The senior boys Predators basketball team from Edwin Parr Composite marched to victory at a tournament in Cold Lake last weekend.
Though they entered the tournament as underdogs against higher ranked teams, the EPC boys dictated the play in all three of their games. Facing a collection of speedy teams that love to run, the Predators slowed the play down, challenged for every loose ball and made their powerful opponents play the game their way.
The terrific showing and gold medal result was just what the team was looking for after a disappointing showing in Morinville the weekend before, according to head coach Mark Francis.
EPCís first challenge was Lloydminster Composite, a 4A school. Knowing they were in for a tough game, the Predators buckled down and forced their opponent to earn every point.
The game was never out of reach in either teamís favor, but it was EPC that took control in the final minutes and earned a 63-58 win.
The team was lifted by the return of injured player Michael Pieroway, who hit the court despite suffering a torn MCL in recent action. His injury limited his minutes and changed his role, but he still contributed 16 points to the victory.
ìIt was just a great victory all around. Our key players needed to be our key players, and they were,î said the coach.
Their reward was a matchup with the home team, Cold Lake, another powerful squad. The game plan for that game was similar.
ìYou donít get into a footrace with a thoroughbred,î said the coach. ìOur game plan was to slow them down, and make them play a half-court game. Thatís what we did.î
The result was another game in which neither team was able to pull away until the end, when EPC notched a 68-55 victory. The Predators got some crucial scoring from the bench in addition to the usual strong efforts from the starters.
In the final they faced Meadow Lake from Saskatchewan, another team that had surprised the favorites in making it to the gold medal game. Another fast, big team that played a running game, Meadow Lake offered a similar type of challenge to the Predators.
ìIt was really the same pre-game speech,î said Francis.
Once again, EPC forced their opponents to work for every inch. The Predators benefitted from a monster game from Neil Topola, who notched a remarkable 26 rebounds and added 12 points. Braden Anderson had another strong game with 26 points as EPC won 67-60.
The Predators won on the strength of their defense, which the coach described as stifling.
ìWe know weíre not going to be playing out in front of these teams, but weíve won most of our big games by keeping it close,î noted the coach. The Predators may not have the guns to score 80 points a game, but they can pot 60 and hold their opponent to 50.
ìTo play that style of game in a zone tournament where all the chips are in one game, I think that bodes well for us.î
The team will now have a couple weeks to prepare for the zone tournament in Westlock March 8-9. Francis knows his team canít run and gun with the hosts or Barrhead, but if they can force them to play a slower game, they wonít have to.
ìWeíll have to play a perfect weekend of basketball, but I donít think thatís beyond us,î
