Queens defeat Rattlers in consecutive home games

Brent Forster - RDC

In an afternoon rematch, the Red Deer College Queens faced the Medicine Hat College Rattlers, and in consecutive home games the Queens had a solid effort and knocked off the second place squad from the south. Medicine Hat College led 26-25 at the half, but the RDC Queens had another strong performance in the latter half and earned a 55-52 victory.

In the first quarter, the RDC Queens' momentum carried over from Friday. RDC limited Medicine Hat College's opportunities and the strong defensive play sparked the Queens' offence. When the RDC Queens were up 8-6 they went on a 7-0 run to extend their margin to 9 points (15-6). During that stretch, Emily White sank a pair of baskets from the field and Paige Schultz dropped a three-pointer. At the end of the quarter, the Queens led 17-10.

The Rattlers started to connect in the second quarter. Medicine Hat outscored RDC 16-8 and took a slight 26-25 lead. At the half, Lauren Bailey and Emily White had contributed 6 points each. Courtney Henry led the way for the Rattlers with 8 points. Rebounding continued to be strong for the Queens. They recorded 24 at the half. The Rattlers totaled 15.

Medicine Hat College took a larger lead in the third quarter. After the Rattlers led 40-34, the RDC Queens went on a 7-4 run to reduce the deficit to 3 (44-41) at the end of the quarter. Maya Parker connected on a pair of free-throws to cap off that stretch.

The Rattlers led by 6 and then Julia Friesen picked up an offensive rebound and sank the bucket from down low. Moments later, Paige Schultz scored off the glass to bring the RDC Queens within 2 (52-50). The Queens continued to press and they pulled away with time winding down. Emily White sank a late free-throw to eventually help seal a 55-52 victory.

Emily White was named the player-of-the-game for the Queens. The Management Certificate student stacked up 13 points, 1 block, 1 steal and 7 rebounds. Courtney Henry was chosen for the Rattlers and finished with 16 points and 4 rebounds.

As a team, the Queens recorded 11 more rebounds than the Rattlers (46-35).

Queens Basketball Head Coach Ken King liked the team's demeanour, especially late. "I thought that we did a lot of good things, especially in the fourth quarter. We stayed calm and we didn't get too excited about the gap," said King. "It is a game of runs and they made a run in the second and third. We were able to weather that storm and we had to be patient."

The Queens had important contributions from a variety of student-athletes off the bench. First-year guard Paige Schultz accumulated 9 points and 2 rebounds. Third-year guard Lauren Bailey picked up 6 points. First-year guard Julia Friesen and first-year forward Lauren Cardinal added 4 points each. The depth of the Queens has been noticeable and many first-year players are playing key roles.

"Our first-year players are extremely willing to work and they are willing to accept the role that we need them in. Julia Friesen played 1 minute yesterday at the end of the game and today she played 10 minutes," said King. "She went 2 for 3 from the field and pulled down a couple of boards. That's huge. She has the same positive attitude and response no matter what. Paige Schultz– same thing. Today, she was able to contribute and she also has that positivity."

The Queens controlled the Rattlers' offence and limited them to 8 points in the final quarter. "In those important situations, I believe that we can get a stop if we do the proper things," said King. "In key moments we got those stops today."

The Queens have steadily improved since the holiday break and RDC made a big statement this past weekend by knocking off the Rattlers in a pair of games. "We never had that team chemistry in the first half due to injury. As we got people back from injury, our team chemistry grew," said King. "We are only getting more comfortable playing with each other. The credit goes to the ladies and the assistant coaches. The ladies on the team deserved the two wins this weekend. I was away at a conference one day this week and our assistants played a huge role in helping prepare our team."

The fifth place Red Deer College Queens (8-7) will compete against the first place SAIT Trojans (13-1) Friday, February 9 at 6:00 p.m. in the RDC Main Gym.