Burnaby South’s pressure game won another BurWest high school girls’ banner in basketball.
The Rebels shook off some early on-court jitters to defeat the New Westminster Hyacks 81-63 in the district banner final at South on Wednesday.
Trailing 8-2 in the opening minutes, Ana Lukic helped South regain the lead with a set shot, followed by shooting guard Amie Morrison, who put the Rebels in the lead for good with her second long-range three-pointer of the quarter.
South went on to finish the quarter on a 25-6 run.
The Rebels opened the second quarter with eight points off turnovers and threatened to turn the game into a rout.
But New Westminster did not wilt, rallying to within five points on a couple of occasions in the third quarter.
But each time, South stepped up its defensive pressure and turned their efforts into pivotal points.
Jasmine Manhas was the chief recipient of South’s mid-court pressure, leading all scorers with 26 points, many of them coming in transition.
Desiree Lister gave the winners numerous second-chance opportunities, chipping in with 20 points and countless rebounds.
Morrison contributed 19 points, including a trio of long-range bombs.
“We kind of got nervous in the beginning, but once we started to get a fast pace that’s how we win games – momentum,” said Lister. “We’re really quick on our feet. That press really helps us.”
Amanda Zacharuk led the Hyacks with 23 points, including 13 of 14 from the free throw line.
With the win, Burnaby South earned the No. 1 BNW seed into the Lower Mainlands, which tipped off today (Friday).
Burnaby Mountain took the No. 3 seeding following a 53-37 victory over Byrne Creek in the consolation final at South.
Mountain’s Jacey Bailey led all scorers with 24 points, nine rebounds and five steals.
New Westminster will host the first three days of the Crehan Cup Lower Mainland girls’ basketball championships in the Massey gym, beginning today (Friday).
With no BNW teams in the top-10 rankings this year, it’s open season for any team at the Mainland championship, added Lister.
“I honestly think we can get the banner at Mainlands,” she said following the district final. “We beat (honourable mention) Handsworth and should have beaten Argyle. I think it’s a fair run for everyone.”
