The rankings of the zone came out last week and placed Barrhead girls fourth and Edson girls fifth. These two teams started off the zone tournament in the opening game at 2:00 p.m. The Barrhead girls started off strong and at one point were ahead 10-0. The Edson girls had a slow start but came alive and we ended the quarter 19-14. The game was a close one throughout with both teams playing hard. The final score was 56-55 for Barrhead, advancing them to the semifinals. Top scorer in this game was Tania Chilito with 19 points and Kalie Breitkreitz with eight points. Top rebounder was Tania Chilito and Sam Dodds. Jory Bielert lead the team in steals.
The semi final game had us against the provincially ranked Morinville Wolves. They were not a tall team but a very fast and aggressive team. At the end of the first quarter the score was 18-10 for the Wolves. The girls played hard and well, but unfortunately were having trouble with their shots – missing too many shots that normally would have gone in. Shot percentages were very low this game except for Tania Chilito who made 75 per cent of her baskets scoring 11 points. Justine Hunter was right behind her with six points with a shot percentage of 47 per cent. Top rebounders were Tania Chilito, Jory Bielert and Justine Hunter. Tania Chilito lead the team in steals. Morinville ended up winning 47-30. This is a game where another 10 minutes sure would have been nice. (Morinville went on to win the zone tournament 37-35 against Athabasca in the finals.)
The Barrhead girls played Whitecourt in the third place game. The Barrhead girls played their most consistent game that they had played all season. They were playing hard and playing together, communicating, taking good shots and running fast on defense. At the half the score was 37-31 for the Barrhead girls. They scored more points in the first half of this game then the whole semi-final game. The girls were taking higher percentage shots and following their shots better. Every girl on the team scored a basket and top scorers were Tania Chilito with 11 points and Jory Bielert with eight points. Tania Chilito, Derian Measures and Feikje Deinum lead the team in rebounds, and Kalie Breitkreitz and Sam Dodds lead the team in steals. The final three minutes of the game were played by the five graduating grade 12 players: Tania Chilito, Derian Measures, Jody Hassett, Justine Hunter and Mara Knapp. They were able to secure the win that the whole team fought hard for all game with a final of 65-62 for the Barrhead girls.
This bronze medal game was a great way to end the season. Everyone played together and playing well. Each player contributed to the win either through passing, shooting, breaking the press, stealing, screening, playing defense and much much more. It was an exciting game to watch and a great team win.
I will miss my grade 12 players, but I am also looking forward to next season to the returning girls: Jory Bielert, Feikje Deinum, Abby Gelderman, Jazmin Chilito, Kalie Breitkrietz, Alanah Whiting and Samm Dodds, they grew so much in the season and learned so much from our veteran players. Watch out North Central zone next year. Barrhead will definitely be a force to deal with.
