The SAMS girl’s basketball team has made it to provincials for the first time! The team consists of: Charity Edgar, Mallory Hans, Cela Jones, Lagi Va’a, Trinity Mack, Isabel Leys, Shayleen Mack, Kassidi Tallio, Madison Mack, Maleka Hood, Tamara Robson, and Shanti Tallio-Milton. The Senior ‘A’ Zones tournament was held in Fort St. James in the north of B.C. As this was the only tournament the girls went on this year they only had to fundraise once, thanks to the generosity of our community.
There were 10 teams in the tournament in total and the girls ended up playing 5 games, winning 4. The final game against Northside Christian School from Vanderhoof, resulted in a win for SAMS with a score of 59-58.
“I thought it was going to be my very last basketball game, but then we won by 1 point, and now we’re off to Provincials!” senior player Charity Edgar said. Charity won 1st All Star of the tournament, with grade 11 student Lagi Va’a winning 2nd All Star, and scoring the winning basket in the game against Northside. Coaches returned from the tournament proud and they were showered in compliments by other teams, coaches, and locals for the players’ good behaviour and sportsmanship.
Positive attitudes prevailed: “We made history in our last year of school!” senior student Mallory Hans beamed.
The tournament was not without struggles. The girls’ basketball coach Maria Savard was unfortunately unable to attend the tournament due to a medical emergency, so Sophia Andy took over as head coach and SAMS library assistant Stephanie Knudsen attended as assistant coach. SAMS girls would like to extend their gratitude to Valemont High School for helping transport the girls, as the SAMS bus had to take the boys team to Dawson Creek for their Zones tournament.
The girls said that they will remember this tournament forever, they’re proud of their accomplishments and can’t wait get back on the court. “It’s amazing to be part of an experience like this, to know that everything that you’ve gone through has lead you to this good outcome, it feels amazing,” said junior student Shayleen Mack. “This shows people that it is possible when you work hard.”
Grade 10 student Trinity Mack added: “I got 112 points throughout the tournament, and I got best offensive player! In one game alone I got 30 points, including five, 3-pointers in a row… I did it all for my mama (Maria Savard)”, she said.
When the girls return from provincials they will need to fundraise to make up for the money that the school is lending them in order to attend the tournament. The girls greatly appreciate the community’s continued support in this endeavour.
We wish you luck ladies!