Ashlyn Martin had 11 points to lead the host Jarvis Bulldogs to a dominant 41-16 victory over the Malvern Black Knights in Tier 1 senior women’s basketball action Thursday.
Marissa Ross added eight points and grabbed a number of key rebounds for the Bulldogs (2-1).
“I don’t want to sound cocky, but we’re a pretty good team,” coach Bob Clarke said. “Last year we finished second in the [city championship] and we have basically the same team back. Yes I expected to win, I just didn’t know by how much.
Clarke did have some kind words for the Black Knights.
“I thought Malvern put up a good fight, they just lacked a couple of kids that could score. They played good on defence.”
Shaniece Thomas led a young, inexperienced Malvern (0-3) team with four points.
“We’re still going through the learning phase of playing Tier 1 basketball,” said coach Shawn McPhee, whose club has just moved up a level this season. “They hustled and played hard and fought right to the end, so I’m proud of the girls.”
Just a minute into the contest, Rebecca Lee, a Grade 9 player for Jarvis, was injured.
She sat on the sidelines for the rest of the first half clutching her left shoulder until paramedics arrived at half time to help her to the hospital.
Clarke said Lee’s shoulder has been an issue in the past and this is the third time the youngster has re-aggravated the injury.
There was no word on her condition.
Malvern only led once, up 3-2 shortly after tip-off. Jarvis then went on a tear, controlling the ball for the rest of the period and scoring seven straight points to lead 9-3 at the break.
The second quarter wasn’t much different as the Bulldogs stormed out and continued to build on their lead. At the half, Jarvis was up 23-5, combining stifling defensive play with crisp passing around the offensive perimeter.
Malvern showed their frustration in the third quarter playing more physically and taking a couple of fouls in the process.
Jarvis went into the final quarter with an insurmountable 34-12 lead.
With 3:52 left and the game well in hand, Clarke pulled all of his starters off, giving Annie Tang a chance to shine, picking up five points off the bench.
Among a number of obvious choices to pick from, Clarke highlighted the play of Vivian Hong, who had five points.
“Vivian played her best game of the year so far,” he said. “It won’t show up in the stat sheet, but she played really well.”
Around the Region: Earlier this week, Lawrence Park defeated Oakwood 55-45 to pick up their first win of the season and Jarvis beat Humberside 48-30, handing Humberside its second loss of the year.