A season of growing and learning is over for the Pen High Lakers senior girls basketball team.
The Lakers were faced with the daunting task of opening the Okanagan AAA Valley Championship against the Kelowna Owls, the fourth best team in the province.
The Lakers were downed 73-45 in what co-coach Lesley Lacroix said was a hard fought effort by the group.
"Mattie Phillip defended national team player Taya Hanson and did a fine job limiting her points," said Lacroix. "Even more remarkable was how Mattie also involved herself in the offence hitting five three's for 15 points. As a Grade 10 she showed great composure and determination against one of Canada's top players."
Lyndzie Caron earned player of the game honours as she was able to put up 10 points and collect 14 rebounds despite getting into early foul trouble.
The Lakers faced the South Kamloops Titans in the bronze medal match and won 52-34. Caron led with 16 points and added seven rebounds. Caron's efforts earned her a first time all-star selection. Senior Anika Holowaty finished strong in the final quarter in her last game as a Laker with nine points and seven rebounds. Hannah Clarke earned a spot on the second All-Star team for her solid performance throughout the weekend.
"The team says good-bye to Holowaty and Sydney Clarke. Their leadership and positive attitudes will be missed," said Lacroix.
Co-coach Dustin Hyde said they were pleased with the result and said the future looks good.
"Most teams in our valley have three starting Grade 12s and five to six on their teams," he said. "Finishing third, and finishing the season with a win was fantastic for us. South Kamloops beat us by 25 and 18 the previous times we met. To turn around and beat them by 18 on the final game of the season, was a real highlight for us and a special moment for our two Grade 12s.