U16 Belleville Spirits dominate Ottawa tournament

The Belleville Spirits U16 AAA girls dominated their season opening tournament in Ottawa this past weekend, participating in the 25th annual Chris Paulin tournament.

The Belleville squad capped off their perfect 4-0 record with a convincing 59-28 win over the Goulbourne Hornets.
A balanced scoring attack and smothering defence was the difference in the game. Leading 32-14 at the half, Belleville extended their lead in the third quarter and never looked back. Grace Callahan led the scoring with 15, Sydney Drain 12, Talia Vreugendhill 10, Hannah Goad and Melina McLellan with eight and seven, respectively.

In preliminary round robin play, Belleville handled the Nepean Blue Devils 58-29. Callahan scored 13, with Goad adding six and Kira Fair four.

In Game 2, Belleville took on Goulbourne for the first time and came away with a 59-30 win. Callahan lead the scoring with 17, while Aleisha Rose and Sydney Drain each had seven, and Gracie Burris chipped in with five.

With a spot in the gold medal game secured, the Spirits wrapped up pool play with a 77-35 win over host club, Ottawa Next Level. Every Spirits player hit the score sheet in the lopsided victory. Callahan lead the onslaught with 19, followed by Drain, 12, McLellan, 10, and Vanessa Wilton, nine.

Coaches credit the girls with a great effort all weekend. Up next for the Spirits is opening weekend of Ontario Basketball League X games this Saturday in Toronto.