Eagles soar to Sr South-East hoops title

   A second quarter outburst sends East Elgin to a 33-19 domination of Woodstock C.I.,  

   capturing the TVRA South-East senior girls' basketball title 

  November 25, 2021

By Rob J. Ross 

AYLMER, Ont. - Selecia Wall and Thea Fenn won't forget this win any time soon.

The co-captains had just guided the East Elgin Eagles to the the Thames Valley Regional Athletics (TVRA) South-East senior girls' basketball title, by defeating the Woodstock Collegiate Red Devils, 33-19, on home court at East Elgin Secondary school.

"It ended how I want to remember it," said Wall, with some emotion. "I had so much fun. I'm going to cry at some point, but not right now."

It was the final high school basketball game for both seniors.

"This is the last time I get to play in high school, so I wanted to make it a good one," said Fenn, who was with the senior team in 2019, when the Eagles won the South-East and went on to advance to the WOSSAA final. "I'm glad that I was able to play with these amazing girls. I've an amazing group of friends."

Tied at four after one quarter the Eagles exploded for 16 points in the second quarter, while their defence snuffed out the Red Devils.

East Elgin led 20-8 at half time and never looked back.

"We have great coaches who teach us about good defence," said Wall. "We've been practising for a long time. Our gap defence all year and a lot of man to man. Lots of defence."

The Eagles had a balanced attack with Fenn having 10 points and both Wall and Jaimie Stahlbaum, chipping in with eight points each.

"It was really that everybody had a good time. We had fun. We had positive attitudes and that's what makes you play good in the end," Wall said. "Everybody played so well. Our defence was good and oh my gosh, our layups were always there."

With the win the Eagles cap an undefeated season with a 7-0 record.

"I wasn't surprised we went undefeated. We wanted it bad. The first tryout I saw everybody and I was like, yea, this is going to be a winning team," said Wall. "Everybody wanted it and everybody loved it. It's really nice to have a win for my last year. I really tried to take in this game. It was just so nice."

For most of the season the Eagles played in quiet gyms without spectators, so the team became their own cheering section.

"The bench were supportive of the people playing. When we didn't have spectators they had the intensity," said Fenn. "I'm glad that we were able to play this year because it's amazing to get back and be playing basketball. I get to finish my career on a high note."

For Wall, she had the opportunity to play for her mom.

"I loved having my mom (Anna) here. She hasn't been to any of my games. Having her here today was like amazing," expressed Wall. "I loved having a crowd. That was really fun. I missed that so much. It was so loud. I actually loved it for once. I usually don't like it when it's loud, but today I was like bring it on. I was excited."