Cyclones Lower Spirits — MJ Independent

It was a tightly fought contest but the Central Cyclones senior girls basketball team managed to escape the clutches of the Vanier Spirits’ press to win 56 - 43.

The game saw the Spirits call up three players from the junior ranks to bolster their depleted ranks.

“It was a good game for us. That was probably our best shooting game of the year so I’m super proud of them for that. And we executed our defence well I thought,” Central Cyclones head coach Tanya MacLean said.

Maclean said the Cyclones could still have work to do as they head towards the City league playoffs and a run in provincials.

“I think we can always be better than we are. We always have stuff to work on. I think we’re on the right track for sure.”

Maclean said she wasn’t surprised by Vanier’s strong play.

“Vanier is a solid team. Every time we play Vanier they all work hard. No, I’m not surprised,” she said.

“They are quick. They hustle…they (the three juniors called up to fill out Canier’s roster) ya were solid. They did good.”

“We had some good things happening and just couldn’t capitalize on some opportunities,” Miguel Cruz head coach of the Vanier Spirits said.

Illness had an effect on the Spirits already dangerously short bench.

“I hate to use it as an excuse but then again we were short one of our regular grade 11 player couldn’t make it tonight because she was sick. So we had to call up a bunch of juniors…I think they filled in quite well,” Cruz said.

The three juniors called up allowed the Vikings to put ten players on the roster.

“I think they did well. They’ve been practicing a little bit with us…it’s always tough trying to learn plays. You tell them once and then put it into action in game simulation is difficult. But they did OK,” he said.

Once the juniors are finished with their playoffs they will join the team full-time on their play-off an Hoopla runs.