Stettler’s junior varsity girls’ basketball team had a successful weekend in Lacombe, going undefeated and taking the top prize in an invitational tournament.
Coach Kim Poapst said the team from William E. Hay Composite High School saw many highlights over the tournament, held Friday, Jan. 16 and Saturday, Jan. 17, with some close finishes and most players getting a chance to score.
The girls defeated Sylvan Lake in their Friday night opener, showing marked improvement over their last meeting in a league game in December.
They then had a narrow victory over the Lacombe gold team on Saturday, described by Poapst as “an ugly win.” Later, they faced the second Lacombe team in the championship final, winning in a confident game that saw eight out of ten Stettler players score.
“They just really came out strong,” said Poapst, noting that the team has a 9-6 record so far this season.
In league action, the JV girls visited the Camrose Trojans on Wednesday, Jan. 14, winning 38-36.
Assistant coach Santana Scarff credited the girls with keeping a cool head in the final minutes of a tight game. Sydney Poapst was top scorer with 14 points, including multiple three-point baskets.
The girls also traveled to Innisfail on Monday, Jan. 19, facing their senior team and losing 66-37.
The coaches said the game was a learning opportunity despite the challenge.
Kayla Myshaniuk was top scorer with 12 points, while the coaches also recognized Megan Kobi, who achieved a perfect average at the foul line.
At this point, Poapst said, the team’s aim is to finish the season in fifth or sixth place in league play.
JV boys
Stettler’s junior varsity boys also kept busy last week, competing in the same weekend tournament in Lacombe and playing two regular season games.
During the tournament, the boys lost their first two games against the Calgary Academy and Lacombe, but won in their last game against Rocky Mountain House, resulting in a seventh-place finish.
Coach Steven Shillito said the boys put in a strong performance in their final game despite a short bench, noting, “They had fun, they moved the ball around a lot.”
The boys visited the Camrose Trojans on Wednesday, Jan. 14, leading in the first half of an intense game. They lost their lead in the third quarter but narrowed the gap somewhat in the final minutes, resulting in a 63-45 loss for Stettler.
On Monday, Jan. 19, the boys traveled to Innisfail to face the Cyclones, losing that game 84-40.
A highlight for the Stettler team was the first-quarter performance of Johannes Bouwer, who scored multiple three-pointers and forced the Cyclones to beef up their outer defense.
Stettler’s Casey Wright was also credited with entertaining all present with his commentary, with his coaches nominating him for “the comedian award.”
Up next
Both teams will go on a brief hiatus during exams. The JV boys will host Ponoka at William E. Hay on Wednesday, Feb. 4, while the JV girls will welcome Castor’s Gus Wetter School for an exhibition game that same night.