Edwin Parr Composite’s senior boys basketball team learned a lot in their game against school alumni on Dec. 20.
The school played host to the contest between the current team and a squad comprised of former EPC athletes, some in their 30’s and others just a year or two removed from their high school careers.
The older players made use of their experience on the way to a 101-77 victory, and the current team had to press late in the game to make it that close. But the result wasn’t of too much concern to head coach Mark Francis, who was more interested in seeing the boys have some fun and learn some lessons from their older counterparts.
In that regard, the game was a complete success.
“It was an excellent game. Some tremendous ball players have come through the program,” said the coach. “It’s typically the best players who come back, the kids who loved the game.”
Though the game was once an annual staple at EPC, this was the first time it had been held in a number of years. Francis, who has returned to coach basketball after a hiatus, intends to make it an annual tradition once more, and this year was a good start.
“It was very competitive. Both sides were going for it,” he said. “It was a real game, and it’s a great game for us. Playing those older guys, you get some of those kids who don’t hit their physical peak until their 20’s. They’re just as fast and just as skilled, but they’re twice as strong.”
That creates a unique challenge for the younger EPC players. In one instance, Francis noted that his team had to contend with Ben Kiselyk, a particularly large EPC graduate who is a dominant post player. The current team doesn’t have to deal with many players of his stature, so the experience of playing against him will serve them well in the future.
Though the competitive juices were flowing, the game ultimately amounted to a fun exhibition for both sides and the assembled crowd.
“It’s a program the guys are proud of, and they still come back. It’s important for the young guys to see that.”
The team is now enjoying a break before returning to the court when school reconvenes. They won’t have to wait long to get back in action, as they’ll compete in a tournament in Lac La Biche in early January.
“Everything before Christmas, I call the pre-season. Winning at the end is what counts,” said the coach. “Every game is experience for a young team.”
