Vanier Captures Senior Girls Basketball Crown
Vanier Spirits celebrate while hoisting the Moose Jaw city high school senior girls championship trophy - MJ Independent photo
Vanier Spirits celebrate their victory over the Peacock Toilers at the final buzzer - MJ Independent photo
Story and Photos by Robert Thomas
The hottest rivalry in local high school basketball is undoubtedly the one between the Vanier Spirits and their Peacock Toilers senior girl counterparts.
That on court rivalry was once again boiling on the stove on Tuesday evening as both teams met in the Moose Jaw city high school senior girls championship game.
After a battle on the court the Spirits walked away with a 73 - 35 victory over the Toilers to claim the Moose Jaw city high school senior girls championship trophy.
For Vanier Spirits head coach Christa Lapointe she is proud of her team's efforts.
“Tonight is an exciting night. I am proud of the girls. I’m proud of the experience they got to experience. And how thy came together as a team to pull off a strong win,” she said.
About the rivalry which has been neck and neck all season long between the teams Lapointe said it has been a motivator.
“Coming off of those one point games or double overtime it was coming into this night girls you have got to play four quarters. You have to play every minute. We have to take every game and every team seriously.”
She said it was important to always keep digging.
”Even tonight we kept on digging and digging. All of these teams are good and at any moment and any time the game can shift. And so our girls just wanted to commit to all four quarters,” she said, adding “and the did.”
Asked what she thought was the key play or moment in the game the mention was made about how aggressive the Spirits came out.
“The biggest thing we talk about is energy and execution,” Lapointe said.
“And with that the game plan was we needed to do a job on defense. With that being said it’s close out the lanes and control the boards.”
Asked if the play put on by the Toilers was more indicative of a good team that played well but things just bounced the wrong way she agreed.
“Very much. They have great players and we shut down the paint and that kind of forced them to drive and put up different shots than they might have wanted to offensively. Also we are in a new gym so sometimes the shots are in your favour and sometimes they’re not.”
One key to Vanier's game is they challenged Peacock's top scorers and most effective players.
Usual Toilers top double digit scorer Hannah Miller was challenged everywhere with persistent coverage. The strategy paid off as Miller never reached her usual double digits in scoring.
Asked if she felt of the gym benefitted the Spirits more she replied “anywhere you can make outside shots its a good gym.”
Regarding if there had been a turning point for the Spirits this season she said she did not know if one existed.
“I don’t know so much if there was a turning point. From day one all through we were like OK let’s set some goals for ourselves. Let’s work together as a team and play one game at a time.”
For Peacock Toilers head coach Brendan Fedoski it was a visibly tough night.
The Toilers was seemingly one small step ahead of the Spirits a large part of the season and the final score was not indicative of the team's effort and play.
“I have to give Vanier credit. They shot the ball very well, very well it was awesome to see,” Fedoski said when ask about the surprising final score.
Asked if he thought Vanier was going to bust out from the gate with the intensity they did Fedoski said the Toilers had.
“You know what we thought that intensity was going to happen from them. We pre-gamed it and we planned what we wanted to do but it’s a learning moment for us,” he said.
“Even though it was a big spread it was still felt at times, especially the first half, it was going to be a nail biter. They went on a run in the second quarter which was the difference in the game.”
Asked which of the two matchups would have been better to win - the city championship or the dramatic double overtime victory over the Toilers had over the Spirits in January’s Moose Jaw Senior Girls Invitational Fedoski the City crown would have been nice to claim.
“You know what both. I was really hoping we would learn from that game and be able to apply it to this game.”
Fedoski congratulated the Spirits on their efforts in the city final.
“Kudos to Vanier they had many barn burners throughout the season and it showed tonight they were able to pick it out in a close game.”
Asked about the Toilers’ incredible season he said it was one of growth.
“There was lots of growth. Lots of growth from last year. We are going to continue to learn and get better in these moments and we'll keep improving,” Fedoski said.
The majority of this years team will be available next year.
“We have four seniors right now and they set the tone and foundation for next year. I think we have three Grade Elevens coming and a lot of Grade Tens,” he said.
“I’m excited. I’m excited,” he said about the impressive class of Grade Ten players available next season.
Asked what his greatest moment of the season was Fedoski said “you know what it was just the growth. And see it from all of the players. Starting from where we were to where we are now. It’s tremendous growth and we’re going to continue to get better. As I said just learn from this game.”
“Lastly congratulations to Vanier. It’s a well coached team. A lot of good athletes out there. It was a lot of fun,” Fedoski said.
Quarter Scores
The First Quarter saw an aggressive Spirits take an end of quarter lead of 18 - 11.
The Second Quarter saw the Spirits dominate play and the scoreboard as a result.
The score at Half-Time was Vanier 38 and Peacock 19.
The Third Quarter saw the Toilers play more evenly against the Spirits.
The end of quarter score was Vanier 56 and Peacock 31.
The Final Score was the Vanier Spirits 73 and the Peacock Toilers 35.
Top Scorers for Vanier
Waverly Demassi - 19 points
Kate Waldenberger - 14 points
Ava Kindiak - 12 points
Callie Klemenz - 11 points
Top Scorers for Peacock
Mattaya Coupland - 10 points
Hannah Miller - 7 points
