Spartans compete at provincials

Tyler Lowey
Times Reporter

 

The Strathmore High School Spartans senior girls basketball team made waves in Medicine Hat during the Alberta Schools Athletic Association 3A provincials over the weekend.
After capturing their second South Central Zone championship, the Spartans headed to provincials ranked 10th in the province and looking to make good after their winless trip back in the 2013-2014 season.
“This was an absolutely positive experience for the girls. It was always a goal of ours to make provincials and do a little bit of damage, and we were able to accomplish that,” said Spartans head coach Dion Galandy.
The Spartans knocked off the seventh-ranked Strathcona Christian Academy Eagles 62-58 March 16, led by Brianna Kennedy’s barrage of threes and trips to the free throw line.
Ffyona Gibson-Smith chipped in 11 points, while Sydney Boyd racked up nine points and Tatum Wathen supplied six points.
Taking on the host and No. 2 ranked Monsignor McCoy High School Colts in their second game, the Spartans fell 64-46 March 17, knocking them out of title contention.
Kaylin Larson led the way with 16 points and Allie Davidson was good for 11 points.
“I finally shot the ball pretty well all weekend compared to our past few games,” said Larson. “It was our goal at the beginning of the year to make it to provincials, so it was cool to see all of our hard work (and) extra shots in the gym pay off in the end.”
The following day, the Spartans ride at provincials came to an end when the No. 6 ranked Beaumont Composite High School Bandits stuffed them 64-49. Kennedy and Larson both poured in tournament highs with 22 and 20 points, respectively.
“The first half in the Beaumont game was the one half in the past two weeks that wasn’t great, we only scored 10 points,” said Galandy.
“Hopefully we bring the experience from this weekend into next season with the returning group of girls and we start the year on another strong high level.”