Hi Folks,
This was another tough weekend, with a trip Friday to Hamilton to take on McMaster, followed by a flight the next morning to Thunder Bay to play Lakehead. Despite both resulting in losses, (68-47 to Mac & 64-62 to Lakehead), they were completely different games. Our performance against McMaster was dreadful, virtually in all aspects of the game. Our inability to take care of the basketball (28 turnovers against a team that did not press us), and our inability to defend (especially in transition) really had me questioning our methods in practice to date.
Saturday, despite being a long (less than seamless) day of travel, and a very slow start to the game (trailing 19-8 after the first quarter), we settled down to play some decent basketball. We outscored Lakehead in each of the next 3 quarters (20-16, 19-16, 15-13), but fell just short (literally) as a last second shot to tie, landed on the front rim. Against Lakehead's pressure and variety of defenses, we turned the ball over 18 times -- not a great stat, but better than the previous few games. We were 0 for 6 from the 3 point line in the first half, but went 4-6 in the second. Rebounding improved from Friday to Saturday, but still requires much focus.
ID/Training Camp: Just a reminder that we will be hosting an ID/Training Camp for players in Gr. 10-12 that may have an interest in playing for Q's down the road. The on-court sessions will be held on Sunday, December 5th from 9-11am and 1-3pm. In between the on-court sessions we will provide a tour of the new Athletics & Recreation Centre and answer questions about our program, academics and university life. Please drop me a quick email if you would like to attend (no cost) so that I can prepare for the numbers.
Many of our readers know that we have a group of men and women come in to scrimmage against our team each week to help us prepare for the upcoming games. They are affectionately known as our scrubs, one of whom, Iain Reid, is now an accomplished author, having recently released his new book called, "One Bird's Choice." Here's a small review from Maclean's magazine:
http://www2.macleans.ca/2010/09/16/146096/3/ It would make a great Christmas gift!
This coming weekend marks the last of our home games for the fall. Our Friday game against Windsor (ranked # 1 in Canada) is also our "Shoot for the Cure" game, where we try to raise awareness and funds for Breast Cancer Research. Funds raised from this game and other initiatives will be combined with other universities and presented to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation at the CIS Women's Basketball Championship with the goal of raising $100,000. This goal was met last year with just over $104,000 raised. Please note that funds raised in Kingston will remain in the local chapter of the Breast Cancer Foundation. Please come out and support our team and at the same time support our "Shoot for the Cure" event.
A Challenge: I will donate $1 for every point scored in the game (both teams) and I would like others to join me in this venture. You can accept this challenge individually, as a small group, or as a company. In any case, contact me with your pledge and I will have your name (or company name) included in our game announcements throughout the evening. Of course, tax receipts will be provided.
Up Next at Home:
Friday, November 26 vs Windsor 6pm (Shoot for the Cure game)
Sat., November 27 vs Western 6pm
Up Next on the Road:
Thursday, December 2 @ RMC 6pm
Have a great week!
Dave.
Marauders hand Gaels third straight defeat
HAMILTON (November 19, 2010) � The Queen's Gaels women's basketball (1-4) team lost their third straight decision 68-47 to the McMaster Maruaders (2-3) Friday night in Hamilton.
Alyska Lukan of Barrie, Ont., led the Marauders in scoring, pouring in 15 points to go along with 11 rebounds. Jaklynn Nimec of Binbrook, Ont., and Taylor Chariot of Hamilton, also reached double-digits for McMaster, recording 11 and 10 points respectively.
Paige Robinson of Calgary, was the only Gael to reach double-digits in scoring on the night as she finished with 15 points. Liz Boag of Kingston, Ont., also had a solid game for Queen's, adding seven points, seven rebounds and four assists.
Queen's struggled to make shots on the night, shooting 30% from the floor and just 69% from the free throw line.
Gaels edged out by Lakehead
THUNDER BAY, Ont. (November 20, 2010) - Brittany Moore of Hannon, Ont., led all scorers with 19 points but it wasn't enough as the Queen's Gaels fell to the Lakehead Thunderwolves by a 64-62 score.
Moore scored from every part of the court in this game as she hit three field goals from inside the arc, three field goals from outside the arc, and four free throws to round out her scoring. She was also the Gaels leading rebounder with six, two of which came in the offensive end.
The Gaels couldn't contain Lindsay Druery of Smithville, Ont., as she led the Thunderwolves with 15 points and 11 rebounds.
The Gaels had difficulty hitting shots from the floor as they made 31% of their shots. Jill Wheat of Marwayne, Alta., and Meaghan MacDougall of Martintown, Ont., were the other double digit scorers for the Gaels with 13 and 10 points respectively.
The Gaels will be in action on Friday night when they return home to take on the Windsor Lancers. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:00 pm.
The official blog of Queen's University - Athletics and Recreation.
