In their first tournament of the 2013-2014 basketball season, the Saint Mary boys posted a winning record in three games in Lac La Biche.
Competing at J.A. Williams on Jan. 10-11, the Sharks won two of the three games they played, including overcoming a serious manpower deficit in their first game.
The Sharks opened the tournament with a 63-58 win over a 3A team from Bonnyville. What made the win more impressive was the fact the Sharks played almost the entire fourth quarter shorthanded, said coach Darcy Romanuik.
When the fourth quarter started, the Sharks had a 14-point lead and all five of the players they brought to the tournament on the court. Shortly after the quarter started, one player fouled out, leaving the Sharks with only four players.
Late in the quarter, a second player fouled out, meaning the Sharks had only three players on the court. Despite being shorthanded, the team was able to hold on for what Romanuik called an “incredible” win.
“The work ethic of these kids is just commendable,” he said.
In their second game, the Sharks took on the host JAWS team, which was another 3A squad.
That game didn’t go as well, with JAWS coming away with a 66-51 win, thanks in part to their two big men who were able to reel in rebounds the Sharks could not reach.
Romanuik said his team may have a lot of athleticism, but the JAWS’ players’ height was a bit too much to overcome.
The Sharks’ final game was against Boyle, which ended in a 53-28 win for Saint Mary.
Being the team’s first tournament of the year, Romanuik said there was a lot he liked, including how hard the Sharks play, especially on defence.
“Some teams walk back on defence,” he said. “This team runs faster back on defence. You don’t see a lot of teams doing that.”
The Sharks are a young squad this year, Romanuik added, explaining the five players he brought to Lac La Biche included one Grade 12 and four Grade 10s. That youth brings with it some beneficial qualities.
“This team is a special team being that young,” he said. “You can’t tire them out. They’re like the energizer bunny; they just keep on going.”
Next up for the Sharks is a tournament in Ryley and Tofield on Jan. 31-Feb. 1.
