WOMEN'S BOXSCORE

After an extensive pre-season for both the women's and men's basketball programs, the Royals finally hit the court in a match that really mattered. Opening their 2017-18 season Saturday night, Redeemer made the short trip down the road to Mohawk College for a pair of games against their Hamilton Mountain neighbors. 

The women opened up first and despite a strong effort, fell by just 10 points to one of the top teams in the Province 78-68. 

Redeemer's Jessica Bosma came out firing, scoring 11 of her game-high 26 points in the first quarter. The Royals led 19-16 after one. Mohawk stretched the Royals in the 2nd quarter though, outscoring Redeemer 25-10 and taking a 41-29 lead into halftime. The 2nd quarter proved to be the difference as Mohawk was able to hold there lead until the final whistle, despite being outscored in the second half by Redeemer. 

Rookie Shania Graham had 17 points for Redeemer, chipping in 12 of them in the 2nd half. 

In the men's game, the Royals overcame a slow start to pick up where they left off last season. The Royals got a game-high 25 points from 2016-17 CCAA All-Canadian, Rayvon Higdon, in the 80-67 win over the Mountaineers. 

A tight game through the first 3 quarters, Redeemer never cracked under the pressure, despite being dominated on the boards all evening. The patience of the Royals paid off by way of a 24-3 run between the 3rd and 4th quarters, sealing the win in their conference opener. 

5 players hit double-digit points for Redeemer in the victory. In his return to Redeemer, Benn Ibrahim had 15 points while Spencer Kerssies had 10. Nick Green added 11 as well as rookie Elijah Lostracco. 

Redeemer will have just under a week off now to prepare for back-to-back games on the weekend as the Royals host Lambton and St. Clair in their home openers. 

The Royals take the court Friday night at 6pm and 8pm against the Lions before hosting the St. Clair Saints Saturday, also at 6pm and 8pm.