Olds Koinonia Christian School's senior boys basketball team finished its season with silver medals after hosting South Central Zone's 1A championship on March 12.
The Royals fell 72-71 to Rosemary School in a final game that came down to the last possession.
"They played every bit of intensity that we needed. Our defence was terrific. Our offence was terrific. They just came with a little bit more," said head coach Ray Kellsey.
"I think we'll be right back here next year … We'll be back in the final game next year. We're going to lose very prominent players but we've got good young guys, they'll mature."
A boisterous crowd packed the school's gym to watch the tournament. There were people sitting on the abutting stage. A long row of chairs bordered the sidelines.
"It's just awesome. I can't believe how many people actually came and it's really nice and close to home in our home gym, with our own rims and everything. It's a real blessing," said senior Royals player Spencer Parrott.
Entering the tournament, the Royals were listed as an Honourable Mention in the ASAA's latest 1A rankings. Their opponent was ranked eighth.
"These were our rivals for sure … in this one, we came out strong, we showed them what we had. We just let it go at the end. I think we got a little fatigued," Parrott said.
Parrott might not have played his final game in Olds yet. He's applied to Briercrest College and with his younger brother Bryce, will attend a Clippers I.D. camp.
If he makes the team, people might see him playing ACAC basketball when Briercrest comes to town.
"The intensity," he said about what he's looking forward to most about the college game. "Just like this game, we had crazy intensity. And to play with the best of the best and do it for God."
"I've had tons of fun," he said about his time at OKCS. "These bunch of guys, definitely the best team I've been with, probably ever. I just love them to death. We struggled a bit in the last couple of years but we still did decent in zones. I love it. I wouldn't do anything else. If I had a choice to go to any other school, I'd deny it."
"We came out strong, we showed them what we had. We just let it go at the end. I think we got a little fatigued."RAY KELLSEY HEAD COACH OLDS KOINONIA SENIOR BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM
