Kady Dandeneau and her teammates on the Canadian women’s wheelchair basketball team are on the verge of competing for the world championship title for the first time since 2014. The 36-year-old athlete from Pender Island, B.C., showcased a stellar performance against Japan in the quarterfinals, leading her team to an 88-68 victory at TD Place in Ottawa with 49 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists.
After securing gold in 2014 in Toronto, Canada is set to face the Netherlands in the semifinals on Thursday at 7:15 p.m. ET. The Dutch team secured their spot by defeating Spain 73-38 in the quarterfinals. The game can be streamed live on CBCSports.ca and CBC Gem.
In the previous world championships in Dubai in 2023, Canada reached the quarterfinals and finished in fifth place. Rosie Long from Oakville, Ont., expressed excitement about reaching the semifinals, stating, “We’re super happy.”
Despite being ejected in the previous game against Great Britain, Dandeneau delivered a remarkable performance against Japan. Alongside her, Arinn Young contributed significantly with 30 points and 11 assists. The Canadians faced a challenge when Japan closed the gap to eight points, but they responded with an 8-1 run to secure the victory.
Dandeneau’s standout performance included crucial free throws in the final moments of the game. Despite being outscored by Japan in the middle quarters, Canada’s strong finish ensured their undefeated streak continued. The team’s dominance was evident as they shot 67% from the field, outperforming the Japanese team.
The Japanese team, led by star forward Chihiro Kitada, put up a strong fight with Kitada scoring 25 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists. However, Canada’s early offensive charge led by Dandeneau and Young proved to be decisive. The Canadians maintained their lead throughout the game and eventually secured a comfortable victory.
Japan, aiming to surpass their previous fourth-place finishes in world championships, fell short against the Canadian powerhouse. The Canadians’ impressive performance showcased their determination to claim the world championship title once again.
