Stettler girls’ basketball team had a great start to the season when they won the tournament over the weekend, Dec. 4-5 in Olds, beating Sundre in their final game.
The three teams they faced on their way to the title were Sylvan Lake, George McDougal and Sundre, winning by 40-50 points in each game.
“We had a lot of fun and bonded as the teams we faced were not much of a competition for us, they were all quite weak,” said coach Kim Poapst. “Our team has an edge with experience from last year with two senior players and ten returning JV players.”
According to Poapst, all the girls on her team are “coachable, they run and have goals as indivduals”.
Poapst added, “Our bench is strong, but some of our weaknesses would be fast break against a harder team and defence not fouling.”
Poapst is hopeful that her team will score major successes this year.
“Some of our players played club basketball last spring against some hard competition and this group of girls have been playing together for a few years, not to overlook the fact that they have continuity by having the same coach,” said Poapst. “All the players have very supportive families, are hard working and dedicated girls who want to improve.”
The stumbling block that Stettler faces is although they have 14 players, they have only one team but no senior team.
Poapst hopes to change that.
“Since there is no senior team, we would want to build a team for next year, so we can have two teams again,” said Poapst. “This year our girls are bigger, stronger, smarter, faster, better shooters and entertaining to watch!”
Poapst hopes to capitalize and build on these strengths.
“My aim is to improve each game offensively and defensively, to win the league championship and find some exhibition games with some city JV teams to see how we compare,” added Poapst.
The girls play Lacombe in their next game in Stettler on Wednesday, Dec. 9.