CAIS Sr. Girls National Basketball Championship – Day 1 Recap: A Day of Victories and Rising Stars

November 21, 2024 — The highly anticipated CAIS Sr. Girls National Basketball Championship kicked off with an electrifying day of action on the hardwood. Fans packed into the gym, and the energy was palpable from the opening whistle. The athletes didn't disappoint, delivering dominant displays, shocking upsets, and nail-biting finishes.

King's Edgehill and Armbrae Dominate Early

The day started with an emphatic statement from King's Edgehill School, cruising to a 62-22 victory over West Island College. A relentless defense and fast-break offense set the tone early as King's Edgehill set themselves up as a serious contender.

The biggest performance of the day came from Armbrae Academy, whose ruthless attack left Rundle College reeling with a jaw-dropping 89-16 victory. Armbrae's crisp passing, deadly shooting, and full-court press were on full display, as they dismantled the opposition. They weren’t done there, putting the cherry on top of their day with a 96-16 demolition of Appleby College, proving they have their sights firmly set on the championship.

Stanstead College and Sacred Heart Shine

Meanwhile, the day’s first thriller saw Stanstead College edge out Albert College 37-35 in a game that went down to the final seconds. With tensions running high and fans on the edge of their seats, Stanstead hit a clutch shot in the final moments to seal a dramatic win.

Sacred Heart School of Halifax had a commanding opening day as well, rolling past The York School 59-13 and following it up with a confident 54-36 victory over Ridley College. Their steady, composed play and aggressive rebounding have them in excellent form heading into the next round.

Halifax Grammar Impresses with a 2-0 Record

The host city was well represented by Halifax Grammar School, who stormed through the day with back-to-back 80-point victories. They first took down Rothesay Netherwood School 80-59 in a high-scoring affair and then overwhelmed Ashbury College 80-39 in a commanding performance. Grammar’s disciplined defense and balanced scoring were key, showcasing their depth and strength on both ends of the floor.

Underdogs and Surprises

In a surprise outcome, Miss Edgar's and Miss Cramp's School had a stellar start, defeating Appleby College 62-36 and following up with a 58-27 win over Rundle College. Their cohesive play and smart shot selection allowed them to handle both games with poise.

West Island College, despite their initial heavy loss to King’s Edgehill, rebounded with a gritty 27-23 win over Albert College, showing resilience and determination to bounce back and make their mark on the tournament.

Day 1 Results Summary:

King’s Edgehill School 62 - 22 West Island College

Halifax Grammar School 80 - 59 Rothesay Netherwood School

Ashbury College 50 - 14 Hillfield Strathallan College

Albert College 35 - 37 Stanstead College

Miss Edgar’s and Miss Cramp’s School 62 - 36 Appleby College

Armbrae Academy 89 - 16 Rundle College

Sacred Heart School Halifax 59 - 13 The York School

King’s Edgehill School 68 - 22 Ridley College

Halifax Grammar School 80 - 39 Ashbury College

Rothesay Netherwood School 74 - 18 Hillfield Strathallan College

Albert College 23 - 27 West Island College

Stanstead College 44 - 16 The York School

Sacred Heart School Halifax 54 - 36 Ridley College

Miss Edgar’s and Miss Cramp’s School 58 - 27 Rundle College

Armbrae Academy 96 - 16 Appleby College

Looking Ahead

Day 1 has set the stage for a thrilling tournament with clear favorites emerging, but upsets and surprises are always lurking. With teams battling for supremacy, the tension will only build as the tournament progresses. Armbrae and Halifax Grammar have marked themselves as the ones to watch, while others like Sacred Heart and King’s Edgehill are hot on their heels.

The gym is buzzing, the crowd is roaring, and the CAIS Sr. Girls Basketball Championship promises to deliver even more drama in the days to come! Stay tuned for more hard-fought battles and unforgettable moments.