The Barrhead Seniors Gryphons have been waiting all year for this opportunity.
They wanted to show the rest of the competition they are best team in Alberta’s North Central Zone.
Westlock would be the setting for this showcase of talent this past weekend. The Gryphons went into the event ranked number one but the hosts, the Thunderbirds, were right on their heels as the second ranked team in the Zone. This year our Gryphons have been in the number one position all year peeling off a 21-4 record, with two of those loses coming way back in November.
While it is great to be number one, it puts a huge target on your back. Everyone wants to be in your position. Our senior boys have shown everyone how to handle success. The boys were quite modest about their play over the year and were constantly looking for ways to improve.
They had their sights set on one goal and on Friday afternoon they opened up the book to the next chapter in search of a Zone Championship.
On Friday afternoon the young men got things started against the senior boys from Onoway. The Gryphons played well but knew they had a lot more to give.
Barrhead never trailed in the game, leading 35-17 at half. Onoway is a young team that has lots of potential moving forward but they were no match for out Gryphons the game ended up 69-35
Saturday morning would bring on the Edson Pacers.
The Pacers are a very quick team and have challenged the Gryphon’s in the past.
The Gryphons have a long memory, the Pacers defeated Barrhead in overtime at last year’s North Central Zone bronze metal match. The Gryphons’ plan was simple, push the pace and play aggressive defense. While the Pacers stayed close in the first quarter the Gryphons would start to pull away in the second taking a 36-22 lead into the half.
The defense took control of the game in the 3rd holding the Pacers to just eight points. 57-30 was the score going into the fourth.
While the Pacers made a little push in the fourth our offence had all the answers, going on to a 78-45 victory Saturday evening which would bring on the championship match. If we had to pick a worthy opponent it would to our neighbours to the east. The Westlock Thunderbirds have challenged us all year. The Thunderbirds gave Barrhead there last loss of the season in front of the Gryphons’ home town fans back on February 16th.
They took our home trophy away from us in a epic battle of talented young men. The Gryphons were expecting another hard fought match and they were prepared.
The stands filled up to the maximum with excited, loud supporters from both towns. Our boys felt the excitement and would not disappoint. The Gryphons asserted themselves in the first quarter and opened up a 21-11 lead after one. From then on it was very close, every time the Thunderbirds got close the Gryphons responded a big defensive stop or a quick run of their own. Barrhead held leads of 39-26 at the half and 54-45 after the third quarter, before going on to a 72-63 championship victory.
Congratulations Gryphons you truly deserve this championship. You played like a team, respected your opponents talent, entertained your supporters and earned the respect of the officials and many other by playing the game the way it was meant to be played … be very proud of yourselves.
While our best players were once again our best, everyone stepped it up. Our bench strength and support is a big part of what separates us from the competition.
This championship was truly a complete team effort. The Gryphons would like to thank everyone who made the short trek over to Westlock to support them. Friends, family, school mates, teachers. It was all very much appreciated.
The Gryphons will next be in action in Spruce Grove when they face other zone winners from across the province.
