The BC Wheelchair Basketball Society has a long history steeped in the glory of its founders, athletes and coaches, and Marni 'Moose' Abbott-Peter embodies all the things that the BCWBS holds dear: hard work, commitment, and a dedication to the sport that is unequalled. This past weekend, Marni returned to the courts in Saskatoon after a three year absence to complete her collection of championships with the only one that had eluded her: a CWBL Women's Club National Championship.
Marni returned to an experienced and talented team comprised of the following BC athletes: Shira Standfield, Stephanie Park, Janet McLachlan, Wendy Jansen, Makiko Harada, Jessica Vliegenthart, Elisha Williams and Nancy LaFleche. Their weekend started off with a game against the newly minted Novatario, a group of young and eager athletes. BC prevailed 82 - 38 after four players scored in double figures: Janet Mclachan, Shira Standfield, Nancy LaFleche and Elisha Williams.
The second game pitted the Breakers against the Calgary Rollers, a team they hadn't beaten all year. In a game that never felt comfortable, Janet McLachlan again led the scorers with 30, while her national teammate Jessica Vliegenthart had 11 points to help BC win the game by a score of 59 - 47. This win set them up for a crossover in the semi-finals against a quick and talented Quebec team.
Quebec brought the press early, and BC struggled to get their timing right in the press break. National team stalwart Chantal Benoit kept Quebec close with 14 points at the half, giving BC only a small one point lead. The second half was much the same, as Quebec continued to press, but BC equalled the task with their own stifling defence, and that's what ended up helping them to the win. BC held their opponents to a paltry 39% shooting percentage, while they shot a stellar 50% from the floor. Elisha Williams played a great game, ending up with 17 points and 8 rebounds and was joined on the stat sheet by teammate Janet McLachlan who once again set the pace with 34 points.
The final was played in front of a great crowd in the University of Saskatchewan's PAC facility against an impressive Edmonton Inferno team that was the defending and six time national champions. Once again, the opponent deployed their best defence against BC, this time specifically targeting McLachlan, double teaming her full court. The first quarter was a comedy of errors for both teams as they tested the waters with different offensive schemes, and it ended in a 10 - 6 advantage for Edmonton. The second quarter was fruitful for BC, as they embraced the game plan and torched the Inferno for 21 points, coming out with a seven point lead at halftime.
The second half was a nail biter as the lead changed hands numerous times, crucial shots were missed, and turnovers abound. With Edmonton still trying to keep Janet out of the offensive game, Elisha Williams kept pace for the Breakers with 13 points, as did Marni who hit a couple of big shots down the way. In the end, BC's defence held strong, forcing Edmonton into a paltry 32% shooting percentage, while tournament MVP Janet McLachlan iced the game from the line, going 7/8 in the fourth quarter.
BC's seven point win prevented the Inferno's seventh championship, and will go down in the history books as the Breakers first CWBL Women's Club National Championship! Congratulations to both teams on a great game, and to All Star Jessica Vliegenthart and MVP Janet McLachlan.
For stats, recaps and photos, visit Wheelchair Basketball Canada website.
Also check out the story in the Star Phoenix.
