Handley helps lead Basketball Queens to gritty road victory

Brent Forster - RDC

The Red Deer College Queens Basketball team competed against the Briercrest College Clippers in Saskatchewan on Friday, and the game featured several swings in momentum. After the Clippers held a slight lead at the half, the Queens got their offence rolling and played strong defence in the fourth quarter, and earned a 54-51 victory.

Briercrest College started well and picked up 14 points in the opening quarter, while RDC responded with 5. The Queens elevated their play and outscored the Clippers 18-12 in the second quarter, and at the half Briercrest College held a 26-23 edge. Over two quarters, Maya Parker contributed 5 points for the Queens. Lauren Cardinal picked up 3 rebounds.

The Clippers added 14 more points in the third quarter, while the Queens scored 9 but the RDC Queens saved their best for the fourth quarter. The Queens played with energy, outscored the Clippers 22-11 and earned a 54-51 road win. Over the final two quarters, Sandra Garcia-Bernal stacked up 8 points, 1 steal and 4 rebounds for RDC. Jessie Handley, from Red Deer, led the Queens with a game total of 13 points. The Bachelor of Kinesiology student added 1 assist and 2 rebounds.

Queens Basketball Head Coach Ken King particularly liked the play of the Queens in two quarters and noted some solid performances. "With some injuries to our lineup, we were in grind mode. In the second and fourth quarters we showed a lot of energy, consistency and both our offence and defence were effective. Jessie Handley had a good game, was our leading scorer and she is a very coachable player," said King. "On the defensive side, Eva Bonde, Maya Parker and Sandra Garcia-Bernal all played huge roles for us. Mary Krause was also very effective rebounding and boxing out the Clippers."

There's not much turnaround before the Queens will hit the court again, and a strong effort from every student-athlete will be important. "Tomorrow in Medicine Hat, we want to approach the game with positive attitudes, energy and consistency," said King.

The RDC Queens (1-2) will hit the hardwood on Saturday, November 4 at 1:30 p.m. in Medicine Hat against the Rattlers (5-0).