Lakers senior girls searching for confidence on the court

The Penticton Secondary School Lakers senior girls basketball team went 2-1 at the Sabre Classic Tournament in Kamloops last weekend.

“There were a lot of positives this weekend. We got strong performances from all the girls, including Olivia DeVito, Tegan Elder and Natalie Parkin who had some of their best moments of the season,” said Lakers coach Chris Terris. “Hopefully, that provides some confidence as we head into our own tournament this weekend.”

The Lakers steamrolled North Kamloops in the tournament opener 64-19. Kassandra Zarafoniti had six points, eight rebounds and four steals earning her player of the game honours. Kali Loewen led the team with 14 points, six rebounds and two steals. Emma Terris had 12 points, five rebounds and two steals while Kallie Doell had nine points, three rebounds and four steals.

“Defensively, this was one of our better efforts of the season. Girls were active and aggressive, which led to 26 steals as a team,” said the Lakers coach.

The Lakers then faced the number six ranked AA team in British Columbia losing 61-47. The Lakers had played a close game as they headed into the second half down just one point, 30-29.

“This was a hard-fought game that really came down to our inability to score in the fourth quarter. We got good looks but just struggled to put the ball in the hoop, which has been the story of the season,” said Terris.

Mattie Phillip earned the player of the game title with her 10 points, seven rebounds and four steals. Loewen again led the team in scoring with 16 points and had eight rebounds and four steals. Jennifer Hayman crashed the boards with 10 rebounds and added eight points.

In their third game the Lakers bounced back beating Sa-Hali 46-33. Olivia DeVito was the player of the game with two points, four rebounds and six steals. Hayman led the team in scoring with 14 points, 10 rebounds and two steals. She was followed closely by Loewen (11 points, seven rebounds, three steals), Doell (nine points, seven rebounds and three steals) and Cassie Hannon (eight points, three rebounds and two steals).

Hayman, Doell and Loewen all were nominated as the Sabre Classic Tournament All-Stars.

The Lakers host strong teams this weekend for the Len Cox Memorial Tournament. On Friday at 2 p.m. they will meet Vincent Massey (the number three ranked AAAA team in Manitoba), then face Salmon Arm on Saturday and Riverside (the number six ranked AAA team in B.C.).