Richards and Queens defeat Trojans, capture weekend series

Brent Forster – Red Deer Polytechnic Athletics

Red Deer, AB – An energetic start to the second half along with committed defence by the Red Deer Polytechnic Queens were difference makers Saturday evening.

Trailing at the half, the Queens' offence kicked into another gear and their defence locked it down, defeating the SAIT Trojans 62-53 and earning back-to-back wins against their south division rivals.

The SAIT Trojans jumped out to a quick 5-0 edge and rode that early momentum to a 32-26 lead at the half.

Heena Sidhu led the Polytechnic with eight points at the break. Kyla Varga powered the Trojans with seven points over two quarters.

"We came out in the second half and really decided to bear down on defence. That's going to be our key for the rest of the season," said Ed Major, Red Deer Polytechnic Queens Basketball Interim Head Coach. "We can score with anybody, but it's the defence that needs to step up and the beginning of the second half we really stepped it up."

That defensive commitment led to scoring opportunities.

Beginning the third quarter, the home team started with energy and went on a 15-0 run.

The Queens knocked down 36 second half points. The home team limited the Trojans to 21 in the latter half and the Polytechnic picked up its third decision in the past four contests.

"The Queens understand that they really need to work on defence and it's a real individual effort to play defence," said Major. "It's not a glamorous thing sometimes. It doesn't go on the stats sheet."

Keanna Richards was recognized as the North Star Spots Queens Player of the Game, totaling eight points, eight rebounds and two assists over 36 minutes.

"She's turning into a really good leader on the floor. Keanna is really taking care of the ball and making sure everyone's involved in the offence," explained Major of the Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences student. "When she has her chances, she's really tough to stop when she's going to the basket. Keanna does everything well."

Amy Szymanek recorded a double-double, accumulating 17 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, one block and a steal for the Polytechnic. Lauren France gave the Queens an outside threat, knocking down four-of-seven from long range. Heena Sidhu added 12 points.

Sidhu (14)

Sophie Melin was strong defensively. The Bachelor of Arts Psychology student brought down nine of her squad's 53 rebounds, along with eight points, two assists and a block.

Melin (12)

"I'm trying to get to know the girls and we are slowly working our way to where we want to be defensively for sure. I knew these girls could score, just watching them before Christmas," said Major. "They sometimes took some breaks on defence and we have to learn to not take those breaks. We need to play 40 minutes of defence and we will be in most games."

Richina Foggo was selected as the top Trojans player, accumulating 15 of her team's 52 rebounds, three points, one assist and a steal.

Anegor Wol led the visitors with 16 points. Kyler Varga added 13 for SAIT.

Collectively, the Queens shot 31.7 per cent from the field, 65.4 per cent from the free throw line and 46.7 per cent from three point range.

The Trojans responded with 28.4, 33.3 and 15.6 per cent respectively.

On Friday, February 11, the fifth place Red Deer Polytechnic Queens (6-4) will entertain the SAIT Trojans (7-6) at 6 pm at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre.

"If we play really good defence, we can play with any team in this conference," added Major.

The start of the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) Women's Basketball playoffs have been moved to March 4. The final four ACAC teams will compete for the championship on March 11 and 12. 

Vancouver Island University (VIU) will host the 2022 Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA)Women's Basketball National Championship from March 24 to 27.