The second half challenge for the Lo-Ellen Park Prep Knights is clear.
With 50 per cent of their first half losses by seven points or less, the local entry into the Ontario Scholastic Basketball Association are hoping to turn their 2-8 record into a mark that is somewhat more favourable by the time that the end of February arrives.
With both of the West Division powerhouses already out of the way (Niagara Prep at 11-1; Lincoln Prep at 7-3), the Sudbury girls will be looking to work their way into a top four placement in the East, with nine games remaining on the schedule.
The Knights closed out their pre-Christmas slate of games with a tough 64-60 loss at Central Tech earlier this month, with play now resuming on January 10th/11th in Ottawa, the northern gals set to face Louis-Riel (2-9) and the Capital Courts (9-2).
Three Lo-Ellen players would hit double digits in the loss, as Emilie Lafond (17), Dylann Mazzuchin (13) and Delaney Bourget (11) showed the way, with Aneisha Rismond (6) and Claudia Pellerin-Olutayo (5) also chipping in nicely.
Diaka Berete (25) and Qadira Peralta Hamilton (18) did much of the heavy lifting for Central Tech, as the homeside outscored Lo-Ellen 30-11 in the final quarter, overcoming a 37-18 halftime deficit en route to the win.
The Knights are back in Sudbury on Friday, January 17th, hosting Excel Hoops Prep at Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School for a 5 p.m. encounter.
