UCFV women win another provincial championship, Reid MVP

UCFV’s women’s basketball program has won its fourth-straight BCCAA provincial basketball championships with Lauren Alonzo, Cassi Born, Shiloh Minor and Reid all there to collect the hardware each time.

Despite cruising to their second consecutive 18-0 regular season, the Cascades were pushed in the playoffs, first by OUC who only lost by a 68-61 margin. UCFV was led in scoring by BCCAA Player of the Year Jamie Born’s 21 points, while Reid contributed 13 points to the cause. Also with double figure scoring nights were stalwart Lauren Alonzo with 12 and amazing rookie Leah Garrigus with 14.

On her final go-round at the BCCAA basketball provincials, UCFV’s fourth-year point Kalisha Reid made it count as she averaged 14.5 points and nine rebounds over the two games to collect the tournament MVP. It was Reid’s first such honour despite collecting her fourth consecutive team title.

 The final matchup pitted UCFV against Langara for the second time in three years and UCFV managed to hold them off with a 63-58 final score. Cassi Born decided that her two-point showing in the semifinal had to be rectified and dropped a cool 20 on Langara, followed by Reid’s 16 and Alonzo’s double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds.

 Al Tuchscherer had to be happy to see his team pushed in such important games, as it can only help his team’s preparation as they prepare for their fourth straight trip to nationals in Montreal with their eyes on the big prize once again. Needless to say, the legacy left by the four retiring players – including tournament all-stars Alonzo and Jamie Born – will be difficult to top.

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Story written by Ted Leavitt, UCFV student