The Princess Margaret Mustangs saw their season end with a very narrow 56-54 loss to Revelstoke on Tuesday night.
By placing third in the South Zone behind Oliver and Summerland (both provincially ranked) the Mustangs were forced to try to qualify for the Valleys by playing three play-off games. The Mustangs played a three-team round robin tournament against George Elliot (Winfield) and Valleyview (Kamloops) last Saturday where they came out on top with all three teams going one and one, but having the best point differential. In the first game, the Mustangs overcame a slow start before beating George Elliot 66-48. Maggie was led by Abby Winstone with 23 points while Dana Klamut chipped in 19. The Mustangs then had to play on two hours rest against Valleyview, who were playing their first game and came out on the short end 51-45. Klamut had a team high 19 points with Winstone contributing eight and Kari-Grace Pym and Brooklyn Pichette each adding six.
As a result, the Mustangs played Revelstoke with a berth to the Valleys at stake. After a nervous start, and falling behind by 13, the Mustangs fought back and took the lead mid way through the final quarter. However, the Mustangs offence stalled and couldn’t come up with a basket at the end to tie. Klamut had 22 points while Winstone had 11 and Nicole Donkin, who had a huge game at both ends of floor, added nine.
“We weren’t sure we were going to be able to play,” said Mustangs coach Dave Killick. “Both Abby and Brooklyn had serious injuries but both gutted it out and had big games for us. The three grade 12s played key roles. Nicole had a monster game while Lisa Churko played their six-foot-two girl really tough. Yolanda George also played hurt and had one of her better games.”
“The girls were warriors today and no one can question their heart and desire,” said assistant coach Jeff Goodis. “They really pulled together and gave one of their best performances under extreme pressure.”