The Princess Margaret Mustangs basketball team, led by Caitlyn Neary’s 24 points, dropped the Summerland Rockets 63-46 on Feb. 12.
It was a strong finish for the senior squad playing their final home game of the season.
“The last two times we played Summerland they came out with more energy and had us on our heels to start each game,” said Mustangs coach Dave Killick. “We talked about being ready to play and matching their energy. I think we did a very good job of doing that.”
The victory earned the Mustangs a berth in the Valley Championship in Kamloops this weekend. The Mustangs, who led 36-16 at half, also received offence from Shinaaz Johal, who chipped in 18 to go with 15 rebounds. Reiley Terbasket recorded 12 assists to match the same number of points, while Steph Gomes-Ortiz was a defensive force. Grade 11 player Simran Sidhu teamed with Gomes-Ortiz on defence to provide a spark.
Playing with five seniors, the Mustangs got a boost from junior players. Killick said there were outstanding efforts from Vanessa Edis, Cassie Hannon, Carley DeKock, Harleen Bansoota and Manreet Grewal.
The Mustangs are seeded fifth heading into the Valleys and play the hosts Westsyde Whundas on Thursday, while Summerland plays Kalamalka from Vernon on Tuesday night. The winner grabs the last berth to the Valleys. The top three teams will advance to the provincials in Langley in March.
Killick said there are three clear-cut top teams in Immaculata, Vernon Secondary School and Okanagan Mission.
“We are hoping to upset one of those teams for a berth to the provincials,” he said. “We will have to be at our very best for that to happen.”
The Mustangs are helped by a balanced attack and received strong post play by Johal. The Mustangs also possess the ability to shoot from the outside thanks to Terbasket and Neary.
“We run very well (Steph is always leading the break) and we keep teams off balance with our constant pressure on defence,” he said. “Reiley does a fantastic job in getting the ball up the court and we seem to draw lots of fouls by constantly attacking the basket.
“Our Grade 12s have been real leaders all year long,” continued Killick. “I was very proud of the way they battled and so pleased for them to play so well in their last home game.”