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Okanagan Hoops win Kelowna championship

The Okanagan Hoops defeat the X-men to stake claim to the Kelowna Minor Basketball Association championship
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THE OKANAGAN HOOPS are Kelowna Minor Basketball Association champs. The Hoops as follows starting in the back from the left: Tegan Elder (injured)

A balanced offensive attack helped the Okanagan Hoops under-13 girls basketball team dump the X-men 47-34 to win the Kelowna Minor Basketball Association championship Monday.

“The girls stormed out to a 16-point lead at half-time, but the X-men stormed back and got within seven points late in the third quarter, before we recovered and took control,” said coach Chris Terris. “These sorts of experiences — the pressure of playing in a championship game and facing a little adversity by giving up a big lead — are so crucial for these girls.”

Terris added that learning to deal with the emotions of competition will only benefit the players.

Leading the Hoops on the scoresheet was Jennifer Hayman with nine points. She also collected six boards and made three steals. Also contributing to the Hoops’ attack was Kayley Davies with eight points and four rebounds. Olivia Devito also scored eight points and collected five steals, as did Kalli Doell, who finished with six points. Liev Elder finished with eight points.

The Hoops reached the final after blowing through the KMBA under-13 team 50-24. Davies dominated offensively, scoring 18 points and grabbing four rebounds.

“Kayley was outstanding,” said Terris. “She’s absolutely fearless in attacking the hoop.”

Doell and Devito each finished with eight points, the latter also collecting seven assists. Terris said Devito made several great passes.

“She’s a capable scorer as well, but she’s starting to understand her ability to make her teammates better as well,” added Terris.

Following the playoffs, the KMBA recognized its top players and four Hoops earned hardware. Elder was named most valuable player. Top defensive player nods went to Kate Coombes and Emma Terris. Doell earned the Hustle Award.

“She’s become a consistent threat offensively and made key plays at big moments throughout the spring,” said Terris of Elder.

On Doell: “Kalli really came into her own this spring. Her hustle led to many opportunities for both herself and her teammates. Kaitlyn Hutcheson and Kali Loewen could have easily been chosen for this award as well.”