High school hoop teams in playoffs

By Murray Green

The

École

Camrose Composite High School basketball senior teams are battling for the top spot at zone playoffs.

“The senior girls finished second overall in league play with a 4-1 record against 3A schools. We lost to Sylvan Lake, the team that is in first place,” said guard Hannah McCarroll.

“The senior girls have an honourable mention when it comes to provincial rankings,” said senior girls coach Josh Lyons.

Hannah thought about what they have to do to beat Wetaskiwin in the semifinals and then Sylvan Lake in the finals, should the outcomes go as predicted.

“We have to play tough and aggressive because Sylvan Lake is a physical team. The last time we played them we weren’t as tough as we have been the last couple of weeks,” she added.

The finals were a best of three on March 8, 10 and if necessary the 11. ÉCCHS lost the first game of the series.

“When I’m covered, I rely a lot on my teammates. One person usually follows me around though and that puts more pressure on our other guards, but I think that is good. I can trust them, so I find other ways to contribute to the game,” explained Hannah.

“When they are keying on me, Shania (Veranga) usually handles the ball. My role is then different. I usually will find a way to get open for a shot instead of going for a drive,” said Hannah.

“It would be nice to go to provincials again. I think we can get there if we put in the hard work. We were close last time and we had some injuries. It is important to get the momentum going, but we’ve been down in games and have come back,” said Hannah.

The senior boys finished league play in third place and are ranked fifth in the province.

“Our boys are ranked higher than other playoff teams, but they lost close games to them, so that is why they ended up in third place. They had injuries and they lost the wrong game,” added Lyons.

In the Wetaskiwin tournament, in late February, the boys earned the bronze medals by beating Wetaskiwin. The girls also beat Wetaskiwin, in the consolation final. The girls also beat Morinville, who are ranked fifth in the province.

“The boys lost to Strathcona Christian by three points in the semifinals. They are currently ranked first in the province. Both the girls and boys have a lot of basketball to play yet and hopefully get to provincials,” Lyons said.

The boys lost its semfinal game, but the zone gained an extra spot at provincials.

“They will have to earn a spot. You have to end up as zone champions, if you want a guaranteed spot on provincials,” Lyons added.

St. Joe’s of Red Deer won the central zone and

Wetaskiwin is the host, who came in second. The Trojans beat H. J. Cody for third place in the zone and earned the wildcard berth.

“We have a young group, but we have to play our own game. When we lose it is because we go away from our plan. If we play like we can, we blow those teams out. We only have one injury now, but we have lots of guys who can step up and make a difference,” said Colby Anderson, senior boys player.

This year, Wetaskiwin Comp are hosting both the girls and boys 3A basketball provincials March 16 to 18.