Spirits Elude Lions On Way To Regionals Win - Photo Feature Game
To cheers of “Go Vanier Go” muted out at times by opposition bench cheering “Take that ball away, take that ball away” from the Luther Lions bench the Vanier Spirits senior girls basketball team defeated Regina 65 - 52 claimed a Regionals title and booked their tickets to Hoopla.
The Spirits, who have had some easy victories this season in the Moose Jaw city league, were in tough against the ninth seeded Luther Lions.
The Lions were seemingly much tougher and better than their seeding would indicate.
Trying to ignite the cheering section
Luther’s toughness was not something lost on Vanier Spirits head coach Christa Lapointe.
“It was a hard fought game, Luther has a great group of athletes who go for the ball at all times and never quit,” Lapointe said.
The Spirits were able to execute the defensive portion of their game plan.
“Our girls were able to execute our defensive game plan and work the offense to take different opportunities,” she said.
“I am very happy with how our team has played and improved all season long. It is a true blessing to be able to play in our own gym, in front of home town crowd and win a Regional 4A championship.”
Vanier Spirits Kate Waldenberger drives for the net
Spirits guard and forward Kate Waldenberger said it was a well played game on both sides.
“Today was a great game and not just on our side our opponents as well. Both teams came to play and put on a great show for the crowd,” Waldenberger said.
Key to the Spirits’ victory was scouting the Lions the evening before when they defeated the Melville Cobras.
“We watched them the night before and brewed our game plan that pulled off the win. Our decision to go to a zone defence only gave them the opportunity to shoot. And they excepted the challenge and made some great threes but not enough to get us out of our rhythm,” she said.
“Overall today was a great game and I can only hope that there is an opportunity to play in hoopla this year.”
Vanier Spirits Ireland Guillaume (right) is blocked by Luther Lions Addie Graf
Spirits Ireland Guillaume agreed with Waldenberger’s assessment of the game.
“It was a really good game, Luther is a really good team and made us work for everything. We played hard and were able to win in our home gym which is awesome,” Guillaume said.
Vanier Spirits Callie Klemenz (right) looks back at Luther Lions defender Tami Onasanva
For Spirits grade 12 student Ava Kindiak the team came out and played its best given a loss would be the end of the “dream team’s” season.
“It was a tough but successful game. Luther gave a good fight, but that didn’t stop how we play vanier basketball. We played our hardest never giving up, and yet our best game knowing it could’ve been our last,” Kindiak said.
