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Broncs head to provincials for a second year in a row

For the second consecutive year, the Broncs boys’ senior basketball team is heading to provincials after claiming
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Broncs’ Ryan Haines goes for the rebound Monday

For the second consecutive year, the Broncs boys’ senior basketball team is heading to provincials after claiming the Central Zone silver medal in a 61-49 win against the Sylvan Lake Lakers, Friday March 13.

Earning the playoffs berth was not easy for the Broncs, who had to defeat the Sylvan Lake Lakers March 13 after losing to the Wetaskiwin Sabres two days prior.

This would be the second time in a week the Broncs tipped off against the Lakers after also beating them Monday, March 9.

Coach Blaine Haines is thrilled to be heading back to provincials for the tenth time in his 25 years coaching in Ponoka. “Of course as a coach of 25 years, you want to go out on a win. I’m very excited and relieved, too,” he said after the game.

Haines will also be able to share the experience of one last time at provincials with his team and twin boys, Ryan and Keenan Haines, who graduate from the school and the team this year.

The Broncs began the March 13 game slowly, as the team struggled to score and the Lakers pulled ahead. “We’ve done that for three games straight,” said Haines.

“To their credit, they fight back,” he added.

The second half of the game was a war as both teams fought to dominate the court. “Both teams wanted it and both teams played their hearts out,” said Haines.

The Broncs defeated the Lakers 57-47 at Monday’s game, which propelled them forward in playoffs.

The next step to provincials was to win against the Sabres, but as they lost that game, the Broncs faced a sudden death challenge against the Lakers. The top two teams in the league can compete in provincials and the Broncs had to win to make it.

The Broncs played tough against Wetaskiwin in the first half and managed to stay close behind with the scoreboard standing at 26-23 at the half. “But in the last five minutes of the third, the wheels came off. We just couldn't hit any shots and they caught fire,” explained Haines of the Wetaskiwin game.

With a few sick players during the game, Haines made the strategic decision to bench two starters so they could be ready for the Friday game. “Saving them for the provincial berth game . . . became the priority,” he said.

While the Lakers are done for the season, the Broncs and the Sabres head to provincials, to be held in Fort McMurray, March 19 to 21.