Senior girls Bay of Quinte championship makes basketball history at PECI

Prince Edward Collegiate Institute’s Senior Girls made history winning the first Bay of Quinte Girls’ Basketball Championship in nearly 50 years. They defeated the Saint Theresa Titans 55 – 53 in front of a packed gymnasium at Moira Secondary School.

“The got off to a great start and looked very comfortable in front of the raucous crowd,” said Coach Rob Garden.

Hailey VanRossum and Kylie Moyer carried the team in the first quarter scoring all of the team’s 10 points.

“In the second frame, the girls started to really push the Titans and built a 27 – 22 lead at half,” he added. “In the third frame, the girls had some bad ball luck and the Titans went on a 12 – 7 run to tie the game heading into the final quarter.”

Garden notes it was a back and forth game for the entire last eight minutes and the girls played like a team on a mission.

Once again, the big three of Hailey VanRossum, Kylie Moyer and Vanessa Willis led the way scoring 19 of the team’s 20 fourth quarter points.

“The girls shot 9/12 from the free throw line in the last stanza which was the difference. In the final minute, the girls showed their experience by executing and not allowing STSS any open looks to score.”

Garden said the coaching staff is very proud of the group showing their true character and never giving up.

They have qualified as the #1 AA seed at COSSA this week and will look to qualify for OFSAA for the first time in school history.