MAIN PHOTO: Lockview head coach Lori Lancaster shares an emotional hug after the final home game of the high school careers for daughter Grace and Emma Foye. (Healey photo)
FALL RIVER: It was a game that Grace Lancaster and Emma Foye were going to ensure it was nothing but a victory as the outcome.
The two senior basketball players for the Lockview High Lady Dragons played their final home game of their high school careers on March 31.
With the C.P. Allen Cheetahs keeping the game close at 28-27 for Lockview at half time, the two team leaders came out in the second half on a mission with Grace Lancaster on fire offensively, while Foye was good on the defensive side of things, leading the Dragons to a 71-45 win.
Foye said there was a lot of fuming going on at the halftime break by her.
“I wanted to win so bad,” she said. “I got a bit angry.”
Grace Lancaster concurred.
“I think we just wanted to win that game and end the season strong,” she said. “We just gave it our all when we came out for the second half.”
Grace scored 19 points; sister Ellie contributed 18, while Camryn Giddens scored 11 points and Foye 10.
For CPA, Nirah Cowan had 11 points; Myah Lawrence tallied nine and Lauren MacRae had six points.
The win leave Lockview with a 9-1 (win-loss) regular season record, and dates for April 6 and 8 for playoffs, and hopefully April 13 for the final.
The two were taking in all of the feelings and emotions that came with the final game outside, surrounded by their “second family.”
“I just love this team. It’s been so much fun, these four years with everyone growing as a team,” said Grace Lancaster. “They’re like my second family. I’m going to miss them all a lot.”
Foye said she couldn’t have imagined playing four years of high school basketball with anyone else then the Lockview team.
“I couldn’t have been any luckier to play four years here with Lori as a coach and Grace always in my grade with me and playing together with each other since we were younger,” she said in between tears, an epitome of the night.
With COVID19 putting a damper on the season that made things tough, but when the green light was given by Dr. Strang, it was game on.
“It was hard with COVID starting off as you didn’t think we were going to have a season,” said Grace Lancaster. “At least we got some games in and we all came together this season.
“Even if it’s shorter because we don’t get provincials, it’s still amazing.”
Foye agreed the season was not the same with COVID19.
“We adapted and we’re still killing it,” said Foye.
As Foye and Grace Lancaster left Lockview High one last time after playing their final high school game, parents of players on the team greeted them with clappers and horns and hearty cheers for a great high school career with bright future on—and off-the court ahead.
Outside after the game, coach—and proud mom—Lori Lancaster gave a speech talking about what Foye and her daughter meant to the team, and how they have been leaders for others on the team and an inspiration to others.
She described Foye as having a determination, a “quiet fierceness” and leadership that has propelled her into being “one of the greatest high school basketball players in N.S.”
“I can’t wait to see what’s in store for you,” said Lancaster.
On Grace, she said it’s not easy coaching your own kid, and that Grace’s drive for perfection had her worried but she’s figured that out. Grace has a “heart of gold” and her teammates meant so much to her.
“There’s always the extra eye rolls you get, or the under the breath comments are something we’ve had to learn to roll with,” said Lancaster. “You can imagine the discussions that take place at the Lancaster family dinner table at times.
“You are me, but you’re such a better me.”
Grace Lancaster is set to suit up with UPEI Panthers, following in mom Lori’s footsteps, while Foye is not sure where she will be but there are irons in the fire.
