The Stettler Wildcats senior boys’ and girls’ teams played in a season-opening basketball tournament at Rocky Mountain House on the weekend.
GIRLS
The senior girls won 41-31 over Rimbey in the consolation final.
“It’s a great group of girls to work with,” said senior girls’ coach Charisse McDonald. “They all bring something unique to add to the character of the team.”
Dacia Gramlick and Jamie Ternes both had high-scoring games, with 16 and 11 points, respectively. Ternes was named the player of the game.
Stettler’s first game was a 44-37 loss to Whitecourt.
“It was our first game of the year with only one practice, so we were pretty rough,” McDonald said. “But we worked better together as the tournament progressed.”
High scorers in that game were Gramlick and Carly Armstrong. Gramlick was chosen player of the game.
“It will take some time to get used to playing together,” McDonald said. “And to have the three new players find their niche.”
The girls won their next game 43-31.
“They showed an incredible amount of heart, playing with only seven players,” McDonald said.
Ternes was named player of the game, with 13 points. Morgan Van Dusen had 14 points in the game.
Gramlick also earned the player-of-the-tournament honours.
BOYS
The Wildcat senior boys placed fourth after a 72-59 loss to Whitecourt .
“We had a great effort by everyone,” said Stettler coach Joe Thibeau.
“With a minute left, we found ourselves down by seven. Whitecourt slowed the play and controlled the tempo for the last minute and ended up winning.
“Aeroll Acera was named player of the game.”
The Wildcats won their first game, topping Olds 55-52.
“It seems every year at this tournament, we face Olds in our first game,” Thibeau said.
“Stephen Zuk hit a key three-pointer within the last minute and Andrew Kim nailed a 15-foot jumper with 10 seconds left to put us ahead by three.
“Braden Deagle was named the player of the game.”
The Wildcat boys’ second game was a 69-63 loss against Lloydminster.
“Braden Deagle and Stephen Zuk had great games,” Thibeau reported. “Braden dropped six three-pointers in the last two quarters and came out with a 26-point game. He was named player of the game for a second time.”
Deagle, a Grade 12 student, was chosen as the tournament MVP.
Tuesday’s senior boys’ and girls’ home games against the HJ Cody Lakers of Sylvan Lake were postponed due to the heavy snowstorm that struck most of Alberta early this week.
The Wildcat JV boys have a scheduled home game today against the Notre Dame Cougars of Red Deer.
reporter2@stettlerindependent.com