The Ponoka Secondary Campus junior girls basketball team won gold in a tournament over the weekend.
The win was significant on several levels, not just in being undefeated and winning over rival Stettler, but also in the fact that they have overcome adversity in player turnover and injuries.
Coach Kendall Marcoux said the team played four round-robin games in the tournament eventually playing Stettler in the gold medal match where they won 30-22.
“They boxed out Stettler so well,” explained Marcoux. “We knew that was a big thing to do.”
What worked for the team was its anticipation of plays defensively and offensively, preparing to steal the ball where needed and blocking shots as they came. Marcoux pointed out that Stettler plays a fast-paced game, which made it easy for the Broncs to rush and make easy mistakes.
“We ran some new plays, which our point guard Laura (Wilson) ran really well,” said Marcoux. “Laura also is great at looking up the floor to see posts open for fast breaks.”
The Broncs closed out the game preventing Stettler from sinking anymore baskets and securing the win. Another benefit for the team was having team captain, Tori Christiansen, back from an injury.
It was at this tournament that the team really united and meshed well on the court.
“Quick hands and eyes caused turnovers for Stettler, which we used to full advantage,” she stated.
“We win as a team, we lose as a team. That’s important to learn. No one person is responsible for a loss or a win.”
Players of the games were announced after each game: Olivia Willier, Tori Christiansen, Emily McMillan, Jordyn Marcoux, Elise Resler and Laura Wilson.
jeff.heyden-kaye@ponokanews.com
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