Varsity Reds have statement game against CBU

Up against a tough opponent in the Cape Breton Capers in a statement game concerning who is the top dog in women’s basketball for the AUS, the hometown UNB Varsity Reds opened the scoring on a 6-0 run with Amanda Sharpe sinking the first two baskets.

CBU tightened the score with their own 4-0 run, before both teams traded baskets for the remainder of the quarter with UNB taking a lead out of the first 20-16.

After an even start both teams kept the offence coming in the second quarter with the Varsity Reds coming out on top at the end of the second quarter 40-27 after a handful of runs, including a 9-0 run to end the half.

Unlike last week where the Varsity Reds came out of both halftime breaks on fire, in the third quarter it was the Capers time to bounce back and close in on the hot UNB squad. With little offence coming from UNB it was all CBU’s Jahlica Kimon on offence.

There were no big runs for the Capers, but by the end of the quarter UNB’s lead had been chipped away at from the 13 points to only five points going into the final quarter.

The fourth quarter was more offence power from Kimon and Kari Everett of CBU as they kept creeping closer to UNB closing to within two at 66-64 with just under four minutes remaining in the game.

Both teams traded baskets with UNB eventually getting two back-to-back to put a final “lock” on the win. CBU would get to within two again with just under five seconds left, but that is as close as they would get as the Varsity Reds took the game 71-68.

Leading the Varsity Reds in scoring was Sharpe, with 23 points, but that was no easy task being matched up against the 6’2” Haywood. Sharpe gave credit to her team getting her the ball to put herself in a good position.

“It was my teammates,” she said. “I’ve said it so much. I don’t know how they get me the ball sometimes. I’m really undersized compared to Cape Breton’s posts. They (teammates) do such a great job getting me the ball as soon as I’m open.”

“I don’t think I’ve played against someone that has blocked me that much so lots of props to her. They are really good defenders so I had to use all my moves tonight.”

This was also Sharpe’s last game to be played in the LB Gym with a Varsity Reds jersey and although that is a big moment in itself she says getting the win is just as huge.

“It is bittersweet that this is the last time I will play here and it’s kind of cool to go out here with the pit,” she said. “It was a great win and we’re going to use this great energy to get us through playoffs.”

With this win the Varsity Reds have now jumped four points ahead of Cape Breton, but UNB head coach Jeff Speedy is not too concerned as to if his team finishes first or second, so long as they get the bye.

“I would like to finish first or second to be honest with you ‘cause that gets you a first round bye through the playoffs,” said Speedy. “Our league doesn’t give you a banner for winning the league in conference play. They only give you a banner in March. It would be like to finish in first or second and this win gives us a chance to do that.”

This weekend was also huge for UNB, welcoming back to the lineup Megan Corby. Speedy couldn’t say enough about how important it is to have her healthy and on the court.

“Oh my gosh. She is one of the best point guards in the country,” he said. “She does so many things that a lot of people don’t even notice. Our confidence goes through the roof when she’s back there.”

“The two-headed monster we have with Leah and Megan playing the point is pretty hard to stop. If either one of them is hurt it puts so much pressure on the other to have a perfect game. Leah had a great weekend last weekend, but I’d sooner go to battle with both of them.”