Rams clinch top spot in SouthEast Hoops

WOODSTOCK, Ont. - Their goal is OFSAA

After making the AA final four a year ago at the provincial high school championship, no doubt the St. Joseph's Rams are aiming to return.

"We have not an easy road to get there. It's going to take some work," Rams coach Dave Fox said. "After a year like last year, we've experienced it and it's so cool to be there and have that opportunity. There's nothing better than to try and get back. That being said, it's hard to recreate that."

The Rams are the favourite heading into the Thames Valley Regional Athletics (TVRA) playoffs, following an undefeated regular season.

The scheduler seemed to have saved the best game for last, as the Rams visited Woodstock CI October 28th, to determine first place in the SouthEast division.

In a clash of unbeaten teams, the Rams pulled out a 60-56 win, with Annalise Verbruggan and Jaylin Campbell, leading the way, scoring 21 and 20 points, respectively.

"Defence was key in that game. We managed to get all of the turnovers in the second half, kept us pushing on," Fox said. "Defensively we have to be strong. Our transition game is important to us. (WCI) is a good team .They're going to make you work for everything."

WCI led 16-12 after one quarter. By half, the Rams were up 29-27, and still held a two point advantage, at 44-42, heading in to the fourth quarter. The Rams increased their lead to five points, then 10, before WCI made a late rally to be within three points in the final minute of the fourth quarter.

"We really wanted to win this game. We had to do whatever it takes, like tight defence, pushing down the floor," Rams captain Melissa Gillies said. "This game was a big turning point for us. We're working better together. It's nice to have a close game where we're all putting our effort in. Everyone is moving the ball around and doing their part."

The captain only had two points, but is the heart of the team.

"She was a difference maker today," Fox said. "She brings that presence to the game and other girls follow."

Also a golfer, Gillies missed a few hoops games for golf tournaments, including playing at OFSAA for a second year. Then the Rams' lone Grade 12 player was out with an injury.

Now the hopeful return road to OFSAA, begins with a quarterfinal, November 5.

"Last year we were the underdogs, so no one was expecting us to win," Gillies said. "We have to not under estimate any team and go in with the mind set that we are the underdogs."

Similar to last year, the Rams have depth beyond their top scorers.

"We have a number of kids who have stepped up this year," Fox said. "Our bench has played better as the season goes on. We need a complete team defence and we're getting there."

The Rams are the only team under 200 points against.

St Joe's sees the prelim winner of Ingersoll - St. Mary's, in the quarters.

Other senior prelims games on November 3, are the Central Elgin Titans at East Elgin and Glendale at Dorchester.

At the junior level, St. Joe's also went 8-0, with a roster of Grade nine players. The Rams will host the prelim winner of Dorchester - Glendale, in a quarterfinal November 5.

All SouthEast quarterfinals are November 5, followed by semifinals November 10 and the South-East final November 12. WOSSAA is November 19, hosted by the SouthEast champ.

A second prelim features the Central Elgin Titans at Ingersoll. That winner heads to Parkside for a quarterfinal. WCI and East Elgin also host quarters.