Lyons defeat taken with a dose of pride

[attach]939[/attach]For William Lyon Mackenzie CI’s girls basketball, their qualifying for the playoffs meant an end to a six-year drought.

Coach Janine Extavour couldn’t be happier.

“I’m really proud of our improvement in rebounding,” she said. “Our teamwork was great all season and what really helped is they are all friends off the court.”

That camaraderie led the team to 4-2 record on the year. But the magical season came to an abrupt end Nov. 3 as they dropped a 48-28 decision against Emery in girls quarter-final action.

But the Lyons will learn from the season, Extavour said, and as a result be stronger.

“The girls are leaving with their heads held high and we’re already excited about next year,” she said.

Leading the scoring for Mackenzie in the final game was Telise Carmichael with 11 points. Lillie Jiminez added to the Lyons’s attack with her speed and nine points.

However, Emery got hot and took control late in the first. With the score 14-6 the turning point came when the Eagles went on a nine-point run.

“I’m a little surprised that they played us man-to-man,” Emery coach Bob Maydo said. “They are a good team and have some quality players.”

The Eagles played solid defence in the second quarter as they held Jiminez and Carmichael to only two points.

Despite opening the third with five straight points Mackenzie couldn’t pull off a comeback as Emery continued their potent defence, en route to victory and a berth in the semifinals.
Still, Extavour was proud of her charges.
“It’s great that we made the playoffs this year and it was such an exciting season for everyone.” she said.