INNISFAIL - The senior boys' and girls' basketball teams at Innisfail High School are ready to start the season.
Both teams have been practising for several weeks, since early November, and will begin league play on Wednesday (Dec. 5).
“We've been going over all the skills that they need to do," said Allen Traxel, head coach of the boys' basketball team. "Today we are working on our team defence and team offence.”
The senior basketball teams consist of players in grades 10, 11 and 12.
The boys' team joins eight others from across Central Alberta as part of the 2A league, from Pigeon Lake to Innisfail, noted Traxel.
He said it’s a younger team this year with 14 players, mostly from Grade 10. Three players are in Grade 11 and three in Grade 12.
"I think we have a good team. Our objective is to make the playoffs and we've done that the last two years," he said, noting a second- and third-place finish the last two seasons.
"Our strengths are our speed and being really aggressive (on the ball)," said Traxel, adding they are working towards another successful season.
"It's not an individual (sport), it's about the team. Whoever's got the best chance of scoring gets the ball," he added. “Play as a team and give it the best you can."
The senior girls' basketball team also begins the season this week and is returning to the court after missing last year.
"There was not enough (player) turnout," said John Harris, head coach. "This is my first year as head coach because we didn't have a team last year.”
They too, have had several weeks of practice.
"They've just been working on individual play, that’s the biggest thing,” he said. “I believe everybody has value, (can) find what that value is, and I've told them all that I'll use that strength of theirs.
"I've asked them all to be unselfish players and offer the team what they have to offer.”
Building that confidence and focusing on their strengths is key for his team this season, noted Harris.
"The girls move the ball a lot; we look for the easiest shot and the smartest shot," he said. "I think our offence is really, really strong. Our defence, we continue to work on."
The girls practise four days a week, said Harris, adding they are excited to have a senior girls' basketball team back in the 2A league.
"We're excited about the first game to see how we hold up,” he said. "I think we have a good team here. They're players who look out for what's best for the team and I think they've all owned that individually," Harris concluded.
