With files from Lorelle Weavers, Intercollegiate Coordinator, NC Athletics and Student Engagement
The Niagara College Knights women’s basketball team ended their season on a high, coming home from the 2023-2024 OCAA Women’s Basketball Championships with their second bronze medal in three years and the eighth medal in the program’s history.
After a tough loss to the Lambton Lions in the semi-final game on Saturday, March 2, the Knights rebounded well to pull off a 67-52 victory against the St. Clair Saints in the bronze medal game on Sunday, March 3.
“We’re so excited for Coach Chris Rao, his staff and the women’s basketball team,” said Michele O’Keefe, NC’s Director, Athletics and Student Engagement. “Having two OCAA medals in the time that Coach Rao has been with us is a great accomplishment and it shows that the Niagara College Knights women’s basketball squad is a consistent threat on the court.”
Game recap
The game started with the Saints and the Knights trading baskets back and forth before Niagara extended their lead to five points going into the second quarter. The Knights took full advantage of that lead and never looked back, as the Saints trailed for the rest of the game.
Niagara was able to hold St. Clair to just three field goals in the second quarter and took a comfortable 11-point lead into the half. The Saints came out of half time with their best quarter of the game, scoring 16 points and holding the Knights to only 14, but Niagara responded well scoring 21 points in the fourth quarter and holding St. Clair to 15 points to seal the deal.
Standout student-athletes
Jamira Rousseau (Welland/ Social Service Worker) was named Player of the Game for Niagara contributing a full stat line of 40 minutes, 8 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists, and 1 steal. Janee Harrison (St. Catharines/ Fitness and Health Promotion) was named to the Tournament All-Star team and had a fantastic game against the Saints adding 14 points, 20 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal in 35 minutes on the court.
Griffin Lack-Shane (Waterloo/Social Service Worker) stepped up all weekend and contributed 12 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists during the bronze medal game. Destiny Osadebamwen (Toronto/ General Arts and Science) continued her steady performance with 11 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists. Senior Molly Taylor (Niagara Falls, Practical Nursing) added 9 points, 12 rebounds, and 2 blocks before fouling out with just less than 3 minutes remaining in her final game as an NC Knight.
A winning team effort
Although there were several standout players in the final game for the Knights, it was a true team effort to bring home a medal and Head Coach Chris Rao is proud of the team’s achievement.
“Sunday was a totally different story [than Saturday], we played all out and tough. Everyone performed well and played hard,” said Rao, who added that he is happy for seniors Molly Taylor and Taryn Mitchell, who are the first Knights women’s basketball players to graduate the program with two medals since 1984.
The Knights women’s basketball team finished the 2023-2024 season with a 12-4 regular season record and a 3-1 post-season record. They finished fourth in the West division and were able to bring their best during the bronze medal game.
Knights women’s basketball coaching staff, including Head Coach Chris Rao (front row, far left) and young fans celebrate with the team after their bronze medal win.
