King’s Christian Survives Fort Erie’s Late Push in 79–77 OSBA Game of the Week Thriller
Written by: JJ Evason | @JJEvason
The Ontario Scholastic Basketball Association’s Game of the Week delivered high drama on Tuesday night at Fort Erie International Academy (FEIA), where King’s Christian Collegiate held off a furious late surge from Fort Erie to earn a 79–77 win in one of the most competitive matchups of the early OSBA Women’s season.
First Half – Sow Dominates, Newson Answers
Fort Erie established its presence immediately through Amelia Sow, who was unstoppable inside throughout the opening half. The forward scored eight points in the first quarter and added 12 more in the second, amassing 20 by halftime as FEIA built early momentum. Danyelle London chipped in with 11 points before the break, helping Fort Erie attack the interior with precision.
Despite Sow’s dominance, King’s Christian refused to back down. Led by Alex Newson’s 13 first-half points, the visitors showcased depth and poise, with six different players contributing offensively against FEIA’s shifting 2–3 zone. The team’s ability to attack gaps and finish through contact kept the game within reach heading into halftime.
The only blemish for King’s came midway through the opening frame, when Class of 2026 guard Scarlett Smith went down with a non-contact left knee injury at the 4:11 mark — a moment that tested their resilience early.
Second Half – Adjustments, Runs, and Rising Tension
The third quarter saw FEIA change defensive gears, forcing King’s Christian to operate almost exclusively in the half-court. The strategy paid dividends, limiting transition chances and creating multiple shot clock violations.
Class of 2028 guard Portia Reisen, who was held scoreless in the first half due to foul trouble, came alive after the break, providing a much-needed offensive spark with eight second-half points. Her energy and quickness helped Fort Erie chip away at the deficit, setting up a back-and-forth final quarter.
But when the game tightened, King’s Christian’s veterans took control. Newson, already carrying much of the offensive load, found an extra gear down the stretch, while Emma Dongelmans added timely baskets and crucial rebounds. The pair combined for 29 second-half points, steadying King’s through the mounting pressure.
“It was super stressful,” Newson said postgame with a smile. “I think our team came out great. We made some big stops on Amelia [Sow], got good rebounds, and just pushed the ball at the end — made some big shots.
Final Moments – Buchanan Seals It at the Line
With the game tied in the closing seconds, Fort Erie ran their offense deep into the shot clock. The ball swung to Reisen in the corner for a potential game-winner, but her three-point attempt bounced long. Mia Scott hauled in the rebound for King’s Christian and immediately fired a pass ahead to Cayenne Buchanan, who raced down the left side and attacked the rim.
Buchanan was fouled by Elizabeth Jegede on her layup attempt, sending her to the line with 1.4 seconds left and the game hanging in the balance. Showing veteran calm, she knocked down both free throws to put King’s ahead 79–77.
Following a timeout, FEIA advanced the ball to half-court for one last chance. London inbounded to Jegede, who drew a double team and kicked it to Nina Visnjevac, but her quick release rimmed out as the buzzer sounded — sealing a hard-fought win for King’s Christian Collegiate.
After the game, Newson reflected on the bond within this year’s team. “We’ve been here for a while,” she said. “I’ve been here two years, Gabby [Morash] two years, and a bunch of them four years. I think it’s just the school, the coaching staff — we’re all together. We’ve got a small roster this year, but I think we’re pretty good.”
Top Performers
- King’s Christian Collegiate: Alex Newson – 29 points, multiple three-pointers, and lockdown perimeter defence
- Fort Erie International Academy: Amelia Sow – 36 points, dominant interior presence and defensive disruptor
Up Next
- King’s Christian Collegiate: vs. Niagara Prep – Thursday, November 6th, at King’s Christian Collegiate
- Fort Erie International Academy: vs. Lincoln Prep – Wednesday, November 19th, at Cathedral High School
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