Vernon fans of basketball star Nayo Raincock-Ekunwe are sending the 24-year-old love and major props via Facebook after a terrific showing at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
Raincock-Ekunwe’s run at the Olympics ended harshly Tuesday as France erased a 13-point first-half deficit to stop Canada 68-63 in quarterfinal women’s action.
Les Bleues, silver medalists four years ago in London, faced the five-time defending champion Americans Thursday in semifinal play.
Canada got off to a hot start and held a 29-13 lead early in the second quarter. France then reeled off 12 unanswered points to get within 29-28 before the Americas champions used a late burst to take a 37-32 lead into halftime.
Marine Johannes went on a personal 6-0 run to give France a 58-52 cushion with 6:28 to go. Canada got within 60-59 on Raincock-Ekunwe’s free-throw with 1:58 remaining, but France made clutch plays and free throws down the stretch.
Raincock-Ekunwe, 24, has strong ties to the Okanagan since she graduated from Kalamalka Secondary School and her mother, Denny Raincock, resides in Penticton.
The 6-foot-2 Raincock-Ekunwe, who turns 25 on Aug. 29, will resume her professional career this fall with the Bendigo Spirit of the Australian women’s league.
Said Nayo on Facebook: “What a ride the Olympics has been. I’m sad it had to end the way it did tonight, but I know the Canadian Women’s program will only keep moving up. What an honour it has been to play with Canada Basketball LEGENDS. The veterans on this team have truly paved the way for young women playing basketball in this country. I am so grateful to be part of such an amazing group of people. Thanks for all the love and support we have received during the tournament! The future is bright.”
Replied Linda L. Price of Vernon: “Still your #1 fan! You did awesome Nayo, as did all the rest! It was so exciting to watch, and I cried when I first saw you on the Olympic court! Blessings my friend!
Barb Hill of Vernon wrote: “Nayo, you and Team Canada rocked it in Rio. It was SO exciting to watch you ladies on the court! Amazing team work! You have ‘set the bar’!!”
Raincock-Ekunwe averaged 22.5 minutes floor time and 7.7 points a game through six matches. She finished with 46 points, making 53.3 per cent of her field goal attempts.
Canada was ranked No. 9 by FIBA.
