A comeback attempt for the Princess Margaret Mustangs fell short 54-47 to the Norkam Saints.
The Mustangs senior girls basketball team travelled to Vernon for a 12-team tournament that featured the top AA schools in the province. The game for fifth-place began with the Kamloops school sinking four consecutive three-pointers to build a 19-9 lead. The Mustangs responded with a tighter defence and offence executing to leave the first half leading 25-23. Kari-Grace Pym saw limited action due to foul trouble, however, Grade 11 player Erin Gabriel stepped in off the bench and performed strong at both ends. Maddie Winter and Rylee McKinlay scored nine points each, while Callan Cooper and Dana Klamut chipped in seven.
The Mustangs opened the tournament by losing to the No. 9 ranked Sahali Secondary Sabres from Kamloops 67-52. The Mustangs held a 34-30 lead at half. Pym, who finished with 15 points, ran into foul trouble and played 15 minutes, while starting post Abby Winstone got hurt. Klamut scored nine points, while Cooper, Gabriel and McKinlay had six.
Against the Kalamalka Lakers from Vernon, the Mustangs won 56-47. Klamut led with 13 points, while Winter scored 11, Pym and McKinlay had eight each.
“Brooklyn Pichette was a warrior all weekend, logging big minutes,” said Mustangs co-coach Jeff Goodis. “Grade 11s Shayla Hearn and Payton Charley made important contributions.”
In the new year the Mustangs will play zone rival South Okanagan Secondary School Hornets then travel to Vernon and Kamloops to compete in two very important tournaments.