Oak Bay Breakers Surge Past Mulgrave Titans to Secure Spot in the 2024 Girls Final
Mulgrave Titans v. Oak Bay Breakers
December 13, 2024
(photo credit: Blair Shier)
Checking in from beautiful Cypress Mountain, home of the Mulgrave Titans who are set to battle against the Oak Bay Breakers with a spot in the 2024 No Regrets girls’ final on the line. Friday night, clear views of the city from the base of Cypress Mountain and 2 teams ready to fight for their spot in the championship game - does it get any better?
We have cowbells and drums in the stands tonight - so the spectators are fully aware of what’s at stake here this evening. Let’s see if that home gym advantage pays off for the Titans. It’s a feisty start for both of these teams, as it looks like they both are going to be coming out putting a lot of pressure on their opponents with full-court D. It’s a defensive battle between these squads through the first few minutes, with the Breakers scoring the lone 2 points close to 5 minutes into the game. As the quarter carries forward, the infamous Oak Bay pressure all over the court is starting to pay off; a handful of forced turnovers leading to easy buckets has them up 8-2. Oak Bay kept applying that pressure, attacking the glass on the offensive end and earning themselves a comfortable 24-5 lead at the end of the quarter.
The Titans received some words of encouragement from coach Claude in between quarters, and have come out with a level up in energy. # 1 for Mulgrave, Mojarradi, just went on a run of her own with a handful of buckets getting her team well into double digits. Mulgrave continued to fight and claw, trying to cut down the lead before they entered the half. The big deficit after Q1 will be a challenge to overcome against these Breakers, but the Titans are seeing if they can make some magic happen for their fans. Their supporters certainly appreciate Mojarradi’s willingness to put her body on the line to battle against the Breakers #10 Isbister for a loose ball on the ground!
At the half, Oak Bay has a 48-22 lead.
Halftime Fact #1: Mulgrave’s school motto is “Inspiring Excellence in Education and Life.”
Halftime Fact #2: Oak Bay can be located at 48°25′56″N 123°19′03″W / 48.43229°N 123.3174°W, in case you find yourself in the area.
Oak Bay’s #8, Andulajevic, is impacting the game on both ends of the court. Contributing consistently offensively and getting her hands in passing lanes left, right and centre on D. No matter what Andulajevic or her teammates do, it does not appear to affect the positive energy coming from the Titans bench! Not to be outmatched, the Breakers bench went off cheering after their latest three - extending their lead to 55-28. End of the third quarter has Oak Bay up 67-39.
The Titans aren’t taking the opportunity to play against a solid team like Oak Bay for granted. They’ve started the fourth quarter on a 8-2 run, and even if it may feel like pulling off the complete comeback might be a long shot, they are competing on every possession and seeing what that scoreboard says after the full 40. As the final horn goes, Oak Bay has officially secured their place in the girls’ final!
Both teams started this game a bit slow on the offensive end, taking some time to get their legs under them and for the scoring floodgates to open. Once that comfort level settled in the Breakers were able to get themselves a quick lead, and never looked back.
Oak Bay’s opponent in the final is going to have to match their defensive energy if they are going to be able to compete for the championship. The Breakers’ ability to get tips and force turnovers is going to cause trouble for any team not strong with the ball. Expect Oak Bay to rest up, hit the ice bath tonight and start the prep for their big final tomorrow afternoon at Handsworth.
Final Score: Oak Bay: 79 - Mulgrave: 61.
No Regrets.