If you're looking for handball talent, Mallaig is the place to go.
Both the senior high girls’ and boys’ teams recently wrapped up a successful zones championship tournament at Notre Dame High School in Bonnyville, and that success has propelled athletes towards a spot in the provincial handball tournament this coming weekend.
The boys’ team played a total of four games in the tournament, losing their opening match to Notre Dame, and then winning back-to-back games against Bonnyville Centralized High School. They challenged Notre Dame once again in the finals, but were bested by the host team for a second time.
The girls played a best-of-three tournament against Notre Dame, the only other girls’ team in the zone, and played remarkably well, winning the first two games to walk away as zone champions.
Ian MacGillivray, head coach for both teams, sung high praise for all of his players.
“The defensive game that our boys showed throughout the whole championship was very strong. They put in a really solid effort, and it shows. Our girls stepped up big time and played two excellent games, both offensively and defensively.”
Provincials will take place this weekend in Lacombe, and with the tournament just a few days away, MacGillivray is making a few last-minute adjustment to the boys’ team to draw out every inkling of skill possible.
“Right now, to prepare for the provincial tournament, we’re experimenting with lineups and trying to find the best combination of skill and chemistry on the boys team,” said MacGillivray. “This tournament is going to put us against some incredibly talented and competitive teams, and it'll all come down to who plays the best when the game is on the line.”
And when it comes to the girls, he admits that the pressure is high to defend the team’s provincial championship title from last year.
“Our main goalie is out with an injury right now, and we’re really hoping she'll be able to play with us at provincials. We're kind of the team to beat, and there is a lot of weight on our shoulders since we're the reigning champions. We know we can win, and we want to, but you know how sport is. We can only do our best and hope that it's enough.”