Queens began the 3rd quarter on a 7-2 run to extend their lead 50-34. At the end of the quarter, RDC led by 17 points (62-45). For the Queens, Dedra Janvier had 18 points and Emily White contributed 15 points. Catherine Montes led the Lions with 13 points.

The Queens continued to press in the final quarter and picked up an 80-62 home victory. The RDC Queens (10-11) finished with 20 points in the ACAC Women's Basketball South Division. The Rattlers also won Saturday and improve to 18 points. Medicine Hat College has 2 games remaining and could leap frog over the Queens for the final playoff position. The RDC Queens will watch the scores next weekend, which will determine their playoff fate.

Dedra Janvier was named the Queens player-of-the-game. The guard from Cold Lake finished with 24 points, 4 steals, 3 assists and 1 rebound.

"I am really happy that I got to play all 5 years here," said Janvier. "I am really excited and hope that we make the playoffs this year but if not, then I want to be around to watch when it happens. I will come down on the weekends but I am going to the U of A to finish off my Education degree." 

Queens Basketball Head Coach Ken King was proud of Janvier's accomplishments.

"Dedra went out exactly the way she deserved, breaking the Queens' scoring record and that's awesome for her," said King. "She deserved it."

King was happy with the effort on Saturday.

"Everybody played well. We are at the stage of getting to the next level of playoffs and had many student-athletes finish the regular season strong. We also saw many who will be back, pieces to build on, like local player Madison Nimmo. Brooke Kirkpatrick, another 1st year, had an awesome season and is still in the running for Rookie of the Year in the South Division," said King. "We saw what the combination of Eva Bonde and Emily White can do on the floor together. It showed where we are when we are on our game and showed our youth when we aren't as focused. That is something that comes with time and experience. The plan is to return 10-13 players of this group so that is a huge returning group that can contribute. We finished the regular season strong."

After the game, the RDC Queens recognized graduating player Dedra Janvier. The Bachelor of Education student finished her ACAC Basketball career as the RDC Queens Basketball all-time leading scorer.