Skip to content

Ponoka basketball teams ready for tip-off

St. Augustine, Ponoka Secondary all looking for better things on court this season
9481472_web1_st-aug-queens-LOB_2948
St. Augustine’s senior basketball teams are both ready for the season, but the major difference is the boys have a lot more experience and expectations this year. File photo

There are varying sets of expectations heading into a new season for Ponoka’s four senior basketball teams.

However, all of them have a common goal of ensuring their players consistently improve.

That being said, success could come quicker for some, especially the St. Augustine Kings senior boys who are the most experienced group of the four local squads.

Head coach Adam Bowie has a roster that will feature just one Grade 10 and the rest being returning Grade 11 and 12 players from last season.

“The majority of our team is returning players, so we have some high hopes for the season,” he said, adding the club missed out on playoffs by the slimmest of margins last year.

Bowie believes this will help generate success, both on and off the court, with the ultimate goal of putting themselves into the post season.

On the Queens senior girls side, head coach Samantha McLay explained her team of eight so far is a mix of new and returning players, but it will be a fairly young team to hit the floor.

“We are looking for a group that works well together, has fun and is willing to work hard to build up their skills. As a new coach and a younger team, our goal is to see an improvement in our skills and team work,” McLay said.

Across town, the senior basketball teams at Ponoka Secondary Campus (PSC) will both see a returning core of players with both bench bosses expecting a rough road early on.

Broncs senior girls head coach Cam Horan will have five players back from last season, but only one Grade 12, meaning another youthful group this year.

“We have 14 players, nine of which are in Grade 10. That being said, the season looks to start a little rough as we will be playing three of the stronger teams in our league first.” he stated.

Scott Brown, a Broncs alumni, will be leading the senior boys team as head coach and will be relying a lot on his six returning players that include five Grade 12s and one Grade 11. The rest of the team is made up of four Grade 11s and a pair of Grade 10s.

“The core of this team is back, but it’s going to be a tough season,” he said.

“There are a lot of great teams in this league, but hard work pays off, so we’re gonna put in the work and hope to see the rewards.”