Grand Forks Secondary School’s (GFSS) senior girls basketball team placed fourth amongst eight teams in their first tournament this season.
Hosted in Grand Forks, the two-day tournament was an experience for the home team.
With only one game under their belt, played prior to Christmas break, the girls came out strong.
After a slow start, the Wolves slowly took control of their opening game against Mount Sentinel to win 44-25.
In their second game, while the Wolves managed to stay on their feet, visiting team Okanagan Mission Secondary School (OKM) showed its experience and dominated the game from the second half.
OKM won 93-44. The loss placed GFSS into the semifinals and OKM into the championship matched against Rutland.
The semifinals had the Wolves against Heritage Christian from Kelowna.
A fast paced game, the Wolves were quick to put the first points on the board, followed by a clean three-pointer by Wolves forward Abby Sebastian.
Quick passes between teammates showed good communication but the home team was trailing by end of the second quarter as the Heritage Christian Saints led 38-27.
The Saints kept up the pressure in the remaining two quarters but the Wolves rallied to keep the score close.
In the end, several fumbles from the Wolves allowed the Saints to pull away and win third place with 63-50.
“The tournament went really well,” stated head coach Sheryl Williams. “The girls played hard of course but we have lots to work on now.”
Williams believes that as the season continues, the team’s confidence will also build.
GFSS usually plays against Rossland, Nelson and Mount Sentinel but this tournament has allowed the team to play tougher opponents and gain experience, noted Williams.
“Castlegar and Trail don’t have a team this year,” she added. “But I’m looking forward to the rest of the season as they progress.”
With a majority of the team still in Grade 11, this current year will provide ample opportunity to gain experience.
“Our team doesn’t have a lot of height, but they’re fast and quick on their feet,” said Williams. “Since most of the girls are still in Grade 11, this is definitely a building year for us.”
The girls will be facing-off against Princeton on Jan. 27 to 28.
Visiting teams included Osoyoos, Mount Sentinel, Creston, Nakusp, OKM, Rutland and Heritage Christian.
OKM defeated Rutland to take first place in the tournament.