Stettler JV girls ended their season with bronze as they defeated Hunting Hills 57-54 in an exciting game with overtime on Saturday, March 5.
"We played Wetaskwin on Friday night and won by over 25, with all our players scoring and it was exciting to watch them run our offence and trap in our zone defence," said Kim Poapst. "Then we played Camrose on Saturday in the semis and lost 48 to 40, as we had too many turnovers and we were not shooting as well as we usually do or drive to the hoop."
According to Poapst, their foul shooting is an area they are stressing for next year.
"We could have won the game if we would have made more, but we were three for 18 from the line," added Poapst.
In the third place game, Stettler played Hunting hills and were up 16 points in the second half.
"We were subbing 5 on 5 off and letting the girls decide what defence they were running, but we got too comfortable and they started to hit some shots and tied the game after regulation," said Poapst. "We played five minutes of over time and came out with the bronze medal finally."
Poapst said that she was very proud of each of the players, and the scoring was evenly spread throughout the weekend.
"We now are planning our wind up, with some players that are invested in fastball, soccer, dancing, rugby," said Poapst. "While some others will continue this spring playing club basketball at the Red Deer College as new Club teams are being set up there for U18, U17 and U16 teams that will play tournaments in May and June in Alberta."
Erskine girls place fourth, boys second at CWAJHAA
The Erskine girls played a close game against St. Matthew's Catholic School of Rocky Mountain House winning 33-31 and finishing fourth overall at CWAJHAA.
"The girls have had a sensational year, winning all their league games, but one and placed first at their home tournament in Erskine defeating Coronation in the finals," said coach Starla Lachowsky. "They beat Coronation again in a close game in Stettler at CARA which then advanced them to CWAJHAA in Rocky Mountain House."
At CWAJHAA, they won their first game against Delburne, but lost their next two games.
"The girls worked well as a team, and pushed through with many injuries, placing fourth overall at CWAJHAA, which was a great way to end the year," said Lachowsky. "I am so proud of them."
The Erskine boys, however, finished second at CWAJHAA, losing to a "very powerful" Mecca Glen team out of Wolf Creek.
"To get to the final, we beat Caroline on Friday night 48-37, and Saturday we beat our rivals, Father Lacombe 52-46," said coach Rae Munden.
Carson Neitz was the top scorer, while Justin Matchett "played great" under the boards, and Zachary Lachowsky, Kelly Page, and Jackson Squires all played "impressive defence".
"We had a fantastic season winning two tournaments at Caroline and Stettler earlier, winning the CARA league championship, and finishing second at CWAJHAA," said Munden. "All the 12 guys contributed to this great season and assistant coach Emmett Aronson and myself are so proud of each of them for their work ethic and dedication."