1953-54 St. Agnes High School Girls 

Provincial Champs

The 1953-54 St. Agnes High School Girls basketball team was one of the finest teams ever produced on the local scene. Members of the team were Lillian Baldwin, Eunice (Podurski) Chiasson, Agatha (Maddin) Matheson, Sister Marie MacPherson, Rose (Muise) Longley, Mary (Yuhas) Mason, Edna (MacDonald) Burns, Katherine (Williams) Peltier, Neva (Kezel) Spende, Lillian 'Mud' (MacDonald) MacMillan, Mary (MacEachern) Hughes, and Jeannette (MacNeil) McCarron (Coach).

The team fought off a tough Lockport squad to capture the first game of a two game total point series in March of 1954. In the opening tilt, Lockport broke into an early lead, only to have the St. Agnes girls break into a lead of their own and set the pattern for the evening's battle. The game was a back and forth affair which saw the lead change hands often as the local ladies persevered to come out on top of a 27-23 score. Lillian Baldwin and Neva Kezel led the offensive attack for St. Agnes garnering 12 and 10 points respectively. Lillian MacDonald, Marie MacPherson and Edna MacDonald were outstanding on defense as the victory allowed the St. Agnes squad to carry a slim 4 point lead into the final contest.

The championship game was a mismatch right from the beginning as the St. Agnes squad under the watchful eyes of Coach MacNeil put their best game of the year together. Using a tenacious defense and splendid passing plays, the local team completely dominated the South Shore team 25 to 10 to cop the Provincial Title. Eunice Podurski led the attack with 10 points as Baldwin, Kezel and Katherine Williams all hit the hoop in support of the victory. The team's three regular guards all turned in outstanding defensive efforts as St. Agnes held Lockport to a minuscule 10 points. "Mud" MacDonald, Marie MacPherson, and Edna MacDonald were relentless as they turned in one of the finest defensive efforts ever witnessed locally.

The skill and determination of the squad was well rewarded and recognized as the team captains Lillian MacDonald and Neva Kezel were presented with the Provincial Championship banner. All team members were presented with team crests emblematic of their championship drive. Coal Bowl 2001 is pleased and honored to recognize this team as they relive the fond memories from their high school years. Welcome back ladies!