Basketball
Men’s and Women’s Basketball took to the court this past weekend. Friday night the teams played host to the visiting Red Deer College Queens and Kings.
The women’s game was a battle right from the beginning, as the teams exchanged baskets back and forth with the Lightning edging the first quarter 19-18. Although the Lightning ultimately lost to the Queens, giving up 25 points in the last quarter and falling to the Queens 76 to 60, the Lightning were anchored by a strong performance from Emily Wagner. Wagner scored nearly half the teams points, ending the game with a total of 26 points, 5 assists, 2 steals and 5 rebounds.
The men took to the court next, as they faced the RDC Kings. Spencer Klassen, a dynamic guard and constant threat on the court, is the high-scoring leader of the Kings. The Lightning had a strong start, ending the 1st quarter 21-12, however, as the game progressed the Kings began to find their stride. The final quarter did not disappoint, taking it right down to the wire as 5th year Center Jouvon Edison hit a go-ahead layup with 1 second left on the clock to put the Kings up 82 – 80. A last second shot attempt was no good for the Lightning, leading them to fall to the Kings.
Saturday night the Lightning hit the road on their way to Olds College to face the Broncos.
The women suited up first, squaring off against the reigning ACAC Champions and CCAA National Champions (currently ranked #1 in the country). The Broncos came out of the gate swinging, converting on 50% of their shots and scoring 24 points in the first quarter. The Lightning fought to keep up, only trailing 24-17 after the first quarter. The final quarter was a back and forth affair with the Lightning, but ultimately they could not keep up with the Broncos. The Lightning fought until the very end of the match, with 4 players who scored in the double digits; Emily Wagner, Juhee Anderson, Chayle Clark and Madi Gladstone.
After this weekend’s games, the women fell to 3-3 on the season and find themselves in a 3-way tie at the top with 6 points.
The Men came into Saturday night focused and prepared to make up for the night before – and did just that. The Lightning exploded in the first quarter, leading 33-12! Although plagued by poor 3rd quarters, the Lightning stayed focused, winning the contest 107-50.
This tremendous win saw everyone contribute on the score sheet, with 3rd year Center Alex Cliché being named player of the game with 16 points and 9 rebounds. Six members of the Lightning scored in the double digits, with 4th year Forward Ryan Morck and 2nd year Center JohnPaul Okodua both having had double-double performances!
After the weekend games the Men sit in 5th place in the ACAC South, with 2 wins and 4 losses.
The Lightning will take a much-needed break, resuming play on Nov 15th and 16th. Both upcoming games take place at home, as the Lightning face the Medicine Hat College Rattlers and the Briercrest Clippers.
Come on out and support your Lightning!
