Posted: Mar 01, 2025
Women's Basketball capture OCAA silver medal
Mohawk
(11-5, 11-5)
73
Humber
(14-2, 14-2)
69
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Mohawk (11-5, 11-5) | 17 | 20 | 20 | 16 | 73 |
|
Humber (14-2, 14-2) | 18 | 21 | 14 | 16 | 69 |
By: Thiago Neuenschwander
Humber Athletics Communications
OTTAWA - The country's No. 11-ranked women's basketball team was defeated in the Ontario Colleges Athletics Association (OCAA) championship final on Saturday evening in Ottawa, securing the silver medal in this year's competition. The game was closely contested, but in the end, the Mohawk Mountaineers prevailed with a 73-69 victory, claiming this season's title. This marks the seventh provincial championship in Mohawk Mountaineers' OCAA history.
Much like in the semifinal, the navy and gold squad seemed nervous at the start of the game and took time to find their rhythm. Despite numerous attempts at drives and jump shots, the ball simply refused to fall. Meanwhile, Mohawk played a fast-paced game that unsettled the Hawks' defence. Within minutes, the Hamilton-based team jumped to a 9-0 lead, led by the exceptional Kendra Oliver, who finished the game with a double-double (24 points and 10 rebounds).
Gradually, CeeJay Nofuente's team was able to control possession and finish more efficiently. The OCAA Player of the Year, Kia Watt (22 points, four assists, and three rebounds), began to shine, taking control of the game and getting the Hawks back on track. By the end of the first quarter, the scoreboard already showed an 18-17 lead for the Hawks.
Both teams battled for the lead point by point in the second quarter. While Watt was dominant on one end, making nearly every shot, Oliver responded in kind, keeping Mohawk close on the scoreboard. Both players scored 15 points before halftime, with the Hawks holding a narrow two-point lead: 39-37.
When play resumed for the third quarter, the game remained evenly matched. With strong accuracy, particularly in short-range shots and plays inside the paint, both teams kept the scoreboard ticking. Angong Jacob, Tiffany Williams, and Maddie Anderson began making an impact for the Mountaineers, putting pressure on the Hawks' defence. Maddie Anderson hit a beautiful three-pointer to put Mohawk ahead, 51-50. Before the final quarter, the Mountaineers had extended their lead to 57-52.
In the fourth and final quarter, the Hawks went all out but failed to translate their intensity into points. Every time they got close, Mohawk found a way to score. With 36 seconds left, Angong Jacob hit a clutch jump shot, making it 71-66 for the Mountaineers. Watt answered with a deep three-pointer, keeping the Hawks' hopes alive. But with only a few seconds on the clock, they had to foul to stop the game. Mohawk calmly sank the free throws to seal the victory and celebrate their gold medal triumph.
Kia Watt and Marley Bonnick were named to the all-tournament team.
Game Notes
- This was Humber's 24th OCAA podium finish in program history.
- Kia Watt finished the postseason averaging 19. points and 7.5 rebounds-per-game.
- Coach Nofuente joins Jim Henderson (1992) and Denise Perrier (2001) as the only coaches in program history to finish on the podium in their first season at the helm.
