The KVR Express Grade 8 girls basketball team won its third straight South Okanagan Zone championship and fourth in five years.
The championship win gives the Express a berth into the provincial championship. In the South Zone final, the Express faced the Similkameen Elementary Secondary Sparks, who advanced to the final after defeating Summerland 56-25 and 44-28 over Skaha Lake. The Sparks came out hard in the first quarter and took a 7-3 lead after six minutes, but a 18-2 run to close out the half put the Express ahead 21-9. The Express continued their strong play in the third quarer with a 12-0 run to finish with a 43-21 win. Cedar Carter was named an all-star and led the Sparks with 15 points. Phillip led the Express with 14 points, while Britney Young dropped 11.
The Express went undefeated throughout league play earning the No. 1 seed for playoffs and the right to host the playoff tournament. They also earned a bye into the semifinal.
On Friday night, the Express played McNicoll Park where they used a strong defensive performance to complete a 57-22 victory. Ashley Kiss led the Express attack netting 13 points, while Mattie Philip added 12. Chloe Brydon, Haley Berrisford and Jen Haymen led the defence and did a great job against the Dragons best player and playoff all-star Emma Schneider.
League commissioner Blair Haddrell was very impressed with how the Express moved the ball offensively.
"They were always willing to give up a shot if they saw their teammate had a better option," said Haddrell. "This fast breaking style of offence is only possible with tough defence in the half court and high pressure in the full court. The KVR girls take great pride in their defence and it shows in their effort and hard work on that end of the floor. They play an entertaining style of basketball to coach, play, and watch."
Tournament MVP was awarded to Young for great floor leadership as a point guard.
"She always looks to get her teammates involved in the offence, while also scoring when given the chance," said Haddrell.
Brydon was awarded defensive MVP honours for how well she guarded both post players and guards. Tournament all-stars went to Carter, Taya Vissia of SESS, Schneider of McNicoll as well as Philip and Klara Crowley of KVR. Season all-star awards went to Neha Chehal from SOSS, Jessica Parker from Princeton, Trista Algar from SMS, Sydney Olexa from SLMS, Shaloa Street from McNicoll, Savanna Yamamoto from SESS and Kiss from KVR.
KVR heads to the Grade 8 provincial championships in Pitt Meadows on March 6-8.
Hornets sting the competition
The Southern Okanagan Secondary School Hornets took advantage of home court and put on a dominating performance to win the boys basketball championship and advance to provincials.
The Hornets defeated the Skaha Lake Sharks 34-14 in the semifinal and Holy Cross 40-22 in the championship. The Hornets showed that defence wins championships and played a disciplined team defence that frustrated opponents. The Hornets went through league and playoffs undefeated thanks to their dominant defence and balanced offensive attack. Coach Dave Wilson said the best part of his team is that there are no egos and each player is about the team.
It was the first time that Holy Cross reached the final. They finished second in league action as well.
The Express entered the playoffs after having a season which their coach Haddrell felt they didn't reach their potential. They ended the season winning their final two games. Leading the Express offensively was tournament all-star Andre Rachinski, who averaged 35 points and 12 rebounds in the last 2 games. Rachinski possesses strong shooting skills and has learned to use his size better.
"While we may not have had the success we wanted on the court, I got a chance to coach a great bunch of young men who wanted to learn and work hard, and that is all you can ask for," said Haddrell.
Tournament MVP went to Shan Gill of the Hornets for his play at both ends of the court. Defensive MVP went to Matt Wilson for his rebounding and defensive play in the post. Playoff all-stars went to Rachinski of KVR, Justin Davis of OSS, Sukh Toor of SLMS, David Paisley of Holy Cross, Tyson Marsel and Harsh Gill of SOSS.
Season all-star award winners were KVR`s Adam Lacroix, SESS`s Nakoma Squakin, OSS`s Kavneer Dhaliwal, Holy Cross`s Cameron Spiers, SMS`s Steve Sauer, SLMS`s Adrian Schimmer and SOSS`s Justin Dhillon.