(London, Ontario) – During the first game of Falcons Fest, the Fanshawe Women's basketball team (5-8) took care of business, beating the Conestoga Condors (2-11) by a score of 81-36.
The Falcons got off to a quick start, scoring within the first six seconds of the game. Taya Spears (London, ON) took control of the ball during tip-off and made an advancing pass to Myra Ciccarelli (Hamilton, ON) who converted on the left-handed layup. To put the Falcons up 12-4 over the visitors, rookie Joanna Smith (Simcoe, ON) swished a three from the top of the arc. Chloe Meldrum (St. Thomas, ON) pitched into Fanshawe's dominant effort, sinking a long two. The Falcons led 24-8 after the first.
Alison Cotton (London, ON) extended Fanshawe's advantage while recording an offensive rebound and putting the ball back in the hoop. Sidney Deleary (Chippewas of the Thames) got in on the action with a beautiful spin move and laid the ball up and in Conestoga's net. Deleary followed up, hitting a triple to give Fanshawe a 33-10 lead over the Condors. Ciccarelli later rattled in a long three to increase Fanshawe's 12-3 run. A steal by Cotton led to an easy two points on Fanshawe's offensive end. The Falcons controlled the pace of the game and showed great team play. At half, the Falcons were up by a score of 48-16.
Spears knocked down a jumper on Fanshawe's first possession of the half. Within the 8th minute of the frame, Spears also recorded an and-one. To give the Falcons a 37-point lead, Shauntee Centen (London, ON) cleaned up on the glass, grabbing an offensive rebound and then putting the ball in the hoop. Fanshawe's superb play continued as first-year Layla Mackenzie (Camlachie, ON) scored seven points within just over two minutes. Fanshawe was up 72-26 over the visitors after three.
Spears swished a runner in the lane to give Fanshawe 76 points. The Falcons took the game 81-36 over the Condors. Deleary led the Falcons in scoring with 14 points and recorded five rebounds and four assists in the game. Cotton solidified her eighth double-double of the season, scoring 11 points, gathering 10 rebounds, and adding an incredible seven steals.
The next Falcons home game will be at International Night on February 1 against Redeemer. Cheer on Fanshawe's basketball teams at 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. in the Nest. Free popcorn and halftime giveaways are included!
