Queens drop decision to hot shooting Trojans, despite solid work ethic

Brent Forster - Red Deer Polytechnic Athletics

Red Deer, AB – The SAIT Trojans were in a groove offensively Friday evening at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre.

The Trojans hit 13 shots from three-point range and rode that momentum to a 72-49 decision over the hardworking Red Deer Polytechnic Queens.

"The Trojans came out hot shooting and we just didn't match it. They depend on that hot shooting from three," said Ed Major, Red Deer Polytechnic Queens Basketball Interim Head Coach.

"They were nearly 60 per cent in the first half from three. That's pretty good. You're going to be up on most teams if you get that kind of percentage and are shooting that many three's." 

The visitors hit 11-of-19 from beyond the three-point arc (57.9%) and 17-of-39 from the field (43.6%) to take a 45-22 lead at the break. Third-year guard Kendal Russell led SAIT with 12 points.

Sidhu (14) scored four points

The Queens connected on one-of-five attempts from three-point range (20%) and nine-of-29 from the field (31%) over two quarters. Third-year Amy Szymanek had six points for the Queens.

RDP's Justine Larson, who was added to the roster at the holiday break, scored her first field goal in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC). Larson is also a member of the Polytechnic's Cross Country Running and Indoor Track teams.

In the third quarter, Szymanek helped bring RDP within 14 (47-33), but then SAIT regained its scoring prowess. Both teams knocked down 27 points in the latter half and the Trojans picked up the road decision.

"I thought we played one of our better defensive games, getting in their faces and getting hands up," added Major. 

Sylvan Lake's Sadie Jeffries was named the North Star Sports Queens Player of the Game, totaling four points, one rebound and a steal.

"I want the girls to just feed off Sadie. She just puts in a tremendous effort and smiles all the time. She is always positive and when she goes out there, she digs in like a little bulldog and works her tail off," explained Major. 

"That's all we can ask of her. She's a first-year here, so she's just learning the ropes. She's dedicated to playing solid defence and when she's gotten opportunities to score, she has scored."

Anegor Wol earned the recognition for the Trojans, accumulating 15 points, six rebounds, four steals, two blocks and an assist over 30 minutes. SAIT's Kendal Russell scored 15 points. Ava Kearl added 10.

The Trojans finished with a 44.8 per cent success rate from beyond the arc (13-of-29). The Queens hit 25 per cent of their long distance attempts (two-of-eight).

Szymanek (6)

Szymanek, a Bachelor of Education Middle School student, led the home team with 20 points. She added eight rebounds and three steals.

"Amy continues to be our leader and the person that does everything for us. She is a positive influence on the bench. When she is on, you just can't stop her," said Major. "She just keeps going and going and if you try to get in front of her, you can't. She ran into a hot shooting team like the rest of us. We follow her lead constantly – her desire, her effort."

Stockholm's Sophie Melin added nine points for RDP.

Melin (12)

The RDP Queens recorded 45 rebounds. The SAIT Trojans countered with 43.

On Saturday, February 12, the fifth seed Red Deer Polytechnic Queens (6-5) will host the first place St. Mary's University Lightning (12-1) at 6 pm.