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October 29, 2025 | Chris Perrotte | OCN

With some students, staff, and families in attendance, the Crawford Lady Omega stepped onto the basketball court with the goal of remaining undefeated for the season. Their opponent was the Charbonnel Grizzlies, who were seeking their first win of the campaign.

Maria Thom opened the scoring for Crawford at the 6:45 mark of the first quarter. Omega remained in the lead until the Grizzlies tied the game at 7-7 with 1:45 minutes remaining in the quarter. The Grizzlies took the lead and ended the first quarter with an 11-7 advantage over Crawford.

In the second quarter, Omega stormed back to tie and regained the lead. Jayda Hinds led her team offensively by scoring six points, including two in the dying seconds of the quarter, off a turnover in the Grizzlies' zone. Crawford took a 16-11 lead into halftime.

“We need to continue doing the simple things, box out, attack the glass, and stay in front of our opponent [defensively],” said Assistant Coach Akeem Ambrose.

The Charbonnel Grizzlies' Head Coach, Daniel Bibbau, offered similar advice to his players to help them get back into the game. “We have to press, press, press. Get them to turn the ball over. Box out on defence and get some baskets in transition.”

In the third quarter, Omega continued to press and held off any surge by the Grizzlies. At the 4:56 mark of the quarter and down 20-14, Charbonnel called a time-out to figure out how to get back into the game. They came out of the break and quickly scored two points; however, they were unable to break through Omega’s defence. The third quarter ended with Omega leading 23-17.

The fourth quarter started with Omega facing a comeback from the Grizzlies. Three minutes into the period, the Grizzlies closed the gap to one point. It was 23-22 for Omega with 5:04 remaining in the game.

That was as close as the Grizzlies would get, as Crawford dominated the rest of the final quarter. When the final buzzer sounded, Omega secured a 34-24 victory over the Grizzlies. “We got outcoached and outplayed. I can’t wait to see this team (Omega) in the playoffs,” said Grizzlies Head Coach, Daniel Bibbau.

Isabella Paculanang believes that her Omega team has some areas to improve. “I think our team did okay. I think with our inbound plays we are doing a lot better. We’re trying to communicate a little more. I think we need to work on controlling the pace when we are on offence and boxing out.”

The Charbonnel Grizzlies fall to 0-2 to start the season. Crawford Lady Omega remains undefeated with a 2-0 record. The leading scorer for the Omega was Jayda Hinds with 14 points. Their next game is at home when they host St. Mary’s Academy.

Chris Perrotte
OCN Reporter