The Innisfail Junior High Cyclone girls are running for the championship.
ìTo dateÖî said coach Derek Baird, ìÖour girls are undefeated in the Central Western Alberta Junior High School Athletic Association (CWAJHAA) with seven wins and no losses.î
The girls competed at the St. Thomas Basketball Tournament in Red Deer on January 10 and 11 and won the gold medal handily 49-40 over the …cole Camille J. Lerouge team.
ìOur gold medal game was the closest we have come to losing this season yet,î said Baird. ìThe girls are all Grade 9 students as the senior high team starts at Grade 10 and they have been dominant in all of their games so far.î
The Innisfail Junior High Cyclones girls team includes four players from Innisfail Middle School and five players with no experience. The team's veterans are mentoring the new players and the team has gelled, noted Baird.
ìMy team is led by a core nucleus of four dedicated players who are coachable and want to succeed,î added Baird. ìMy ëvets' are leaders on the court making plays when they count.î
The girls agreed and added Baird makes them better players.
ìMr. Baird is a good coach,î said Grade 9 student Natasha Lester. ìHe's honest, and lets us know what we are doing wrong. We all work very hard for him.î
The girls added their team has a good mix of basketball skills that include speed, teamwork and shooting accuracy.
ìMy girls are a very defensive minded team,î added Baird. ìThey are strong on court and don't let many opportunities slip past them. In every game they come on like warriors and don't miss many layups or shots.î
A recent 54-8 victory on Jan. 28 against the Koinonia Christian School Storm from Red Deer showcased their abilities.
The team came out of the gate ready to play, quickly running the score to a 26-2 lead after the first quarter and 35-6 after the second. Their speed and defensive toughness were evident as steals and pass interceptions that led to breakaways and layups frustrated the Storm.
Several Cyclones stood out for their play, including Emily McCook who was particularly effective under the net and used her height to the team's advantage. Speedy Brooke Bilton rambled down the court on many breakaways and calmly sunk the ball when required. Brea Bryant was the on-court thief, netting steals and numerous assists for her efforts.
The Innisfail Junior High girls play in the CWAJHAA, which includes teams from Bowden, Spruce View, Red Deer's Koinonia Christian School, Delburne, Destiny, River Glen, St. Marguerite Bourgeoys School, Innisfail Middle School, and Sylvan Lake's Ecole Mother Teresa.
Derek Baird has been coaching basketball since 1980.
ìMy favourite part of coaching is helping kids build confidence in something other than academics,î said Baird. ìMy wife is a teacher and helps with the team, yet as coach, I see these kids differently than a teacher/coach might.
ìThe Junior Cyclones play nine games, and three tournaments in the season,î added Baird. ìIf we continue to play the way we have we should make it all the way to regionals. This is a talented group of kids.î
