The Algonquin Barons got back to their winning ways this weekend, securing the school's first NOSSA Senior Girls Basketball title since 2013. In a thrilling and hard-fought final, the Barons edged out the Aigles de l’ÉSC Horizon 59-55 in overtime, repeating the dramatic fashion of their recent NDA title victory just days earlier.
The road to the final wasn’t easy for the Barons. Their tournament journey began with a tough opening-round loss to Horizon, but they bounced back in spectacular fashion. Facing a must-win scenario in their second game, the Barons overcame an early 20-point deficit to defeat the White Pines Wolverines from Sault Ste. Marie, 59-53. A combination of tenacious defence and key rebounding efforts from Aurora Edwards, Mya Carruthers and Emily Lachapelle proved crucial as the Barons mounted their comeback.
In the championship game, Vanessa Zwolak was the standout performer, leading her team with 22 points. Isabelle Bérubé added 13 points, and key contributions from Freija-Mae Francoeur and Kaitlyn Edworthy helped the Barons claw their way back from a 6-point halftime deficit. Down the stretch, Haleigh Hotte and Hannah Rutledge hit important free throws, while Ève Beaudry and Jordyn McGinley provided strong defensive play to neutralize Horizon’s offence.
With the victory, the Barons have earned a spot at the Girls A OFSAA Championships in Kitchener.
The tournament will begin on Thursday, with the championship game scheduled for Saturday afternoon.
