Kali Loewen’s 10-point performance helped the Pen High 9s win the Laker Invitational basketball tournament on the weekend.
The Lakers defeated Vernon Secondary School 44-29. Also providing offence were Emma Terris with nine points, while Kalli Doell and Jennifer Hayman chipped in eight each. Emma earned the player of the game.
“It’s always nice to play under the pressure of a championship-type game and to see how players perform,” said Lakers coach Chris Terris. “Winning always breeds confidence, which is important for any group of athletes but particularly young players.”
Chris said that Emma had a big weekend and responded when asked to handle the ball more. Loewen has also become a force and Chris said she’s just scraping the surface of her potential.
The Laker 9s opened the Laker Invitational with a 52-38 win over the Mt. Boucherie Bears. Loewen scored 11 points, while Kayley Davies earned player of the game.
“We usually bring Kayley off the bench because she brings such consistent energy and aggressiveness,” said Chris. “She provides a real spark.”
The Laker 9s then cruised past the Princeton Rebels 68-28 in the semifinal. Doell led with 14 points.
“The most pleasing part of the weekend was that we got progressively better individually and collectively,” said Chris.
The Lakers coach watched his players raise their performance level. Emma, Liev Elder and Kinsey Corday all took significant leaps forward.
The Laker 9s are 4-0 in league play and 10-4 overall.
“Collectively, the girls took another leap forward this weekend,” said Chris. “Our depth gives us an ability to put a lot of pressure on teams and wear them down. The key now, like most young teams, is to become more consistent.”
The junior Lakers also played going winless in their first tournament of the season. The Lakers hosted Similkameen on Thursday in league play then travel to Vernon for VSS Junior Girls’ tournament next weekend.