COLD LAKE – After a successful showing in zones, both of Assumption Jr/Sr High School senior basketball teams headed south to compete in the 2A Provincial Championships over the weekend of March 16 to 19.
While the Assumption teams did not medal at Provincials, players had the chance to travel and create memories after two basketball seasons severely affected by the pandemic.
The Assumption senior girls’ basketball team finished the season representing the Northeast Zone at Provincials in Black Diamond.
The girls won their first game against St. Joseph High School from Whitecourt, but in their semifinal match, the Crusaders lost to the tournament winners and provincial champions from Calgary, recalled Head Coach Tim Urlacher.
The Crusaders played a very strong third game but ultimately lost to the host team Oilfield High School, achieving eighth place in the 10-team provincial tournament, he added.
In the end, the trip was a success for the team.
“After a long drive south, the team enjoyed beautiful weather and a view of the mountains each day,” wrote the head coach.
During the tournament players took part in a scavenger hunt between games that allowed them to explore the area and take advantage of their trip down south.
Overall, “the ladies were very well received when interacting with other teams and represented the spirit of Assumption School,” Urlacher added.
But for some players, the end of the 2022 season marks the end of high school basketball.
“It was hard to say thank you and good-bye to six seniors who represented the school well,” he expressed.
Players graduating this year include Zehanie Cuizon, Abby Paradeza, Daryl Reid, Danika Earle, Abbey Ratkovic and Brianna Puetz.
But, the team is looking forward to having Rayel Piquette, Faith Donovan, Chloe Procinsky, Patricia Mpoko, Kiara Periard-Endel and Katie Urlacher returning next season.
Boys
Heading south to Calgary to take part in Provincials hosted by Bearspaw Christian School, Assumption’s senior varsity boys didn’t achieve the results they had hoped for either.
“The Assumption boys had a great year considering the struggles with COVID and limited game and tournament opportunities available to them,” wrote Head Coach Shayne Midford.
“They persevered in a shortened season and qualified for Provincials where they ran into stiff competitors in John Maland (High School) out of Devon in the opener.”
The Crusaders managed to re-group and were able to knock off the fourth ranked Stirling Lakers team. The Assumption Crusaders then lost a heated and close game against a veteran and sixth ranked Glenmary team out of Peace River.
“Overall, it was disappointing that we couldn’t get more games in to prep us for the quality competition we would face at Provincials, but these young men showed pride and perseverance in all their Provincial games,” Midford added.
