The Pen High Lakers senior girls basketball team is playing for the Okanagan AAA Valley Championship today.
The Lakers stunned the Owls in a 66-55 victory with Emily Clarke leading the offensive charge, ringing up 17 points to go with eight rebounds, four assists and five steals. Among Clarke's 17 points were nine scored from long distance.
Natasha Reimer put on a performance while battling the flu that impressed coach Lesley Lacroix.
"In the second quarter she took an elbow to the eye that resulted in a good one inch cut that required stitches after the game," said Lacroix. "Patched up, she played the rest of the game, grabbing 12 tough boards for the team. I have coached some tough girls over the years, but nothing like her. She was our player of the game."
Hayden Craig had another impressive performance as she was unstoppable in the paint, draining 15 points, while in foul trouble. Ana Moroziuk scored 14 points and being strong along the boards to collect nine rebounds. Lacroix said she gave KSS point guards tons of defensive trouble.
"It was amazing," said Lacroix, whose team matches up with the Salmon Arm Jewels in the final at 2:45 p.m.
The winner advances to provincials March 6-8. The Lakers and Jewels last met Feb.15 with the Lakers winning in convincing fashion, 84-55.