All Canada Classic: The Nation’s Top Women Put on a Show, Lindsay Shotbolt Grabs MVP Honours
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TORONTO, ON–On June 21st, 2011, PHASE 1 held it’s 11th annual All Canada Classic all star game, which brought together wonderful talent from all over Canada. Provinces like Ontario, Saskatchewan and Quebec were well represented with players such as Dakota Whyte, Paige Crozon, Alexandria Kiss-Rusk and many more.
While many believed the boys game would be the main attraction, the girls came out and put on a show that deserved huge recognition. Dominating early, the East team came out with a strong of 13-10 lead in the first quarter. Grade 11 guard, Dakota Whyte and senior forward Jory McDonald played a strong first half for the East team with their superb perimeter and post play, and by half time, the girls were up 30-24. Making sure to keep the West in close range, Fairleigh Dickison NCAA commit, Mariah Nunes, played aggressively, scrambling for loose balls, blocking shots and putting in work offensively.
At the start of the second half, the West had every intent of winning the game. They were out to redeem themselves. With a quick three point shot by Manitoba’s Alex Warburton, the West got going. Senior guard Cassandra Nofuente displayed her lock down defensive skills with a couple of steals which ultimately lead to fast breaks and intensified the game.
Ottawa commit Kellie Ring came out with a force. Her uncanny ability to draw in her defender and attack showed she was more than ready to dominate. Having been awarded Miss. Basketball Ontario prior to the game, Ring proved she deserved the title. Guarded by Nunes, they both put on an epic battle of two greats playing on the big stage.
With the game being played so close in the third quarter, Lindsay Shotbolt took control. Constantly taking shots, grabbing rebounds, and diving for every single loose ball, Lindsay owned the second half. Due to her amazing performance and relentless team effort, team East walked away with a 52-41 win, and Shotbolt was awarded MVP of the game with a high score of 18 points.
Honorable mentions go out to Kaili Lukan, Becky Nash, Vanessa Pickard, and Alexandria Kiss-Rusk for their wonderful play. Congratulations to all of the ladies for making the All Canada Classic roster and proving they all deserved to play on a national stage!
