No. 9 Women's Basketball downs Redeemer on the road

By: Thiago Neuenschwander
Humber Athletics Communications

ANCASTER - No. 9 Humber women's basketball remains strong in the race for the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) West Division title. On Friday night, the Hawks travelled to Ancaster and defeated the Redeemer Royals without difficulty, securing a resounding 78-48 victory. With this result, the Hawks enter the final round with a 13-2 record and can only be matched by the Niagara Knights (12-2), who still face the St. Clair Saints this Saturday (Feb. 1) and the Redeemer Royals next Wednesday (Feb. 5). The Hawks, meanwhile, will take on the Sheridan Bruins on the same date.

The first quarter between Humber and Redeemer was highly competitive, with both teams battling point for point for the lead. The Hawks and the Royals struggled with finishing near the basket, making life easier for both defences. The visitors' main plays revolved around two players. Under the basket, Marley Bonnick dominated in physical battles, while Sarah Baptie (10 pts in the 1st quarter) led the team with jump shots and three-pointers. In fact, Sarah matched her record of 22 points in a single game. Despite the duo's strong performance, the first quarter ended in a tie: 16-16.

Coach Nofuente's squad gradually found a better balance and began dictating the game's pace. With a more structured defence, the team allowed fewer opportunities than in the opening quarter. On the offensive end, they increased intensity and scored more consistently. Baptie and Bonnick (11 pts, 7R) continued to torment the opposition, who struggled to find answers to the Hawks' offensive firepower. The result was inevitable. At halftime, Humber led 40-30.

After the break, the Royals lost their rhythm entirely. The third quarter was a complete masterclass from the Hawks, a true basketball clinic. The visitors ramped up the tempo and didn't allow Redeemer any room for a comeback. The Hawks scored 24 points in the quarter, while the Royals managed just six, making the lead nearly insurmountable.

And that's exactly how it played out. The final quarter was a formality, confirming a dominant victory with a 30-point margin. All eyes now turn to the Saints vs. Knights matchup, which could help the team to secure the first division title for head coach Ceejay Nofuente.

Humber Highlights

• Humber improves to 50-0 all-time against Redeemer, dating back to 1991.
• The Hawks have the highest-scoring offence in the conference, averaging 69.1 ppg.
• Humber is the top rebounding team in the league, averaging 46.5 rebounds per game.
• The team finished 6-2 on the road this season.

What's Next?

No. 9 Humber will wrap up the regular season next on Feb. 5 against the Sheridan Bruins (2-12, 12th West) at North Campus. Tip-off is at 6 PM, with live coverage on the Hawks Sports Network.