OLDS — The École Olds High School senior boys basketball team is off to a pretty good start this season.
As of Jan. 6 they were 7-4 in tournament play and 2-0 in league play.
They started off the season winning consolation bragging rights in a tournament in Rocky Mountain House.
Then they “lost a nail-biter” to Banff in the bronze medal game during their home tournament, coach Jason Drent says.
Their two league wins came against Crossfield and Hugh Sutherland High School in Carstairs.
On Jan. 25, the team will head to Cardston for south zone tournament, which, Drent says is “always great growth for our players.”
Drent said they start the tournament against Magrath. Depending on whether they win or lose that game, they’ll play LCI out of Lethbridge or McCoy from Medicine Hat.
“Those are really large programs, large schools and so it’s always great for the boys to get more experience in those areas, too,” Drent said during an interview with the Albertan.
Drent said it’s his understanding that Didsbury High School is sending athletes from their junior varsity program to participate in that tournament too.
Drent likes the athleticism of this year’s team.
“They’re a really well-rounded crew,” he said.
“I think the biggest (way) I could describe them is they’re athletes first and foremost, so they can run, so they really love the transition.
“They really love to move the ball quickly on transition from defence to offence.”
Drent said the team isn’t really tall -- although it does have at least a couple of tall guys – hence the emphasis on athleticism.
“We really focus on our athleticism to move the ball around quickly and to attack, whether it be a man-on-man defence or a zone and yeah, so far it’s been fun.”
Drent said the team is now working on creating a good motion offence, “really looking at opportunities for screen and rolls to open up offensive opportunities.”
Defence is another focus.
“We’re working hard on our zone defence, just to ensure that we force the teams to shoot from the outside, to make sure it’s not an easy way to score points on us on the inside,” Drent said.
Drent also says playing basketball – but any sport really – is good for students.
“The boys are learning lots and having fun. I’m a huge advocate of athletics as a key component of their educational experience.
“We know that these boys do better academically when they’re actively involved in extra-curricular activities such as sports.” he said.
“Overall, I have been very happy with what I have seen from the players and (am) looking forward to the second half of the season.”
