Historic win as North Lambton beats Lajeunesse for SWOSSA title

For the first time in the 134-year history of the school, North Lambton is heading to a provincial championship tournament.

"The school's been around since 1890," explains head coach Adam Willemse. "In the recorded history we've never seen any, not much basketball at all. There's nothing that we can find that shows any provincial or championship locally."

The Eagles swooped into Windsor and used a court press to stun the young upstarts from EJ Lajeunesse with a 50-25 win in the SWOSSA championship game. "I didn't even expect to be here," said Royals head coach Linda Carriere. "With eight grade 9 and four grade 10's I didn't even think we were going to be close to any finals this year and we were able to win the WECSSAA final. It was fun. I was just crossing my fingers that maybe but it didn't happen and that's ok."

Alexis Wice, who had a game-high 18 points, is excited to be part of Eagles history. The grade 10 standout helped the Eagles improve to 18-1 this season as they punched their ticket to the provincial championship tournament where they'll be playing for their teammate Claudia McKinlay.

"She was watching our game today (online)," Wice said. "She always had just a great upbeat spirit and she always brought good light to this team. Even though she's out right now because of a car accident she still is watching and supporting us and bringing her best energy even though all she's been through. Just awesome to see that. This is all for her."

Northern Lambton will head to Kitchener for the OFSAA tournament starting November 21st.

As for Lajeunesse, they are taking the loss in stride. "It was a really good learning experience," said grade 9 guard Brielle Poirier who scored 14 points to lead the Royals. "We can go pretty far in the next few years coming up. I think we can actually get far with this team. This was a good lesson."

Lajeunesse heads to Toronto this weekend for the Francophone Games to close out their season. "That will be our end of the year team bonding tournament and next year, watch out." Carriere said.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fYIEWlYhrA