Stettler Wildcat girls took on Camrose on Wednesday, Jan. 13 as they played a disciplined game to come out on top, winning 32-27.
Jessica Lane was the top scorer with six points, while the other players scored in the lowest offensive score that they have had so far.
"We worked on discipline to get them to read the defence and to screen away in our offence," said coach Kim Poapst. "We lost Shayna Brower for a few games due to an ankle sprain on her birthday at the last game, as we wait for Emily Brown's ankle to heal."
According to Poapst, the team's strengths have been the ability and desire to run, although they still need to be aware when to slow the game down and run the half court game.
"It is improving but they just need to keep practicing and playing games to improve," added Poapst.
The Wildcat girls played a convincing game against Lacombe as they defeated them 63-28 on Monday, Jan. 18.
Although the first half started slow with too many turnovers, the Wildcats were up by 5 at half.
"We settled down in the second half and took care of the ball with great team effort," said Poapst. "It was great seeing some SES students and Junior High students in the stand, as you need to see the game to improve your skills and team play."
The top scorer was Sydney Poapst with 17 points, including three three pointers.
Reesa Garez had 13 points and Jessica Lane and Megan Kobi had a three.
"Our foul shooting was better and almost all our players were on the score sheet," said Poapst. "There was great defence by all players and very little fouling."
Wildcats will face host Notre Dame in Red Deer on Feb. 3.
Boys beat Camrose, but go down to Lacombe
Stettler's boy Wildcats took over a well-matched Camrose team, and gained confidence by beating them 66-64 on Wednesday, Jan. 13.
"We continue to work on our shooting and attacking the basket to force the defence to break down," said coach Warren Aspenes.
However, when the boys faced the formidable and disciplined team from Lacombe on Monday, Jan. 18, when it was easy to see the gaps in their game play.
"We had only one practice since our Camrose game so the boys did the best they could tonight against a strong JV team from Lacombe," said Aspenes.
Wildcats lost to Lacombe 85-50.
Possible trip to CubaGirls' basketball team have an opportunity to travel to Cuba next Christmas to be coached by the Cuban national team and to play four games against a Cuban team of similar age group.
"The girls are fundraising to offset the cost by refereeing the junior high tournament, which not only gives them the opportunity to raise money for their trip but also helps them to learn how to ref if they wish to ref into high school and after they graduate," said Poapst. "The girls learn how to volunteer their time and give back to the sport and schools, besides learning that being the ref and always making the right call is harder than it looks."